04/11/2025
An ode to a certain big chain's Christmas ad:
’Twas the weeks before Christmas, and all through the land,
The adverts were shouting, “Spend less if you can!”
The jingles were jolly, the lights shining bright,
And a certain big supermarket claimed they'd done Christmas right.
“Forget local makers,” the message implied,
“They are far too expensive, buy cheap, and take pride!”
But I sat with my cuppa, and thought, what a shame,
That the magic of Christmas got lost in the game.
See, behind every bauble hand painted with care,
There is someone whose kitchen smells faintly of flair.
Behind every candle or knitted red hat,
There is someone up late. Could you picture that?
No marketing team, no multi store deal,
Just passion and purpose, and something that's real.
But the ads tell us cheaper is better, of course!
As if joy is measured by price, of course.
So this year, I am skipping the trolleys and queues,
I will buy from the dreamers, their gifts I will choose.
My pounds will buy time, not yachts in the sea,
They will keep local doors open, that matters to me.
And when Christmas Day comes, and the gifts are all small,
I will smile, knowing handmade is the best of them all.
So thank you, big supermarket, your ad made it clear:
You can not mass produce meaning, not even this year.
For while bargains may sparkle, and adverts may sell,
The true heart of Christmas lives local and well.
