Christmas Campaigns of the Month

Ah, Christmas. The season of twinkling lights, too much food and tear-jerking adverts designed to make us laugh or cry into our mulled wine. Every year, brands line up to remind us of ‘the true meaning of Christmas’, and while we can usually see past their clever façades, the blend of brilliant storytelling and festive spirit gets us every time. So, let’s unwrap five of the best festive treats that hit our screens this year.

Disney delivers another masterpiece with ‘The Boy and the Octopus’, a tale of imagination and friendship. The story follows a boy and his unlikely companion, a somewhat clingy octopus, as they embark on a heartwarming journey. With its stunning animation and poignant themes of love, joy and reflection, Disney captures the true magic of Christmas once again.

Bravo to the Norwegian Postal Service for ‘Reinfall’, a witty and wonderfully original ad. Styled like a mock Netflix documentary, this short film features personified reindeer chronicling their colleague Rudolph’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall. It’s hilariously inventive and a reminder that even icons can stumble.

Waitrose shakes up the classic Christmas dinner trope with ‘A Waitrose Mystery’. Starring Matthew Macfadyen and an ensemble of beloved British actors and comedians, the two-part ad spins a hilarious whodunit as the family hunts for a missing dessert. With its charm and clever storytelling, it’s a festive delight.

KFC once again turns the tables on negative social commentary with its tongue-in-cheek ‘Kentucky Fried Turkey’ campaign. Playfully ignoring customers’ pleas for a turkey burger, the ad showcases the brand’s irreverent humour and knack for keeping their audience entertained.

Apple’s ‘Heartstrings’ is a tender reminder of how technology can foster connection. The ad features a hearing-impaired father moved to tears as his daughter plays her new guitar. When his wife nudges him to adjust the sound settings on his Apple AirPods, he experiences her music like never before. It’s an emotional masterclass that underscores the power of innovation when paired with love.

And there you have it folks. Five festive highlights that lit up our screens this year, pulling at our heartstrings (and wallets) with their marketing magic. As we bid farewell to 2024, we thank you for celebrating all the creative gems we’ve featured throughout the year. From everyone here at Holdens, we want to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! See you in 2025 for more weird and wonderful campaigns of the Month.