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THE festive season has kicked off with a bang. There are now so many Christmas adverts on TV in early November that you need both hands to count them.

Whether you love them or aren’t a fan, the commercials are the true sign that the big day is not far around the corner.

Here, we review 14 of the new festive mini-blockbuster adverts - such as this one from Morrisons - giving each a rating out of five for entertainment value
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Here, we review 14 of the new festive mini-blockbuster adverts - such as this one from Morrisons - giving each a rating out of five for entertainment valueCredit: Morrisons

John Lewis' Christmas advert has finally arrived, but many other retailers have already aired their seasonal offerings.

Elizabeth Hurley shows us how to have a stress-free Debenhams Christmas, while Dawn French returns for M&S Food.

Here, we review 14 of these festive mini-blockbusters, giving each a rating out of five for entertainment value.

John Lewis - 3/5

EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14, , John Lewis advert
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EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14, , John Lewis advertCredit: John Lewis

THE John Lewis Christmas ad is widely considered the biggest advertising event of the year - and signals that the run-up to the festive season has begun. 

READ MORE ON FESTIVE ADVERTS

This year's ad is about a woman's desperate search to find the perfect gift for her sister. 

The soundtrack is by Veurve frontman Richard Ashcroft - and it’s the first time that John Lewis has featured one of its shops. 

This advert might be a grower for many people because it didn’t grab me after the first viewing.   

But I do love the message it is trying to convey. 

Debenhams - 4/5

With a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Hurley, above, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett, this ad suggests how easy festive online shopping can be
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With a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Hurley, above, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett, this ad suggests how easy festive online shopping can beCredit: Debenhams

THE 2024 “Duh, Debenhams” advert is a playful take on the festive madness we know all too well.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Elizabeth Hurley, Leomie Anderson, Ellie Taylor, and Hannah Cooper-Dommett, this ad suggests how easy festive online shopping can be.

With cheeky nods to the usual Christmas chaos, the celebs hilariously answer the question: “Why does Christmas shopping have to be so hard?” with a sassy, “Duh, Debenhams”.

This ad is sure to bring a smile to your face and remind you that Christmas shopping does not have to be so stressful.

How to save money on Christmas shopping

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.

Limit the amount of presents - buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.

Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you're not having to buy multiple presents.

Plan ahead - if you've got the stamina and budget, it's worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.

Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you're not forking out more than you should though.

Buy in Boxing Day sales - some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.

Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.

Shop via outlet stores - you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.

They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.

Aldi - 3/5

Aldi's offering sees Xmas-favourite Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous ­situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of Christmas
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Aldi's offering sees Xmas-favourite Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous ­situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of ChristmasCredit: Ruckas

KEVIN the Carrot is back for the ninth year running, and this time he is on a mission to save Christmas.

In a new adventure, Kevin and pal Katie navigate perilous ­situations and dodge booby traps to free the Spirit of Christmas and show the humbugs that “Christmas is better when ­goodwill is returned”.

It’s still a fun watch for the kids, but alas I fear Kevin is fast approaching his expiry date.

Freemans – 3/5

Sophie Ellis Bextor comes knocking at your door in joyful Freemans Christmas ad
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Sophie Ellis Bextor comes knocking at your door in joyful Freemans Christmas adCredit: Freemans

THE Freemans Christmas offering features an earworm of a tune - that will have you singing way after the ads have finished..

Sophie Ellis Bextor's catchy song, Freedom Of The Night, is the highlight - with the singer herself making an appearance as part of the Style Squad.

Sophie rocks up on doorsteps delivering Christmas presents for the exclusively online brand.

It's a simple ad which will appeal to grown-ups.

Boots – 2/5

Full of iconic and highly coveted gifts, we see Mrs Claus and her team of beauty elves preparing the hottest beauty gifts
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Full of iconic and highly coveted gifts, we see Mrs Claus and her team of beauty elves preparing the hottest beauty giftsCredit: Boots

THIS festive film features Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh as Mrs. Claus in a Boots Christmas "workshop", preparing beauty gifts for everyone at every price point.

Christmassy? Yes, the setting is.

But the music is far from it.

It's also received very mixed reviews, and it certainly wasn't my favourite.

Morrisons – 2/5

Morrison's oven gloves sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishes
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Morrison's oven gloves sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishesCredit: Morrisons

MORRISONS has brought back its singing oven gloves. Only this time, there’s more of them.

