John Lewis Christmas advert reaction: Viewers praise ‘heartwarming’ family representation in 2023 feature

Virgin Radio

9 Nov 2023, 12:58

The 2023 John Lewis Christmas advert has received lots of love from viewers who were delighted to see a relatable family scenario on screen. 

In this year’s festive offering, a young boy lands upon a  ‘grow your own perfect Christmas tree’ box, which he pleads with his gran to buy him. 

Months roll on, and the youngster is besotted with his plant, watching it grow daily from a tiny one-headed flytrap to a staggeringly tall, multi-headed behemoth - much to the dismay of his family.

While the action ensues, Bocelli is belting out a Italian rock opera-style track Festa, which captures the chaos of the anthropomorphic plant, lovingly dubbed ‘Snapper’.

While Snapper is briefly turfed out for his wild antics in the house, the John Lewis ad ends happily for all involved, with the plant eventually being a big part of the young boy’s Christmas day. 

The John Lewis advert, which has essentially ushered in the festive season every year for the last decade, is often a hot topic for debate, with many deciding if the offering is better or worse than their favourite, but it’s the family involved in the ad this year that has received a lot of love. 

Eagle-eyed fans spotted that the family of the young boy is a mum, grandma and sibling, and for others in one-parent households, it was a welcome surprise to see a relatable scenario as part of the highly-anticipated release. 

Taking to Twitter/X to respond to the ad’s launch, one fan commented: “First Christmas for me & kids since their dad died, so this family and their snapper made me smile (with some relief).”

Another one wrote: “As a family where Christmas has always been just me, my mum, and my child, thanks for representing our family unit in this year’s ad  (but we always fail houseplants so poor Snapper wouldn’t had stood a chance with us).”

“Absolutely perfect. What a gorgeous fun ad. Totally heartwarming. I like this a lot, reminds me of Christmases growing up just me, mum and nan (no sentient, giant Venus Fly Trap, alas),” responded a third. 

Another replied: “Some people just need to appreciate every family is different and have different traditions. This year will just be mum granny and I, cherishing the time we have left together and making memories. the perfect Christmas is whatever you want it to be.”

Want more 2023 Christmas ads? Check out virginradio.co.uk’s list of unmissable 2023 festive adverts!