The John Lewis advert, which has the strapline “Let Your Traditions Grow”, follows a young boy who nurtures a Venus flytrap and wannabe Christmas tree named Snapper from a seed in the belief he is “cultivating a perfect Christmas tree”.

The plant wants to join in with the family on its Christmas celebrations but grows too big for the living room and is sent out to the garden.

The family then welcomes Snapper back and gathers around their “unconventional Christmas tree”, demonstrating a “perfect” Christmas is about finding joy regardless of traditions.

John Lewis customer director Charlotte Lock said: “We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas, from classic traditions like pantos and putting up the tree to evolving new ones like crafting our own presents and Zoom get-togethers.

“Many of us have our own unique festive traditions and that makes them even more special.”

She said: “The film celebrates themes of family and evolving traditions and shows that a ‘perfect’ Christmas is finding joy together with loved ones, whatever your traditions.”

The advert, which was created by advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, is part of the department store’s larger campaign which is its “most interactive and shoppable ever.”

The adventures of Snapper will also be continued in a series of short films in collaboration with brands stocked on John Lewis, including Nespresso, Jo Malone and Dyson, to showcase some of the “must-have gifts” of the season.

The soundtrack voiced by Andrea Bocelli will also be released as a charity single with the proceeds being donated to the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures charities.

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