Set to the catchy tune of Bugsy Malone track You Give A Little Love, the music is ­performed by a choir of 26 ­Morrisons staff.

The gloves, now fully animated, sing in support of the nation’s family chefs as they prepare an array of indulgent Christmas dishes.

It’s on the mark, but I worry this jingle will become grating.

Greggs – 5/5

Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella Lawson in her ­festive London townhouse
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Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella Lawson in her ­festive London townhouseCredit: Greggs/Alex Lambert

GREGGS has set the bar high with its first Christmas advert, which features celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.

Set to an instrumental version of Carol Of The Bells, the ad opens with Nigella in her ­festive London townhouse.

She calls Christmas her “favourite time of year” and enjoys a Greggs Festive Bake, describing it as a “rapturous riot of flavour” with a “succulent ­filling”, playfully mimicking her saucy TV style.

Lidl – 3/5

Lidl delivers a touching message of sharing the magic this Christmas
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Lidl delivers a touching message of sharing the magic this ChristmasCredit: Lidl

THE Lidl Christmas advert tells a heartwarming tale of a little girl who, after helping an elderly woman, makes a wish to share her Lidl woolly hat with a boy she noticed earlier, who looked cold.

This touching gesture embodies Lidl’s message of sharing the magic this Christmas.

It also highlights the return of Lidl Toy Banks, with the aim of collecting and distributing more than 100,000 toys donated by customers to needy children.

Tesco - 5/5

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TESCO'S heart-wrenching film features a man called Gary who is trying to navigate Christmas while mourning the loss of his grandmother.

The festive reel brings to life how Christmas can be an emotional time for many people.

It's set to the tune of Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz - and I'd go as far as saying it's my favourite ad this year.

Argos – 3/5

Argos mascot Trevor the dinosaur lives out his rock star ­fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakers
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Argos mascot Trevor the dinosaur lives out his rock star ­fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakersCredit: Supplied

THE Argos Christmas advert ­features brand mascots Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur.

Seen in a dazzling dreamscape, Trevor lives out his rock star ­fantasy, belting out T-Rex’s classic 20th Century Boy atop a mountain of Marshall speakers.

The scene is electric as Trevor headlines for a crowd of adoring fans, all of whom are his best friend Connie.

This whimsical promo will charm audiences of all ages.

Sainsbury’s - 4/5

The BFG asks: 'Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?'
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The BFG asks: 'Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?'Credit: YOUTUBE

THE star here is the Big Friendly Giant from Roald Dahl’s beloved book, voiced by Stephen Fry.

The BFG asks: “Hey Sainsbury’s – how can we make this Christmas a bit more . . . phizz-whizzing?”

Enter Sophie, a Sainsbury’s staffer, who helps him gather food from the supermarket’s trusted suppliers.

The heart-warming promo ends with Fry inviting viewers to, “ask Sainsbury’s” for a truly spectacular festive feast.

M&S Food – 4/5

As the fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn French's home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer
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As the fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn French's home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheerCredit: M&S

AUDIENCES are in for a treat as Dawn French and her fairy alter-ego from past ads share the screen for the first time.

As Fairy sprinkles her magic across Dawn’s home, Christmas comes alive with M&S treats, twinkling lights and Christmas cheer.

Six variations will air, with a special cameo by Katherine Jenkins on December 17.

But a second year without Jennifer Saunders does take away some of the magic.

Asda – 3/5

A team of ceramic gnomes arrive to save the day in Asda's ad
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A team of ceramic gnomes arrive to save the day in Asda's adCredit: Asda

THE ad opens with Asda staff Maggie and Bill gazing out at a massive snowstorm.

Maggie frets: “Every road is closed between here and Sheffield – how are we going to get the store ready for Christmas?”

Enter a team of ceramic gnomes who transform the store into a Christmas wonderland, all set to The A-Team theme tune.

While delightful, it doesn’t top Asda’s previous ads ­featuring Will Ferrell and Michael Buble.

Shelter – 5/5

It's time to get your tissues ready for this gut-wrenching festive ad from Shelter
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It's time to get your tissues ready for this gut-wrenching festive ad from ShelterCredit: Shelter

GET your tissues ready because Shelter has done it again with its heart-wrenching Christmas ad.

The film opens in an imaginary world where little Mia and her dad are walking across an alien landscape.

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They wave to Father Christmas and high-five an alien octopus.

But reality intrudes, revealing their actual life in temporary accommodation and the dad’s efforts to shield Mia from the harsh conditions through make-believe.

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