Is the John Lewis Christmas Ad any good?! A festive tier ranking

[@astra_music]

i'm decidedly not British, but that John Lewis ad hit in a way very similar to a Canadian Tire ad (can you guess where i'm from now?) from a couple of years ago of a dad learning how to play sledge hockey to help teach his kid who recently ended up in a wheelchair. there really is something about that masculine vulnerability and putting yourself out there for your kids and i'm definitely not crying again what are you talking about

[@mynameiszeke]

Daniel, this is exquisite and also agree that any ranking that puts Allison Hammond below S tier is bullshit.

[@XxDeadParrotxX]

Damn it, Dan, I strapped in for a mildly cynical, exceptionally funny ranking of Christmas ads, (which you delivered, by the way) but now I'm crying and you're crying and I appreciate you and hope you take it easy this holiday season ❤️ cheers for all the heartfelt laughs this year ✨

[@dnvrdnvr]

I don't watch The Telly so I've barely seen any of these and now your brief synopses mean I can partake in the idle chit-chat about the ads at work, thank you!

[@baseline_queen]

The John Lewis advert had me in bits this year and I didn't really know why until you said "it's the dad making the effort". I don't have a good relationship with my dad so I think that's why it hit me a little harder this year. Be kind to your loved ones near and far everyone and happy holidays to you all ❤

[@PixelFeatures]

Sat on the floor casually wrapping presents and Dan starts making me cry with the reaction to the John Lewis ad. This week is a lot, for many reasons, for many people. Sending massive virtual hugs to anyone who’s struggling, look after yourselves x

[@lewispowell6015]

THIS IS THE NICHE TYPE OF CONTENT I SIGNED UP, WHERE I AM DIRECTLY IN THE CENTRE OF THE VEN-DIAGRAM OF INTEREST!

[@isaacorwhatever4329]

Putting Alison Hammond is exactly like your avengers-adele-eurovision analogy: absolutely overkill, yet I very much love to see it

[@justyourlocalrat_]

Started this like "mm i'm gonna comment about how much i appreciate the nail polish color and the fact that it matches ur sweater and also it's a cute sweater" and ended it like 😭😭😭 because of that little monologue at the end. I'm always very weary of charities because it puts the power in the hands of the people offering help instead of the people who need it and that can sometimes do more harm than good (cough cough autism speaks) but that bit at the end really got me. Thank you for seeing and sharing the positive in all these imperfect things and I hope this difficult holiday season has some joy in it for everyone who needs it. Thank you for being such a nice little corner of KZbin

[@krose6451]

I found myself singing lemony eggs under my breath while getting the mail so there was no choice but to come watch some Daniel J easy viewing to help unwind. Is it Christmas time? No. Is it even July to excuse it as Christmas in July? No. But todays been long and maybe some holiday feels will do me good.

[@oliviarungay2318]

i know someone who works in JL head offices and she said that the ad this year was a last minute things because the one there were going to do was in honour of the Queens Jubilee, obviously it would’ve been in bad taste so they changed it, but i really think this was so much better and for them to develop and produce that in the space of really 1-2 months is truly impressive

[@llm210]

I work in social services ( admin but still very client facing) and the John Lewis Ad just got me. It’s a bloody hard sector to be in, often times thankless and villianised... but seeing an ad like that made me remember why I stick it out, and I hope it makes people realise that children in care deserve a safe and happy home too ❤️

[@QuarterMoonRachel]

Felt a similar way about the John Lewis advert, really choked me up when the door opened to show their new fosterling. Hit me in the feels, as they say.

[@hannahemiliasings]

God, the John Lewis ad hit me so hard this year because there was no magic, no magical realism even, no fairy tale. It was just people being the best of people, which just as you said we need more and more of everywhere at this time of year, but for the first time in a while, we REALLY need it here too. Plus I'm a teacher so imagining all my kiddos in care this Christmas, maybe having a dad figure to do this for them and finally have a nice Christmas...yeah. It got me. Still does.

[@jayw9888]

a lot of my work involves supporting young people who are in the care system, and this years ad meant a lot to me and so many of them, their carers are our teams supporting them. a very nice one for sure

[@LocehArt]

Really wasn’t expecting to cry while watching this video but thank you Dan for melting a few layers off of my cold, frozen heart for a few minutes this festive season. I knew I liked the John Lewis ad this year but couldn’t quit put it into words why so thanks for putting it into words!

