Feeling Christmassy, yet? OK, it may feel a little early, but with the John Lewis ad - seen as the unofficial start of the festive period - due to come out soon, it's time to start getting into the Xmas spirit.
Besides, amid a backdrop of the cost of living crisis and political uncertainty, we could all do with a bit of Christmas cheer right now.
And there really is no better way to get ready for Santa's arrival than watching John Lewis ads. The UK department store's festive commercials have become as much a part of the Yuletide celebrations as family squabbles over the Xmas dinner table, It's A Wonderful Life and your nana falling asleep during the Queen's/ King's speech after one too many sherries.
So before this year's addition to the John Lewis festive canon is launched, we thought we would do a quick rundown of our favourite festive ads over the years. Don't agree with our choices? Then let us know.
Hankies at the ready.
5. The Journey
Year: 2012
We hope you have your hiking boots on as John Lewis takes us on a wintery adventure with one of the nation's most infamous snowmen. Travelling far and wide, from climbing the icy cold mountain ranges to dodging flying snowballs in the street, our protagonist is on a mission for the perfect gift for his loved one this Christmas.
What is special about this campaign is its emphasis on the thought behind the gift rather than the gift itself - a message that will surely resonate with many this Christmastime.
4. The Long Wait
Year: 2011
It's the countdown to Christmas, and John Lewis perfectly encapsulated the agonosing lead up to the big day. We join the young boy in a frustrating wait, however, when Christmas does finally arrive, we see him rush past his own presents to go and give his parents the present he has wrapped for them.
This campaign has landed in our top 5 because of its message: for gifts you can't wait to give. When so many of us may focus on what we'd like to see under the Christmas tree, it's endearing to see this turned on its head.
3. Man on the Moon
Year: 2015
In partnership with Age UK, John Lewis shed light on the thousands of elderly people who will be spending Christmas alone. This one definitely tugged at the heartstrings as we watched the determined Lily try desperately to make contact with the old man on the moon. Finally, she's able to send him a gift just in time for Christmas.
After the past couple of years, consumers are all too familiar with this feeling of isolation, especially at a time like Christmas. We'll admit when we rewatched this campaign, it certainly hit harder than ever and drove home the importance of campaigns like this one at spreading awareness about social issues like loneliness in elderly people living alone.
2. Bear and The Hare
Year: 2013
Of all the campaigns we'll be going through, we're not embarrassed to say that this one makes us teary-eyed every time we watch it. Lily Allen's rendition of "Somewhere Only We Know" was immortalised in our minds as it hit number one in the UK Singles Chart and a portion of the proceeds from sales of the single were donated to Save The Children's Philippine Typhoon Appeal campaign.
The story itself was a beautiful tale of friendship as we watch the bear experience his first Christmas thanks to the hare, who refused to let his friend miss out on Christmas. How can anyone not fall in love with this ad?
1. Monty the Penguin
Year: 2014
Go on, who wants one? We know we weren't the only ones to become completely enchanted by Monty the Penguin who is desperate to find a love of his own. It's a penguin falling in love at Christmas time - it's simple, it's sweet and it's became a viral sensation as #MontyThePenguin trended around the world.
Don't be fooled into thinking this was just a marketing ploy to get you to buy the latest cuddly. Well, it was but not just any old cuddly toy. John Lewis partnered with WWF to encourage their customers to adopt a Monty of their own and support the charity's work to protect Aédie penguins.
John Lewis has gained a huge reputation for their Christmas advertising. The brand expertly ties in purpose to the heart of their campaigns in a way that people fall in love with year after year. We can't wait to see what their 2022 campaign has in store!
