The John Lewis Christmas advert has done it again – this time somehow managing to remain relevant despite being an outdated relic of a bygone era. The 2025 version, which landed 10 days earlier than last year's, is no exception.
The ad features a boy buying his dad a vinyl record, which causes the latter to be transported through time, reliving memories of his son at different stages of life. It's a heartwarming moment that captures the essence of father-son bonding, but also poses some interesting questions about why anyone would go to such great lengths to share music.
For those who grew up with linear television and physical records, this advert may evoke feelings of nostalgia and wonder. However, for younger generations who are more accustomed to streaming services and instant gratification, the ad's antiquated approach may come across as quaint or even absurd.
One can't help but compare the John Lewis Christmas advert to its contemporaries, such as Aftersun, which also explores themes of father-daughter relationships. While both ads share some similarities, they cater to different audiences and preferences. The John Lewis ad is a linear television commercial about a department store, whereas Aftersun is a film that transcends the screen.
The key to the advert's appeal lies in its ability to evoke an emotional response from both parents and children. While it may not be the most efficient or practical way of sharing music, the act of buying a physical record and watching the son react with joy serves as a poignant reminder of the power of human connection.
In an era where technology is rapidly evolving and new forms of entertainment are emerging, the John Lewis Christmas advert's refusal to adapt can be seen as a charmingly old-fashioned gesture. By clinging to traditions that may no longer be useful, we're reminded of the importance of nostalgia and the value of tangible experiences.
As a final thought, it's worth noting that the John Lewis Christmas advert is often more than just a commercial – it's an event that brings people together and sparks conversations. Even if some might view it as an outdated relic, its continued relevance serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human desire for connection.
The ad features a boy buying his dad a vinyl record, which causes the latter to be transported through time, reliving memories of his son at different stages of life. It's a heartwarming moment that captures the essence of father-son bonding, but also poses some interesting questions about why anyone would go to such great lengths to share music.
For those who grew up with linear television and physical records, this advert may evoke feelings of nostalgia and wonder. However, for younger generations who are more accustomed to streaming services and instant gratification, the ad's antiquated approach may come across as quaint or even absurd.
One can't help but compare the John Lewis Christmas advert to its contemporaries, such as Aftersun, which also explores themes of father-daughter relationships. While both ads share some similarities, they cater to different audiences and preferences. The John Lewis ad is a linear television commercial about a department store, whereas Aftersun is a film that transcends the screen.
The key to the advert's appeal lies in its ability to evoke an emotional response from both parents and children. While it may not be the most efficient or practical way of sharing music, the act of buying a physical record and watching the son react with joy serves as a poignant reminder of the power of human connection.
In an era where technology is rapidly evolving and new forms of entertainment are emerging, the John Lewis Christmas advert's refusal to adapt can be seen as a charmingly old-fashioned gesture. By clinging to traditions that may no longer be useful, we're reminded of the importance of nostalgia and the value of tangible experiences.
As a final thought, it's worth noting that the John Lewis Christmas advert is often more than just a commercial – it's an event that brings people together and sparks conversations. Even if some might view it as an outdated relic, its continued relevance serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human desire for connection.
I mean, can you believe they're still doing vinyl records? Like, we've got streaming services that can play any song in seconds... but nope, John Lewis is all about the nostalgia vibe 
. And honestly, it works! People love this ad because it's so sentimental and heartwarming. But let's be real, if my dad wanted to relive memories of me as a kid, he could just look at old photos or watch videos on his phone 
. Still, I guess that's the beauty of it – it's not about being efficient or practical, but about feeling something real. And who doesn't love a good story? 
It's like they say: sometimes you gotta cling to the old-school ways to feel truly connected to the people and things that matter 
. I mean, who needs instant streaming when you can have a heartwarming moment that makes you feel all the feels? 
It's like, we're living in an era where everyone's always connected to their screens, but sometimes it's nice to disconnect and just enjoy the simple things. Like buying a record and seeing your dad light up – it's these moments that make life worth sharing on social media 
! And yeah, maybe the ad is old-school, but I think thats what makes it so special. It's like a time capsule of nostalgia, reminding us to appreciate the little things in life 
The thing is, I think what makes the John Lewis Christmas advert so effective is that it's not trying to be something it's not – it's embracing its quirks and flaws, like being a relic of the past. 
It's okay if it's not super efficient or practical; the point is it's evoking an emotional response, you know? And I think that's what makes it so relatable to people across different generations. They can all connect with that sense of nostalgia and human connection. But at the same time, it's also making a statement about how technology isn't everything – sometimes the simple things, like buying someone a physical record or watching them react, are still super powerful. 
It's like, we're living in this era where instant gratification is king, but sometimes I think we forget that there's beauty in slowing down and appreciating the little things. And that's what the John Lewis advert is doing – it's reminding us of the importance of those moments. 
The thing is, the world's just getting more complicated by the day... Like, did you hear about the new IPCC report on climate change? It's super bleak – we're looking at a 2-3°C rise in temps by 2050 if we don't get our act together. 
And on top of that, air quality is still a huge problem, especially in cities... 
I mean, I know the John Lewis ad is all warm and fuzzy, but let's not forget about the bigger picture here 
The ad may be old-fashioned, but it's still got that heartwarming feeling that makes us go "awww". And let's be real, who doesn't love a good nostalgia trip? 
. its like a warm hug on a cold winter's day, even if some younger folks might find it weird 
the vinyl record thing is just weird but also kinda cool? like my dad still listens to old records all the time 
. I get it, nostalgia is nice, but can't we just modernize a bit? A boy buying his dad a vinyl record and then getting transported through time? It sounds like something out of a cheesy sci-fi movie 
. And don't even get me started on how old-school the whole thing feels – linear TV commercial about a department store? Yeah, that's not exactly cutting edge 
It's like they're trying to remind us of the good old days when life was slower and more chill 
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. But seriously, can't we just find a way to balance nostalgia with modernity? It feels like they're stuck in a time warp and refusing to move on 
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. So yeah, John Lewis Christmas advert – it's a thing that exists and some people like it