For many of us, the release of the John Lewis ad marks the true beginning of the Christmas season - and so we can declare that Christmas 2020 is officially underway!
But this year, as our festive plans with loved ones hang in the balance, the advert has even more significance, and viewers across the country have been eagerly waiting to see what the iconic advert has in store.
Well, in keeping with the rest of 2020, this year’s John Lewis campaign, entitled Give a little love, looks a little different.
For the first time ever, the advert has been made in partnership with Waitrose, and together, the companies aim to raise £4m for both FareShare and Home-Start, two charities that tackle food poverty and hunger. The advert also has an accompanying range of Christmas gifts, all proceeds of which go to charity.
What is the 2020 John Lewis Christmas ad?
In keeping with the advert's philanthropic motivations, this year’s advert is all about random acts of kindness, inspired by the public’s reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.
It begins by showing a young girl helping a boy whose football has become stuck in a tall tree, and goes on to show how one random act of kindness can have a knock on effect, with charity circling the whole community.
Who is singing on the John Lewis advert 2020?
The John Lewis Christmas advert is famous for its soulful acoustic covers of classic songs, in the past including tracks such as Can't Fight this Feeling and Somewhere Only We Know.
This year, however, the advert features an original song by Brit-award singer Celeste, who wrote the track in the true spirit of 2020 – over Zoom. This marks the first time John Lewis has commissioned an original song for its Christmas ad.
If you're loving the track, you'll be pleased to know that Give A Little Love will be released as a single in the hope that it’ll take the top spot on the charts.
Time to start Christmas shopping!
If this year’s advert has you dreaming of putting up the tree, digging out the decorations and starting your Christmas shopping, we’ve got you covered! Check out our gift guides below:
Christmas gifts for interior enthusiasts
Kate Brigden 'Friendship' Mug, £26, Not on the Highstreet
There’s something so comforting about making yourself a brew in your favourite mug, but it’s even more special when that mug was a thoughtful gift from a loved one. This hand thrown ‘Friendship’ mug from independent maker, Kate Brigden, is perfect for the job - not only does it feature on-trend line art, but it forms a beautiful scene when you join two together as a pair.
Sol Alphabet Initial Beaded Coaster, £6.50, Oliver Bonas
It’s the little things that really make a house home, and a few personal touches can go a long way. These beautiful beaded initial coasters are embroidered by hand with metallic gold beading, so they’ll add a touch of luxe to a coffee table while giving it that all important personalised feel. What a perfect stocking filler!
Zoella x Etsy Painted Typographic Art Print, De Par Le Monde, £24.00, Etsy
Check out our full guide of homeware gifts here!
Unusual Christmas present ideas for men 2020
Solid oak watch stand, £44, Etsy
The perfect gift for anyone who treasures their timepieces, this wooden watch stand offers easy access to watches when co-ordinating an outfit - plus, it makes a handsome display piece to show off a collection!
Tabblue Table Speaker, £175, Not on the High Street
On the surface, it looks like nothing more than a stylish side table, but the Tabblue Table Speaker by Steepletone is so much more! Below the table surface you'll find a 360-degree Bluetooth speaker with up to six hours of wireless play time. You can also take hands-free calls on the speaker, thanks to its in-built microphone - plus, this latest model lets you connect two table speakers together for the ultimate stereo sound - ideal for movie nights, or a house party.
Check out our full men's gift guide here!
And when you're done, don't forget to check out our other gift guides! We've got ideas for homeware gifts, presents for cocktail-lovers and even gifts that help support refugees.