[@erinpennington19]

Yeah being working class in Britain is really weird right now, it definitely feels like a moment in history with all the strikes for fair pay and better working conditions. But yeah you're right, even the smallest act of kindness can help an individual this Christmas, and maybe together we can all lift each other up

[@AfricanPrincess2006]

I loved that the child being fostered in the John Lewis advert was a girl The fact that the husband was so immediately accepting and enthusiastic of her interest in a stereotypically male activity, and even tried to learn how to skateboard despite the struggles it entails was so refreshing 😊

[@Katrina_Helena]

what I was expecting: Dan's ascerbic wit, some classic tier ranking KZbin content what I got: Feelings

[@DanLayton]

My BRAND BAYBYYYYYY

[@JoeBleasdaleReal]

4:14 loved the niche Alan Partridge reference 😂

[@lenajn13]

well i honestly clicked on this because I loved your jumper (which I did a very mediocer drawing of) but that last ad really got to me too. I work in the out of home care system and have been super burnt out but it was a good reality check about how many vaulnberable teenagers and kids can't spend Christmas with thier families and that carers and foster parents putting in that extra bit of effort can litterally change their whole world when their going though aweful times

[@scribblerat9083]

You aren't the only one who teared up at the John Lewis ad this year! It really got me 😭

[@SnapGrapplePop]

I’ve barely watched ‘normal’ TV over the last few years, so my main go to for a memorable ad is when the Red car and the Blue car had a race.

[@Yahoodoraze]

I haven’t even seen the John Lewis one yet and started welling up at “there’s a husband learning to skateboard” how do they have such a hold over me??? Description of why that ad in particular hits home this year was beaut ❤️ merry xmas!!!

[@claremarie2652]

I am American and have never seen any of these ads but still absolutely enjoyed this 🎄

[@missmeakat]

what a lovely video! I'm suddenly doing full time terminal care for my dad and not feeling festive at all, so your chat about 'care' hit hard xx

[@jeanh.353]

I'm so sorry to hear that, sending you all the love and strength

[@donaldfinch1411]

Blessings on your warm gooey marshmallow center. You purport to an icy cold heart...but you can't fool us. 😘

[@a.westleywilson5687]

Any instance that features a parent going out of their way to connect with their kid gets me every time, man. Which I will /not/ be bringing up with my therapist thank you. But honestly, a lovely simple content with a deep emotional connection and it was delightful. Thank you.

[@KajaKurczewska]

Daaaan! *in my best attempt at a passable Hazel Hayes impersonation* Thanks for this vid - it made the Grinch in me grow a heart. It was a little pocket which brought some warmth in. Merry Christmas.

[@dubbie7879]

You graciously gift us a new video right before christmas? thank you

[@okayheykae]

I always need to have a good cry before I go to my parents' house for Christmas because they're Emotionally Unavailable People so this was perfect timing! And I haven't even watched the actual ad yet! Headed off to do that now, happy holidays Dan!

[@nolabean]

Ah the "I like you" with the little smile got me

[@nudgificator]

Me too, all the warm and fuzzies.

[@Emilysarahmerritt]

Watching your old baking videos give me that exact warm cosy feeling you were talking about dude

[@DanLayton]

That's the best thing I could hope for

[@slpp9167]

The way I wanted this to be a 3 hour detailed review and ranking so bad

[@missymarmitey]

This Grumpy Dan is really matching my vibe this year

[@kathrinwolf8514]

Damn, just hearing you talk about the John Lewis ad made me cry!

[@somethinglikethisorthat273]

i wasn't expecting to cry, ouch Dan 😭 merry christmas

[@ljsd1]

I didn't quite get the John Lewis ad this year, and it's only now that I'm realising that the dad learned to skateboard BECAUSE they were taking in the child at the end. I stupidly thought it was a bit of a naff coincidence. Now I see why it's so good.

[@melododie]

You have really made me smile with this one, Dan :')

[@fictionaldarling]

just looked up the john lewis one because of your description & now I’m crying over an ad for a company I don’t even know about so thank you 😭😭 this is a _brilliant_ video idea btw & I hope you have a merry christmas!!

