Budget Christmas advert 'better than John Lewis' leaves people in tears

A budget Christmas advert has been leaving viewers in tears, with people hailing it as better than John Lewis' offering.

The film, from Yorkshire-based Sam Teale Productions, proclaims that 'Christmas is made, not bought' - as evidenced by the fact the advert can stand shoulder to shoulder with those made on much bigger budgets.

Prepare to say you've just got 'something in your eye' and watch the heartbreaking ad below:

Every year, huge companies spend big budgets on Christmas ad campaigns, though this year is comparatively low-key given the cost-of-living crisis.

However, Christmas isn't about splashing the cash anyway, as this moving advert has proven.

It follows a father and son's Christmas, which seems to be far less magical than you'd hope.

The dad is clearly struggling and has told his son Santa is poorly this year, swapping out the Christmas dinner for turkey dinosaurs, with the dad going hungry so his son can eat.

Sam Teale Productions

It transpires that he is bereaved, and evidently finding it difficult without his partner by his side.

Fortunately though, Santa recovers from his illness, and the son has a homemade go-kart to unwrap.

The dad then tows him in the kart to his mum's grave, so he can wish her a merry Christmas.

The production company shared the video on social media yesterday (Thursday 1 December), and it left a lot of viewers in bits.

Sam Teale Productions

One person wrote: "Forget John Lewis, Tesco, whoever. This is the Christmas advert of the year this year.

"Absolutely beautiful, I'm sobbing. Well done to everyone involved."

Another said: "The best and most true Christmas advert I've seen so far.

"In these hard times we’re all going through, we maybe all struggle at some point..nothing to be ashamed of.

"Nobody should ever feel alone."

And a third wrote: "Wow! Such a powerful message. I'm sat here crying my eyes out. The true meaning of Christmas."

While another added: "One of the most moving Xmas adverts I've ever seen.

"The message is heartwarming and so sad and will be relevant to many people at Xmas who have lost a loved one, or who are struggling in this climate with money and bills.

"Thank you so much for telling us the story, even though you made me cry. Well done fantastic."

Topics: News, Christmas

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey