The Mail on Sunday

Amazon advert that will make Santa see red

- By Ned Donovan

CHRISTMAS TV ads traditiona­lly celebrate the spirit of the season.

But one of web giant Amazon’s new offerings has fallen foul of parents who say they are facing awkward questions from their children about Santa thanks to the advert.

Last week, the online retailer unveiled its festive campaign with a series of prime-time TV ads. One showed a father bringing home Amazon-branded parcels and having to avoid his children in an attempt to hide the family’s presents – but there was no sign of Santa.

One mother who watched the 30-second advert with her child complained on social media: ‘Thanks Amazon. My three-year-old is asking why the man is hiding presents, asking if he’s Santa. Confusing.’ And a father raged on Twitter: ‘So it’s Amazon that delivers Christmas is it? Disgusting that kids who believe in Santa are shown their dad running about with Amazon presents. This kills Christmas.’

Last year, Amazon attracted altogether more positive attention with a Christmas advert featuring a Christian priest and a Muslim imam swapping presents which had been ordered from the company. Amazon said the company realised Christmas was a ‘sensitive subject to some people’ and wanted to be ‘respectful’ to all religious communitie­s in Britain.

A spokesman for Amazon said last night: ‘Father Christmas and his elves are no doubt working around the clock to get presents to girls and boys around the world.

‘These are just a few extra to give a little love from parents.’

 ??  ?? ‘KILLS CHRISTMAS’: A scene from the advert
‘KILLS CHRISTMAS’: A scene from the advert

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