With Christmas just around the corner, here at Represent, we have been getting into the festive spirit by reminiscing about our favourite Christmas campaigns. (Yes, that is considered good chat amongst us marketers!)
From Guinness to Google, our team know a good Christmas campaign when they see one.
Here are just a few of the campaigns that have stuck with us over the years.
Judith – Irn-Bru (2006-now)
“A Scottish fan favourite! “
It has to be Irn-Bru for me. It takes the classic scene from The Snowman, and adds a humorous Scottish twist, with major landmarks including the Forth Bridge and even Edinburgh Castle! Irn-Bru is – reportedly – the most popular drink in Scotland, and this imagery does some serious placemaking!
The ad combines that classic Scottish wit, with excellent branding and lyricism, all the while taking advantage of this memorable cinematic scene
You can’t not love it!
Melissa – Dogs Trust (2019)
“A Dog is for life, not just for Christmas” (2019)
Dogs Trust is one that has always stuck with me because of its impactful message. The sharp contrast between the lively, animated puppy on Christmas Day, with the abandoned dog is incredibly powerful.
It’s a purpose driven campaign, with Dogs Trust reportedly receiving calls every six minutes from owners wanting to give up their pet.
The ad brings to life the brand’s well-known slogan in this moving video, reminding us of the importance of the message. Sam Smith’s vocals also certainly help to boost that feeling of emotion!
Jen – Guinness (2004-now)
“Even at the home of the black stuff, they dream of a white one!”
Ever the cliché of an Irish person, it’s no surprise that a Guinness advert is one of my favourite Christmas campaigns. I’ll admit it never fails to give me goosebumps—and now, living away from home, it pulls at my heartstrings even more.
The brilliance of this ad lies in its simplicity. As a bell tolls, the first snowflake drifts down over Dublin’s Fair City. What follows is a series of beautiful, understated shots of Dublin blanketed in snow. The crisp white against the dark posts and pillars of the city immediately calls to mind one thing: a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff.
Set to the hauntingly beautiful tones of a choir, the ad is sensory time machine, bringing me back to Dublin and the magic it holds at Christmas time. For me, there’s truly no place like home.
Julianne – Sainsburys (2014)
“I am a sucker for a happy ending”
I’ll go for the Sainsbury’s 2016 Christmas ad, which takes us back to the real-life 1914 Christmas truce in WW1 when both sides came together to celebrate Christmas. The iconic Christmas Soundtrack (Silent Night) creates a sense of nostalgia and emotion.
The advert perfectly captures how Christmas can be a time that brings people together and touches on the themes of giving and togetherness. This campaign seriously pulls at the heartstrings, especially when they return to their respective camps, having exchanged heartfelt gifts sent from home. Pass the tissues please!
Francesca – Google (2018)
“Christmassy nostalgia at its finest! “
It had to be Google’s advert for me! I love how they recreated some of the iconic scenes from the cult classic, Home Alone with the original actor, Macaulay Culkin who reprises his role of Kevin McCallister. It’s a fantastic call back and one that encourages us all to consider how technology has advanced, with the use of the Google Home Assistant.
The ad both encourages the viewer to look back on their favourite childhood memories, while also highlighting Google’s consistent evolution.
Interested in learning more about the team that brought you these picks? Meet our Representers here.