This week, we’ve decided to jump on the bandwagon and compare all the most popular Christmas adverts on TV. We’re going to look at how each ad relates to the brand and whether or not they got a little bit carried away. We want to see what is more important for a Christmas advert to be successful, an emotional attachment or a brand attachment? Let us know your thoughts by voting below.

We’ll leave the best to last (in our opinion):

10. ASDA - Snowmen

Well that was a disappointment. ASDA decided to show off that they’re the cheaper supermarket by having the biggest snowman. Christmas isn’t about competition - want to know how to look at Christmas in a negative way…watch the video. ASDA is basing this advert on the hope that their brand will be enough for a successful advert – do you think it worked?

9. Tesco – Forever Young

Watching one family celebrate Christmas over the years is Tesco playing on the emotional attachment to this advert, and it has brought about some good reviews. However, we think it’s awfully similar to Sainsbury’s Christmas advert this year (just not as good). Likewise, it’s very similar to John Lewis’ 2010 advert ‘She’s Always a Woman’ where we watch snippets of a woman’s entire life. So to conclude, Tesco, you weren’t very original this year, but I guess, every little helps.

8. Coca Cola – Santa’s Letter

I for one would be happy if they only used the same ‘Holidays are coming’ advert year after year as that is what I consider to mark the beginning of Christmas (and I am sure I’m not alone in thinking that). However this year they included Santa telling a story whilst drinking Coca-Cola, sticking to their usual brand attachment while trying to incorporate more of a Christmas feel – but did they really need to do that?

7. Debenhams – Wishes Made Fabulous

In this advert, Debenhams show off their different brands with models that turn into sketches, while Christmas festivities take place all around. They’ve gone for a predominantly brand attachment; the storyline is nothing out of the ordinary, but they’re definitely demonstrating their fashion side well.

6. Baileys – The Nutcracker

Baileys recreated part of the Nutcracker as a girl’s night out to remind women to spend more time with friends over Christmas. There is a slight emotional attachment due to the theme and the incredible ballet choreography; however there is a stronger brand attachment, as expected.

5. Aldi – There’s A Lot To Like This Christmas

Various Aldi consumers (and a parrot) tell us what products they prefer. They kept to the Christmas theme with a sense of humour whilst also promoting their products. We think they’ve gone for a bit of brand and emotional attachment but which one do you think comes through the most?

4. Morrisons – Go on … It’s Christmas

So we’ve got Ant & Dec enjoying a Christmas feast hosted by a Morrisons Gingerbread man singing a Disney song. Morrisons went for a heavy emotional attachment with celebrity appearances and a great Disney tune. It might not make the top 3 but it has a sense of humour attached and it makes you smile…that’s what Christmas is all about.

3. M&S – Believe in Magic & Sparkle

Similar to Morrisons, M&S have used celebrities and popular movie themes to gain an emotional attachment with their Christmas advert. Including Alice In Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel And Gretel, Aladdin and The Wizard Of Oz storylines all based around M&S products. By using adults as the characters for children’s movies, they gain a connection from all ages. They definitely get top marks for creativeness!

2. Sainsbury’s – Christmas In A Day

‘Christmas in a Day’ is a very heartfelt Christmas advert, using footage from ordinary people to depict special Christmas moments. This highlights their aim of an emotional attachment, especially as it’s got nothing to do with their products. Make sure you’ve got a box of tissues handy for the final scene!

1. John Lewis – The Bare and The Hare

This wins the prize of the most talked about advert this year. John Lewis is known for their single message, choice of song and tear-jerking ideas, and it definitely lived up to its reputation this year. This definitely has, and always will have, an emotional attachment.