McDonald’s UK and Ireland released this year’s heart-warming Christmas advert, ‘The List’ which is set to premiere during ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here today (Sunday 13th November).
Created by Tom Hooper, the Oscar winning director of The Kings Speech, the 60 second advert serves as a stark reminder that Christmas isn’t for the big, expensive, or flashy – it’s the little moments of togetherness which really help you to get into the spirit of Christmas.
Set to Becky Hill’s atmospheric rendition of ‘Only You, the magical film follows the story of a young boy and his loving mum, who both get swept up in the anticipation of Christmas in different ways. He’ s busy getting carried away with the innocent excitement of an ever-growing Christmas list, and she’s busy trying to make sure all the preparations are ticked off her mental list.
This all culminates on Christmas Eve, when an unexpected visit to McDonald’s reminds them both that at Christmas - it’s the little things that mean the most. Becky Hill’s stripped back version of the Yazoo classic will be available for streaming and download, with the singer donating 10p from every download to McDonald’s partner charity, Children in Need.
The emotive new advert kickstarts McDonald’s #ReindeerReady campaign, which this year has The Alternative Christmas List at its core. Available through the McDonald’s UK app from 14th November, ‘The Alternative Christmas List’ will provide six unique opportunities to enhance the run-up to Christmas through togetherness with family and friends.
When thinking about a ‘Christmas List’ – just like Alfie in the advert – it usually conjures up reams of ‘stuff’ to open on Christmas Day. The Alternative Christmas List flips this idea on its head and instead encourages families and friends to take a moment to write a list of things they want to do together ahead of the big day.
Whether its family traditions decorating the tree at home dancing to festive classics, or heading out wrapped up to meet Father Christmas himself, McDonald’s understands how important these moments are. This year, many families will struggle to afford every part of Christmas and McDonald’s hopes to help, bringing some merriment and magic through The Alternative Christmas list.
On the Christmas campaign, Michelle Graham-Clare, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer said: “We know this Christmas isn’t going to be a normal one for many families across the UK and Ireland, so it’s more important than ever that we’re there to support our customers in their preparations to get Reindeer Ready.
“We’re proud to launch The Alternative Christmas List, which will provide many families across the UK with free, fun activities in the lead-up to the big day, but to also be supporting our charity partner BBC Children in Need with much-needed funds at a time when they need it most”.
Brit Award winning and chart-topping singer songwriter Becky Hill added: 'I am so pleased to working with McDonald’s once again for this year’s Christmas campaign. This year in particular so many families and young people are struggling with the cost of living & I’m so glad that 10p from every download is donated directly to BBC Children in Need - it’s humbling to see the work that this fantastic charity does and I’m proud to play my part in supporting the young people it helps.”
Each week, customers can log into the McDonald’s App, or head to ReindeerReady.co.uk to see what new experience has been added to ‘The Alternative Christmas List’
WEEK ONE (14th – 20th November) – Cinema Tickets Competition
WEEK TWO (21st – 27th November) – Christmas Card Roadshow
WEEK THREE (28th November – 4th December) – Christmas Merch Competition – Jumpers (28th – 30th Nov) PJs (1st – 4th Dec)
WEEK FOUR (5th – 11th December) – Christmas Carols (5th-7th) + Snapchat filter (8th-11th)
WEEK FIVE (12th – 18th December) – AR lights (available till 26th Dec)
WEEK SIX (19th – 24th December) – RRL (17th-26th) Audiobook (19th-25th)
The Alternative Christmas List launches on the McDonald’s UK app from tomorrow (14 November). Customers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
