‘Tis the season for heartbreaking Christmas ads. An alternative John Lewis-style advert has left the whole world sobbing, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. The advert showcases what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.
The advert was released by Sam Teale Productions, a production company based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire.
They posted the alternative Christmas ad on YouTube with the caption, “We wanted to create something relatable and something that linked with the current cost of living crisis.”
“Santa is poorly this year” − Christmas isn’t all about buying presents
The alternative Christmas ad depicts a young widower and his son at Christmas time. During a trip to the barbers, the boy is asked what he’s getting for Christmas.
The boy replies, “Santa is poorly this year”, which sets the viewers up for a heartbreaking three minutes.
We see the father serving his son dinner while he goes without. After putting the child to bed, he turns down the thermostat before putting on his coat and sobbing in the living room.
Letters to Santa − not all letters ask for material items
In school, the boy’s teacher instructs the class to write letters to Santa Claus. While his classmate asks for a LOL-doll, he writes Santa a “get well soon” card.
The scene cuts to dad visiting his wife’s grave. Here, the harsh reality of this father-son duo starts to sink in.
We see a broken home, a mother taken too early, and a father trying to do all he can to make ends meet for his son’s well-being.
If anybody has a dry eye by the end of this alternative Christmas ad, then we have concerns. Dad sets to work making a go-kart for his son for Christmas day. Despite financial setbacks, we see him pulling out all the stops to ensure the big day is as memorable as possible.
The magic of Christmas is made − Christmas is about the memories, not the purchases
The advert ends with the father pulling his son up to the grave on his new go-kart to wish his mother a Merry Christmas. The cherry on top of the overly-emotional pie is the closing caption, “The magic of Christmas is made, not bought”, which appears on the screen.
This alternative Christmas ad highlights that Christmas isn’t really about buying gifts. It can be easy for us all to get wrapped up in the retail madness of Christmas shopping. However, celebrating with our loved ones is the most important thing.
As the widower in this ad shows, we don’t know when we may have to say goodbye to those closest to us. Hold on to those you care about and celebrate them this Christmas.
Let’s all be grateful for what we have and worry less about the items we want to gain over this festive period.