Christmas tearjerkers from British giants

Christmas ads are a separate advertising genre. This once-a-year occasion sees brands decide to create something more than just an ad. They use the magic of Christmas to shine a light on various social issues. Before watching, it's worth having tissues on hand — these short films are real tearjerkers.

We've prepared a list of 5 ads that particularly caught our attention, whether through their story or the emotions they carry.

5. John Lewis Christmas Advert 2015 #ManOnTheMoon

4. M&S 2016 Christmas Ad: Christmas with love from Mrs Claus

3. Sainsburys Christmas Truce Advert

2. Boots Christmas TV Advert 2014 #SpecialBecause

1. Allegro | English for beginners | What are you looking for at Christmas?

Concepts from the article

TV — Television. An audiovisual medium distributing programmes, ads and video content through linear channels, streaming or hybrid TV. TV campaigns require planning reach, frequency, spot format, airing and audience measurement.

Ranking: the best Christmas ads that move you

Christmas ads ranking: the best TV campaigns

Why it matters: Still unrivalled in building mass awareness: no other channel delivers so many contacts with an audiovisual message at once. A TV presence lends credibility to a brand in the eyes of retail too.

When to use it: For mass product launches, brand building and campaigns requiring fast, broad reach.

What you risk by skipping it: Without television, quickly building broad recognition requires stitching together reach from many smaller channels — slower and not always cheaper.