Has the crop of Christmas ads in 2015 delivered more of the branded values we saw in 2014? Canvas8 spoke to Alex Gordon, CEO of Sign Salad, about why, this year, these ads are split between those who want to keep the magic alive and those offering something more knowing.

No longer filled with an orange and some candy, Christmas stockings have become an appetiser to the main unwrapping event, boasting premium items like designer socks, gift cards and collectibles. With greater importance now placed on these smaller gifts, how can brands maximise their impact?

Adverts are all part of the excitement in the build up to the festive season. While some focus on recapturing the child-like joy of the occasion or the gatherings that define the day, Marks & Spencer's ad – featuring Mrs Claus – is winning over women by highlighting their vital Christmas contributions.

Heathrow is in a lot of Brits' bad books over its proposed expansion. But in the run-up to Christmas, the airport is looking to get back into people’s good graces with a heart-warming ad that taps into growing desires to escape the UK for the first festive season following Brexit.