Why Christmas Ads Make Perfect ESL Lesson Plans

Every November, the UK buzzes with a question that has nothing to do with presents or mince pies: “Have you seen this year’s John Lewis ad yet?” Christmas adverts in Britain are more than just commercials—they’re cultural events. Brands like Tesco, John Lewis, and Coca-Cola spend millions creating heartwarming, tear-jerking, or laugh-out-loud campaigns that bring the nation together.

For many, these ads are the unofficial start of the festive season. But for us as ESL teachers, they’re something even more: a goldmine of language and culture, perfect for the classroom.

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4 reasons:

1. They’re Short: With most Christmas adverts running between 1-3 minutes, they won’t eat into your lesson time. You can easily show the video twice—once for general comprehension and once for detailed tasks—and still have plenty of time for follow-up activities.
2. They’re Authentic: These adverts use real-life language, expressions, and cultural references, making them ideal for exposing students to English as it’s spoken in the UK.
3. They’re Culturally Rich: Christmas adverts are a snapshot of British traditions and values, from family gatherings to the joy of gift-giving. They give your students a window into British culture while encouraging them to compare and share their own traditions.
4. They’re Universally Relatable: Whether the advert focuses on nostalgia, generosity, or festive fun, the themes resonate with everyone, making discussions more engaging and inclusive.

How to Use Christmas Adverts in Class

Here’s how you can make Christmas adverts a staple of your holiday lessons:

• Pre-Watching Vocabulary: Teach key terms and phrases from the advert to prepare students for what they’ll hear.
• While-Watching Tasks: Use activities like spotting key details, matching quotes to scenes, or creating a “scavenger hunt” to keep students focused.
• Post-Watching Discussions: Encourage students to talk about the advert’s themes, compare traditions, or even brainstorm their own Christmas advert ideas.
• Creative Extensions: Have students write a continuation of the story, design their own advert storyboard, or reflect on similar moments in their lives.

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Ready-to-Use Resources to Save You Time

I know how busy this time of year can be, so my sister and I have created some ready-made resources to make your holiday lesson planning a breeze. These resources are inspired by some of the UK’s most iconic Christmas adverts, combining festive fun with meaningful learning.

1. John Lewis’s The Gifting Hour

This lesson plan focuses on nostalgia, family bonds, and storytelling, all inspired by John Lewis’s beautifully crafted 2024 advert.

• What’s Included: Pre-watching vocabulary tasks, a scavenger hunt, comprehension questions, and creative activities like designing a memory lane.
• Why It Works: Students connect with the universal themes of family and tradition while practising English in a meaningful way.

2. Tesco’s Helping Feed Your Christmas Spirit

Tesco’s advert brings family traditions and festive cheer to the forefront. This resource taps into those ideas with fun, hands-on activities.

• What’s Included: Vocabulary matching, a gingerbread recipe sequencing task, and group discussions about holiday traditions.
• Why It Works: It’s practical, interactive, and relatable, making it ideal for teenagers and adults alike.

3. Coca-Cola: 2020 vs. 2024

Dive into how Coca-Cola’s Christmas adverts have evolved over time in this unique comparison resource.

• What’s Included: Activities that analyse how branding, storytelling, and cultural messages have changed across years.
• Why It Works: It’s a fun way to discuss marketing and cultural shifts while practising language skills.

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Why You’ll Love It

Christmas adverts aren’t just fun—they’re an easy, effective way to bring authentic language and culture into your classroom. They spark discussions, encourage creativity, and teach language skills in a way that feels festive and fresh. And because they’re so short, you can fit them into almost any lesson plan.

So this Christmas, let the adverts do the heavy lifting. Whether it’s John Lewis, Tesco, or Coca-Cola, you’ll find that a little bit of festive magic goes a long way in engaging your students.

Happy teaching, and merry Christmas!