Blubbering mess

[squiggleirl]

The John Lewis Christmas ad has destroyed me. The tears were pouring down my face. Oh God. I don't know whether to be embarrassed or watch it again so I can have another cry....

Edit from MNHQ: Sorry for butting in squiggleirl - but we're just going to add a link to to the video here so everyone can sob uncontrollably enjoy it . Apologies for the intrusion!

It's also a clever way to make single parents feel even more shit at Christmas than they already do. Life is incomplete without a partner apparently.

It's not about buying penguins though, surely? It's about noticing what would make your loved one happy, and getting them that, whatever it is.

The mum looks wistful initially because she thought the boy had asked for a new penguin to replace his old grotty one. Then she's happy because she realises he wanted it so his penguin could have sex company.

I'm a single parent and it didn't make me feel in the least bit shit. Neither does Christmas.

Yep, I got teary at the end too. Then had a fleeting yet sobering thought of going to JL online and getting posh PJs and dressing gowns for Xmas for the boys.

Also a single parent not feeling in the least bit shit about it. I've learnt to block out that section of society that thinks love and marriage is the be all and end all. All the love i need at Christmas is that of my DD with her new stuffed penguins

We're assuming Monty acquires a Mabel aren't we? Perhaps Mabel acquires Monty. Or is there a penguin gender identifier I don't of (probably)?

Oh, actually I do know, because the one that gets out of the gift wrapped box looks like the one called Mabel on the website.

Super I think there was a sibling on the sofa.

I don't of .

It's not about the penguins.
It's all about love and not being lonely.

And that's why I cried.

No. I didn't weep.

It's an advert for a shop.

Am I alone in thinking that the reason so many of us parents cry at this is because we don't have perfect children and it makes us a tinsy bit sad that our kids aren't quite as perfect? Just me? (only slightly tongue in cheek on this - my thoughts in full here )

I was very worried about the hooker penguin - even when it turns out she was stuffed.

I don't understand why women (including penguins and soft toys) are expected to fall into the arms (or flippers) of the nearest man (male penguin) just because there's a bit of romantic music in the air and everyone wants a happy ending.

It's all about choice, people (and flightless Antarctic birds).

I could't watch it.
The song, when it started, made me feel ill. I think I'll have to change my name to Hardhearted Hannah!

temporaryusername

"We're assuming Monty acquires a Mabel aren't we? Perhaps Mabel acquires Monty. Or is there a penguin gender identifier I don't of (probably)?"

There is indeed. Mabel has fluttery eyelashes, according to the pictures of the cuddly toy version on the JL website

I never cry at JL ads but I did at this. My ds1 is nearly 5 and it just made me sad how fast the time goes, and reminds me the days of believing your toys are real are already beginning to be numbered for him.

I didn't cry. Not remotely. I did laugh and say 'awww, that is so sweeeet!' a few times.

Now I want a penguin though. A REAL one. Not Monty. Does John Lewis stock imaginary friends?

Oh it's lovely!

Greengardenpixie

I also work with children this kind of age. Lots of them still like cuddly toys and lots of them still like their cuddly toys of have a friend of a similar type. My DD was the same, as were all her friends. And this is boys and girls. Definitely no teasing going on about it either.

tiggytape

Don't worry, IME it is very much the norm for little children to like their cuddlies to have playmates.

Yep, I shed one. FGS! !

I saw this as finding a friend, not necessarily a partner. Did no-one spot the focusing of the two women (perhaps a mother and daughter) chatting on the bench? I think it was about the penguin loving his little 'human' friend but wanting a friend of his own species aswell. I'd be more worried that the little boy might be left out now .

Didn't make me cry either and I'm usually a right softy.

I sobbed unrestrainedly. Heartstrings totally tugged.

Vom

Agree with TrisMas, there were at least two focuses on pairs of friends, not couples. just to avoid the allegations of penguin sex trafficking

Just showed it to DS1, who is a rather young 6.8. He thought it was sweet but sad and now wants a fucking companion for his beloved Teddy.