[@ediedoodle]

this video was so nice 🥲 made me giggle and I think you should do more ranking videos ! but also the bit at the end felt like a hug, because , things are a bit shit and it’s nice to hear some realistic positivity from someone who gets it , i hope you can find pockets of warmth and joy as well in this festive season 🥰

[@laurastobbe9331]

When you described the John Lewis ad I literally teared up. And all you did was describe it! lol

[@JayyBabyy89]

You need to see the JB Whiskey commercial. It's beyond beautiful.

[@ricardaseven6083]

aawww dan that made me tear up as well! thank you so much for the positive message, it really does make a difference. i work in retail and tho i love christmas time in general, work is really really tough during this season and loads of people become stressed and mean - but the ones that take a moment to wish us happy holidays or recognise how much more we do during this season for them to have everything they need and especially the ones who even think of us and bring us a little present or card, they really make all the other retail stress go away

[@hannahburden4843]

Oh Dan, you are lovely, you’ve brought some warmth into my day today. Merry Christmas

[@martipujals]

as a non-UK person this was most enlightening

[@jess-uj6rc]

“it’s synergy- that’s lesbians” killed me off

[@FelineFurKin]

The John Lewis we really got me too. I watched it here a few times and it made me well up every time. I barely saw any others, only the ‘lie in’ one and I’d also forgotten it.

[@ionlydressthatway]

the meet cute joke should have stopped being funny by now but i still laugh every time

[@CharlottesInspired]

I like you too Dan! What a lovely message at the end of the video. Gave me the warm fuzzies

[@RamenLlama]

Haven't seen any of these ads. Haven't really watched the telly in over a decade, except the weather lol

[@scribblerat9083]

Rewatching your Christmas videos in early September just because :)

[@abisapte6894]

My best friend was in the Argos as and it was filmed in October!

[@seashore961]

I love that the “mMMmMmMEET CUTE” phrase remains a staple ✊

[@bonzina]

You're a nice thing Dan! Hope your christmas had some brighter moments in the end!

[@TokkiYamaguchi]

I like you too. What a lovely lil ramble near the end. Appreciate u

[@georgefreeman8051]

Coming from someone who works for John Lewis, I thought that they're Christmas ad was actually really good P.s Dan, we have the same Christmas jumper

[@phoebethatcher3990]

Bloody lovely. Thank you for the pockets of warmth

[@jaybehkay2438]

A+ on the tier named Daniel. Love it

[@GreenGiantJG]

Dan that little sign off made my day. Thanks man. Have a great Christmas.

[@livridley3515]

Well this was just lovely. Merry Christmas everyone 🎄

[@moammonster_Jess_]

I'm immediately watching Daniel J and reb day watch the holiday after watching this video. Dan managed an ad within an ad 😂

[@DanLayton]

It's the most wonderful time of the year

[@skydreamerlily]

and I like you too, Merry Christmas Dan!

[@holycrocs3670]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@Silver1226]

This was lovely, thank you

[@ArfyPlus]

I really needed this video and didn't even know It ❤ Merry Christmas guys 💚

[@DamnItsJustSam]

I want to rewatch this video already

[@Carina5707]

Very sweet. I think of all seasonal adverts, my favorite will always be the coca cola ads with the baby polar bears.

[@molly.o23]

DAN DAN DAN that christmas jumper is amazing!!!! where did you get it because I want one

[@sadiedasi3]

everytime i even think about the john lewis advert this year, i well up.

[@nettieb7604]

can concur that it ain’t christmas in my family till we’ve seen the coca cola advert

[@grapemac]

You, are to be protected at all costs! This was a lovely video… Thank you!

[@ItsAce44]

I got one of my first video editing jobs on a Christmas ad for a local shopping centre…so yeah EVERYONE is doing it

[@samsuperslick]

Haven’t seen the video but I work for one of these companies so let’s see Daniel J

[@DanLayton]

WHICH ONE I MUST KNOW

[@samsuperslick]

Oh my god hey I work for ASDA glad you like the advert tho i agree very uncanny valley, also agree with everything you said at the end and I almost cried with you!

[@jonnypayne598]

HOLD ON! chicken big Mac? WHEN!?

