John Lewis Unveils 2023 Christmas Ad Focused on Growing Tradition, Features Venus Flytrap as Star

John Lewis branches out with unusual festive mascot Snapper, the Venus flytrap, while shifting focus towards evolving traditions and invoking optimism for a new era, amidst a tumultuous global backdrop and a competitive ad scene filled with celebrities.

• John Lewis has released its 2023 Christmas ad, essentially moving away from celebrity-centric ads, to narrate a heartwarming tale of a young boy, Alfie, who unexpectedly grows a Venus flytrap, named Snapper, instead of the anticipated Christmas tree.
• The commercial aims to depict, in an upbeat manner, the evolving nature of family traditions, showcasing how Alfie's family eventually appreciates the unique plant, Snapper, and incorporates it into their Christmas celebrations as an 'expert present unwrapper'.
• Set to an original song 'Festa', sung by opera legend Andrea Bocelli, the ad encourages embracing new and evolving ways to celebrate Christmas, as seen with the alternative Christmas 'tree' and the family shifting their festivities outdoors.
• This new approach is part of John Lewis's strategy to differentiate itself amidst numerous glamorous, celebrity-filled Christmas ads by other retailers, and in response to a challenging socio-economic backdrop, hoping the focus on family and unique traditions would resonate with viewers.
• While the reaction to the advert has been mixed, with some arguing a Venus flytrap is not very 'Christmassy', others appreciate the uplifting message, considering the tough global environment. The ad's ultimate aim is to convey 'finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions.'

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