Money-hungry grandchildren are making their rich grandmother jump in this year's advertisement for the John Lewis store chain

The John Lewis Christmas advertisement features actress Kristin Scott Thomas as a wealthy grandmother, Gloria, who faces criticism for its portrayal of affluence during a cost-of-living crisis. The ad shows her shopping for gifts with her wooden dog, Pickles, and highlights her grandchildren's disappointment over a lack of cash in Christmas cards. Critics argue it promotes insensitivity and suggests that love can be bought with expensive gifts. The Independent's Katie Rosseinsky notes the ad overlooks the financial struggles many families face this holiday season, while Kantar's Lynne Deason appreciates the ad's humor but feels it lacks the emotional depth of previous campaigns.