2017 John Lewis Christmas Commercial

Always highly anticipated, this year's holiday commercial for UK department store John Lewis has landed.

And like past years, there are some fans who love it, some not so much. I have to admit, the spot could be more "Christmassy" for me.

The ad features a little boy who spends his nights playing with a giant snoring monster named "Moz."

I've added my favorite John Lewis spot as well :)

Watch below. Thoughts?

News Round-Up: January 16, 2017

Kadu Giacobini via Instagram

Some news items you may have missed:

• Ok, I may have a new Instahunk crush - Brazilian dentist-turned-model, Kadu Giacomini

• President-elect Donald Trump accuses CIA chief of leaking 35 page Russian dossier.

• Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces transgender inmates will be housed according to gender identity.

• Donald Trump cabinet pick bought stock in company days before introducing a bill to help it.

• Rob Schneider, that guy from “The Waterboy,” decided he needed to explain Martin Luther King Jr. - on Martin Luther King Jr. Day - to Rep. John Lewis, who was standing next to Martin Luther King Jr. on the day of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

• And the next time you think you've had a bad day just remember: this young lady is aware that "the internet is forever."

Donald Trump Says Civil Rights Icon John Lewis "All Talk - No Action" On MLK Weekend

Civil rights lion Rep. John Lewis, who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma while Donald Trump was seeking deferments from Vietnam, told NBC News he will not be attending the inauguration of Donald Trump:

I don't see this president-elect as a legitimate president... I think the Russians participated in helping this man get elected. And they helped destroy the candidacy of Hillary Clinton. I don't plan to attend the inauguration. It will be the first one I've missed since I've been in Congress. You cannot be at home with something that you feel is wrong, is not right.

Of course, Donald Trump took to Twitter to slap back at the civil rights icon, saying Lewis "all talk - no action."

"Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!" Trump wrote.

More from Politico:

Trump’s attack follows the formula of his previous response to slights on the campaign trail, including questioning Sen. John McCain’s war record. His choice of a target this time – the man who marched and was beaten in the “Bloody Sunday” march in Selma while protesting for civil rights – provoked a sharp response among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Lewis’ Democratic allies leapt quickly to his defense. “@repjohnlewis is a hero and I’m lucky to call him a colleague. You sir are not half the man he is. @realDonaldTrump,” tweeted Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Penn.). Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) tweeted: “John Lewis is an icon of the Civil Rights Movement who is fearless in the pursuit of justice and equality. He deserves better than this.”

More from Lewis' colleagues and supporters:

John Lewis and his "talk" have changed the world.https://t.co/qeUloAkeTx https://t.co/aH2vDLjKk9

— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) January 14, 2017

Ahead of #MLKday2017, let us remember that many have tried to silence @repjohnlewis over the years. All have failed.

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 14, 2017

.@realDonaldTrump stands with V. Putin. I stand with @repjohnlewis.

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) January 14, 2017

@RubenKihuen don't answer a dumb tweet with the same. I know the antics seemed to work, but it's below the people in your constituency

— Laura (@eneeveeeighty8) January 14, 2017

John Lewis was nearly beaten to death because when he fought for civil rights. "All talk" is not the right attack here. https://t.co/nZ9NeRZLuS

— Emily C. Singer (@CahnEmily) January 14, 2017

While you avoided the draft, John Lewis risked his life for equality in America. You'll never even dream of such selfless patriotism, Donald https://t.co/gTWwfzkwkH

— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) January 14, 2017

Trump's John Lewis comments are even more egregious when you realize he probably has no idea who Lewis is.

— Bradford Pearson (@BradfordPearson) January 14, 2017

Attacking a man who risked his life for civil rights over MLK weekend is not a good way to counter perception that racism propelled campaign

— Patrick Thornton (@pwthornton) January 14, 2017

Donald Trump just started trash talking John Lewis on MLK weekend. Here's why we celebrate MLK weekend and oh look there's Lewis pic.twitter.com/j20KBk6snQ

— Jack Miller (@politicalmiller) January 14, 2017

.@realDonaldTrump begins MLK weekend by attacking @repjohnlewis, a legend of the Civil Rights Movement and an American hero. Truly shameful. pic.twitter.com/q2Kg3ECd21

— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) January 14, 2017

UK's 2016 John Lewis Holiday Ad Arrives

UK department store John Lewis has debuted it's annual holiday ad bearing the tag line, "Gifts that everyone will love."

Craig Inglis, customer director at John Lewis, said: “2016 has certainly been quite a year, so we hope our advert will make people smile. It really embraces a sense of fun and magic, reminding everyone what it feels like to give the perfect gift at Christmas."

The ads have become an unofficial launch of the holiday season for many in the UK.

I've shared past years' ads here and here and here. I really encourage you to watch them all. Creative, thoughtful, warm and often very unexpected.

I think we could all use some holiday cheer about now.

Congressional Democrats Stage 'Sit-In' Demanding A Vote On Common Sense Gun Measures

From Huffington Post:

Congressional Democrats took over the House floor Wednesday in a 'sit-in' demonstration over Republican leaders’ refusal to hold a vote on gun legislation.

Their efforts to achieve this goal continued throughout the night, even after the Republican lawmakers snuck into the chamber at 2:30 a.m. and voted to adjourn the session until Jul. 5."

C-SPAN broadcast the scene by using a Congressman's Periscope feed after Congress was declared in recess. Majority Leader Paul Ryan called the move a "publicity stunt."

Although Speaker of the House had the chamber cameras turned off, Democrats are broadcasting the ongoing sit-in via cellphone camera.

John Lewis Department Store's 2015 Holiday Ad

UK department store John Lewis has just released their always anticipated holiday ad.

This year's edition, "Man On The Moon," depicts a little girl who discovers via her telescope a lonely old man living alone on the moon.

You can view last year's version (much more touching and magical, in my opinion) here.

Monty The Penguin Wins The Internet Today

Monty The Penguin and his best friend Sam

UK department store John Lewis released this year's Christmas ad, a story about young Sam and his best friend Monty The Penguin.

Sam and Monty The Penguin are the very best of friends. Sam thinks he knows just what Monty is dreaming of for Christmas... something that will make one little penguin’s perfect Christmas day.

According to The Guardian, the video cost about £1m to make.

Last year's ad - Bear and the Hare - received over 10 million views on YouTube, the department store group has raised its game with the help of Monty, a CGI-animated penguin.

More about Sam and Monty at JohnLewis.com.