[@evnflr187]

DJL in direct competition with Nathan Zed for the instant classic KZbin moniker

[@HelloYesThisIsDog]

I also didn’t understand the use of Teenage Dirtbag for the Sainsbury’s ad 🥴

[@loud_laika6338]

How tf have I not seen the dick joke advert yet!?

[@4dgreentea]

Omg another Dan video? Yes please

[@Cupheadfan2017]

You missed the best one, the M&S food advert with Dawn French

[@DanLayton]

I HAVEN'T SEEN IT!!! It didn't even come up in a search!!!

[@DamnItsJustSam]

Love this video Dan 😍

[@followthathat4766]

I did watch the John Lewis advert and wasn't too emotional about it as I was bit like this is a bit strange are they selling the concept of fostering kids. But I appreciate your interpretation as its made it alot nicer

[@LottieBruce99]

Dan have you seen the Disney xmas ADs from the past 3 years? I wasn’t as keen on this years ad but last years got me (idk why its not exactly a topic anywhere similar to my life but any how), but this year i realised i am categorically stupid because i only just realised that the characters and the story has passed on over the ADs for at least the past 3 years. Plus i think it was last years Barbour AD featuring Paddington was the best for that year by far. Also can we get a tier list of the John Lewis ADs over the years, my friends and I have debated this and I will argue to my dying breath that the best John Lewis AD was the man on the moon (that one breaks me everytime) closely followed by the hibernating bear who is given an alarm clock. That same year my friends and I debated the John Lewis ADs, we ranked the ADs that were coming out for that year also but I think we came to the unanimous conclusion that the all-time greatest Christmas advert ever was the World War I ceasefire game of football in No Mans Land on Christmas Day AD (can’t remember if it was the Sainsbury’s or Tesco ad)

[@LottieBruce99]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2Wll42uqM6ropI This is the Barbour one that won 2021 for me

[@Charlotte-hv6ll]

Leaving a comment for the algorithm

[@SirSatNav]

The Waitrose one really gets on my nerves. A pack of pigs in blankets so small that some people might get one singular pig in its one singular blanket? Sure, why not admit your food won’t feed the whole family in your Christmas ad, nice to see a bit of honesty for once I guess. (Also this video was great thank you)

[@DanLayton]

I mean it is absolutely disgraceful for them to know they're serving a tableful and not have enough pigs in blankets for leftovers. Everyone knows that it is imperative to have leftover pigs in blankets and roast potatoes for gravy dipping over the course of the rest of the evening. This shouldn't need saying, especially not to Waitrose.

[@honorinevelay5834]

I loved this video ! I think you should give a listen to " Santé" by Stromae, it's a song all about people working underappreciated jobs.

[@SmallBlogV8]

"But the rest of the country's not that bitter." That's a bit of a stretch, dude. [edit] Okayyy I started getting a bit emotional by osmosis at the end there. Really lovely sentiments

[@maxcowper-hart1529]

Omg Dan love it :)

[@Hydraas]

John Lewis is just great. EDIT So I just went to watch the ad and I cried at the end of it, even tho Dan explained what happened already

[@kkilinahe]

you should rank super bowl ads in february

[@DanLayton]

EXCELLENT shout.

[@eleanor-read127]

They're not selling the Lidl bear! They've set up a toy bank instead

[@DanLayton]

Okay fine that’s actually quite nice

[@eleanor-read127]

@@DanLayton I agree with every other ranking though 😅

[@majalaanemae3560]

i like you too!

[@mr.random9177]

Anyone else uncontrollably welling up when Dan was?

[@murrayb1969]

mmmmMMMNNGGGGGMMMEEEET CYUUTE

[@colecerys123]

They keep playing the pepsi max ad as a youtube ad too and its so annoying! I liked the asda ad i think its clever

[@endevor_music]

time to cry a lot a lot

[@Alex-vj1tj]

❤❤❤

[@skylarjohnson7779]

I hate the bear ad, they stole that little girl's bear!

[@theallantaylor]

There was a chicken Big Mac??????

[@DanLayton]

There was and it was bizarre but good

[@SnapGrapplePop]

@@DanLaytonthat’s because (and this is a hill I will die on) McD’s chicken is far superior to their beef.

[@jessicawarren6396]

Ngl your Christmas tree is skinny AF