Hails & Fails – November 7th 2025
Christmas ad season has arrived, and the battle for festive hearts (and wallets) is in full swing. From tear-jerking tales and nostalgic anthems to misjudged tech experiments, this year’s crop shows that while some brands still know how to bottle Christmas magic, others are getting lost in the algorithm. John Lewis, Shelter and Amazon successfully tapped into nostalgia to tug on heartstrings, while Coca-Cola left audiences feeling anything but festive.
HAILS
John Lewis does it again
John Lewis is back doing what it does best – making the nation cry at Christmas. This year’s festive ad captures the bond between a father and son through a shared love of a 90s club anthem. Beautifully shot and emotionally charged, it’s a touching reminder that connection, not consumerism, is what makes the season special.
Shelter turns an 80s hit into a wake-up call
Shelter has reimagined 80s classic Total Eclipse of the Heart as a haunting reflection on the housing crisis. The charity’s powerful, emotionally raw film cuts through the festive gloss to highlight the reality facing millions this winter. It’s meaningful, memorable, and a reminder that Christmas isn’t merry for everyone.
Amazon brings back ‘Joy Ride’
Proving that not all Christmas magic needs reinventing, Amazon has revived its much-loved 2023 ad Joy Ride. The film follows three older women rediscovering their youth with a sledging adventure made possible by a few clever cushion purchases. It’s witty, warm, and timeless – the kind of feel-good storytelling that still shines brightest at Christmas.
FAIL
Coca-Cola’s AI Christmas misfire (again)
After last year’s festive flop, Coca-Cola has doubled down on AI for its 2025 Christmas ad. And once again, it’s left audiences feeling cold. The animated film, featuring a reworked Holidays Are Coming soundtrack, has been slammed for feeling soulless and over-engineered. For a brand built on warmth and nostalgia, it’s proof that even the biggest names can lose the human touch when they hand the reins over to machines.
