Viral Hooks
Trending short videosSanta shaves beard, discovers Christmas
M

@marksandspencer

Instagram · Skit

@marksandspencer IT'S HERE 🎅​ The M&S Christmas ad has landed.​ ​ Starring the brilliant James Norton and Lucy Punch as Mr and Mrs Claus, plus an exclusive rendition of Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Katherine Jenkins OBE. ​ Now THAT'S how you kick off Christmas.​ ​​ And because every good Christmas deserves a *very* good soundtrack, you ​​can now stream THE song of Christmas on Spotify now. #TheHomeofChristmas​ Mr Claus: Faux Leather Chore Jacket - T16 5189M Roll Neck - T3013339M Trouser - T708989F Plain Cashmere Scarf - T096400 Dressing Gown - T076530 Leather Lace Up Casual Boots - T035750 Mrs Claus: Cotton Sateen Stripe Revere PJ - T372407J Animal Coat - T599223C Court Shoe - T029094 Draped Animal Dress - T424989W Leather Gloves - T017321G Bag - T015139Z Wool Touch Funnel - T388009 Embellished Lace Midi Skirt - T428542S Katherine Jenkins Outfit: Dress - T427841W Opal Fringed Heel - T027957 Earrings - T669199S School Choir: School uniform trousers – T764762P School Jumpers - T763919 Additional product featured: Kelly Hoppen Christmas Joy Candle - T807045E Autograph Men's Shaving Set - T222704D Pixi Nutrifeye Patches - T238293E Brushed Cotton Checked Reversible Bedding Set - T350452B Felt Hanging Bear and Tree Decoration - T401523S Pure Cotton Christmas Deer Woodland Cushion - T470129X 6 Ft Light Up Green Garland - T401683G Velvet Hanging Bow Decoration - T401684W

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Performance

Views
2.2M
Likes
154.7K
Comments
7.3K
Engagement
7.4%
Outlier
169.2×
Length · 6 Nov 2026
3:00

Video #49811 · Skit

Santa shaves beard, discovers Christmasfrom @marksandspencer

[01]

Overview

The video tells the story of Santa Claus who, at his wife's suggestion, shaves his iconic beard to look younger. Now unrecognizable, he ventures out from the North Pole to experience a real Christmas for the first time, attending parties, enjoying festive food, and connecting with people. His journey of discovery culminates in him finding a Marks & Spencer store, which he sees as the heart of Christmas, before returning home with gifts and a new appreciation for the holiday.

[02]

Simple outline

  1. 1Challenge iconic identity
  2. 2Reveal transformed self
  3. 3Experience world anonymously
  4. 4Return with new perspective

[03]

Related videos

[04]

Classification

Format
Concepts
SkitLifestyle Showcase
Elements
Montage EditingMood MusicColor GradingShallow Depth of FieldB-Roll CutawayText Overlay
Account

[05]

Hook analysis

What stops the scroll in the first 3 seconds

Verbal hook · 95%

I wonder, my love, have you ever thought about losing the beard?

Visual hook · 5%

A close-up silhouette of a reindeer's antler against a magical, snowy North Pole village at night, with the aurora borealis visible in the sky.

[06]

Hook template

Steal this for your own video

I wonder, my love, have you ever thought about [dropping your signature trait or habit]?

  • — I wonder, my love, have you ever thought about retiring the 6 a.m. alarm?
  • — I wonder, my love, have you ever thought about selling the old pickup truck?
  • — I wonder, my love, have you ever thought about letting someone else run the Sunday family dinner?

[07]

Hook and payoff

The promise the opener makes, and how the video pays it back

Hook

A relatable, domestic suggestion is introduced into a fantastical or well-known setting, creating an immediate and humorous conflict with an established identity.

Payoff

The protagonist's transformation is validated and celebrated by their partner, who confirms the change is permanent. This establishes a new, improved status quo, blending the protagonist's original identity with their newfound perspective.

[08]

Narrative framework

The structural pattern this video runs on

Framework

The Icon's Holiday

An established, iconic figure sheds their defining characteristic to anonymously experience the world they represent from a common person's perspective, leading to a renewed appreciation and a permanent personal transformation.

