SOME viewers have been left “disappointed” with this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert – and reckon McDonald’s did a better job.
The department store’s highly-anticipated festive trailer is inspired by random acts of kindness during the coronavirus lockdown in March.
⚠️Read our John Lewis Christmas advert live blog for the latest updates
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While The Give A Little Love ad had some viewers in tears, others found it “boring” and were “disappointed” with this year’s effort.
Not even an original song – a first for the retailers – by British soul singer Celeste could convince them.
Many felt McDonald’s did a better job at pulling at viewers’ heart-strings with its Are You ReindeerReady? animation.
The ad follows a mother and son who are struggling to reconnect over Christmas.
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The heart-wrenching animation is accompanied by a spine-tingling cover of Alphaville’s Forever Young by popstar Becky Hill.
One twitter user wrote: “Kinda disappointed with the John Lewis Christmas advert. I think the McDonald’s one is my favourite this year.”
Another said: “Just watched both for the first time, even though it feels bad saying it, McDonald’s has won!
“Even though John Lewis does get a good point across especially this year and at this time of year!”
Kirsty said: “Anyone else slightly disappointed with the John Lewis advert? I think Disney/McDonald’s beats it this year.”
Lis wrote: “The John Lewis ad isn’t my fave of this year so far. I like the Coca Cola and McDonald’s ones more.”
Another twitter user said: “The best Christmas advert at the moment is the McDonald’s one! John Lewis didn’t bring a tear to my eye either this time.”
“McDonald’s have definitely outdone John Lewis on the Christmas ad contest this year,” said Emily.
McDonald’s Christmas advert 2020 featuring track by Becky Hill
How to donate to the John Lewis charity appeal
There are several ways you can help support both FareShare and Home-Start through John Lewis.
The retailer says donations worth £3 would give a gift to a child and £10 would help pay for a permanent carer for a set amount of time.
- Make a charity donation which will be matched by the retailer to the value of £2million. Donations can be made by text or online through the John Lewis and Waitrose websites. Text “LOVE” to 70630 to donate £3, text “FAMILY” to donate £5, text “MEALS” to donate £10, or text “VISIT” to donate £20.
- Buy one of a variety of exclusive and limited edition campaign products – see the full merchandise range here. John Lewis and Waitrose will give 100% of the profits to the charities.
- Shopping in one of the two retailers’ shops and using your My John Lewis and My Waitrose loyalty card which will trigger a 1p per transaction donation.
If you can’t afford to donate, John Lewis is also encouraging people to show kindness to someone who needs it.
In addition, you can see if anyone in your local community needs support
For many people, the John Lewis advert marks the start of the festive season – but the retailer even questioned nearly cancelled the ad altogether because of the pandemic.
But it decided to go ahead to help raise awareness and £4million for its charity partners, FareShare and Home-Start.
For every download of the single, 10p will be donated to the charities.
The McDonald’s festive ad is part of its Reindeer Ready charitable campaign, also in aid of FareShare.
The fast-food giant is committed to funding 5million meals for chairty FareShare by 2021.
And 10p from each download of Becky Hill’s Forever Young cover will also be donated to the charity.
They’re not the only Christmas adverts to have viewers in tears – yesterday many watchers ended up crying after watching Coca-Cola’s trailer.
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The ad follows a dad, who works on an oil rig, doing everything he can to deliver his daughter’s letter to Santa.
Telly watchers have been left blubbing by Irish supermarket SuperValu’s festive trailer too.
Aldi, Amazon and Disney have also already launched their Christmas adverts this year. You can watch them all in our roundup.
John Lewis can been contacted for comment.