  1. 1

    The Mundane Catalyst

    A partner or close associate suggests a physical change to the protagonist, framing it as a self-improvement that challenges their core identity.

  2. 2

    The Identity Contemplation

    The protagonist initially resists the suggestion but then privately contemplates the change, showing vulnerability and internal conflict.

  3. 3

    The Re-Invention

    The protagonist commits to the change, undergoing a dramatic physical transformation that renders them unrecognizable.

  4. 4

    The Anonymity Gambit

    The protagonist realizes their new appearance grants them anonymity, sparking the idea to embark on a journey to experience their own world from an outsider's point of view.

  5. 5

    The World-Swap

    The protagonist leaves their familiar, isolated environment and enters the bustling 'real world' to begin their quest for authentic experience.

  6. 6

    The Experiential Montage

    A rapid, high-energy sequence shows the protagonist immersing themselves in various cultural activities, social gatherings, and product interactions, conveying a sense of wonder and discovery.

  7. 7

    The Epicenter of Joy

    The protagonist's journey culminates in the discovery of a central location or brand that embodies the spirit of the experience they've been seeking.

  8. 8

    The Hero's Return

    The protagonist returns to their original world, visibly changed and carrying tangible proof (products, gifts) of their transformative journey.

Themes

  • Christmas magic
  • Discovery
  • Transformation
  • Joy of giving
  • Community

Techniques

  • Cinematic storytelling
  • Character transformation
  • Product integration
  • Emotional appeal

Post caption

IT'S HERE 🎅​ The M&S Christmas ad has landed.​ ​ Starring the brilliant James Norton and Lucy Punch as Mr and Mrs Claus, plus an exclusive rendition of Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Katherine Jenkins OBE. ​ Now THAT'S how you kick off Christmas.​ ​​ And because every good Christmas deserves a *very* good soundtrack, you ​​can now stream THE song of Christmas on Spotify now. #TheHomeofChristmas​ Mr Claus: Faux Leather Chore Jacket - T16 5189M Roll Neck - T3013339M Trouser - T708989F Plain Cashmere Scarf - T096400 Dressing Gown - T076530 Leather Lace Up Casual Boots - T035750 Mrs Claus: Cotton Sateen Stripe Revere PJ - T372407J Animal Coat - T599223C Court Shoe - T029094 Draped Animal Dress - T424989W Leather Gloves - T017321G Bag - T015139Z Wool Touch Funnel - T388009 Embellished Lace Midi Skirt - T428542S Katherine Jenkins Outfit: Dress - T427841W Opal Fringed Heel - T027957 Earrings - T669199S School Choir: School uniform trousers – T764762P School Jumpers - T763919 Additional product featured: Kelly Hoppen Christmas Joy Candle - T807045E Autograph Men's Shaving Set - T222704D Pixi Nutrifeye Patches - T238293E Brushed Cotton Checked Reversible Bedding Set - T350452B Felt Hanging Bear and Tree Decoration - T401523S Pure Cotton Christmas Deer Woodland Cushion - T470129X 6 Ft Light Up Green Garland - T401683G Velvet Hanging Bow Decoration - T401684W

Transcript

I wonder, my love, have you ever thought about losing the beard? They say it takes years off. What? Oh, it's my thing. No. Keep it. Definitely. Saint Nicholas. Oh. I realized something. I've never actually experienced Christmas, so I've had an idea. I'd love to see what Christmas is really like out there. What? And now no one's gonna recognize me? Oh, absolutely no one's going to recognize you. Have you ever thought about losing the beard? You are. They have these up north. Pretty sure they good them everywhere. No where I'm from. Yeah. Where's that? The North. Are you lost? I am a bit. We're having the neighbors over. You're welcome to join. I'd love to. You two look incredible, by the way. I love that suit. And those earrings are amazing. Thanks. Oh, what are these again? Oh, smells like Christmas. It's very good looking, isn't it? Oh. What's Wow. What is this place? Who's Rank and who's Spencer? Babe, you won't believe where I've been. Oh, darling. I've been going for years. It's staying off. Absolutely.

Santa shaves beard, discovers Christmas | Viral Hooks