WEBVTT - From villain to icon: Why the Grinch is everywhere this Christmas

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<v Speaker 1>Kyota.

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<v Speaker 2>I'm Chelsea Daniels and this is the Front Page, a

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<v Speaker 2>daily podcast presented by The New Zealand Herald. The mistletoes hung,

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<v Speaker 2>the bells are a ringing, and all through the moles,

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<v Speaker 2>Mariah Carey is singing. It's the same old story told

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<v Speaker 2>year after year of Santa and reindeer and widespread good cheer.

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<v Speaker 2>But look a bit closer and you might see a

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<v Speaker 2>crack in the stronghold Saint Nick has had since way back.

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<v Speaker 2>Where once stood a hero red coat and beard white,

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<v Speaker 2>a sack on his sleigh promising Christmas delight, now stands

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<v Speaker 2>a figure towering six foot too tall, with a coat

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<v Speaker 2>of green fur, a heart two sizes too small. The

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<v Speaker 2>Grinch who stole Christmas is making a play for the

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<v Speaker 2>title of hero. Come this Yule tied day, Old Saint Nick,

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<v Speaker 2>This might not end well. And to give us the

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<v Speaker 2>low down, Doctor Lorna Piati farnl So, Lorna, have you

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<v Speaker 2>noticed more Grinch presents this year?

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<v Speaker 3>I definitely have, But I have noticed a lot more

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<v Speaker 3>Grinch themed merchandise around in this Christmas season.

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<v Speaker 1>This has ranged from all sorts you know, like.

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<v Speaker 3>Of products, from T shirts to matching family pajamas, plushes,

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<v Speaker 3>Christmas tree decorations, you know, very cute Grinch themed ornaments,

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<v Speaker 3>and even a lot of food tins of chocolates, tins

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<v Speaker 3>of cookies with the Grinch on them, and of course

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<v Speaker 3>food lines for children at a very well known first

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<v Speaker 3>food restaurant I know. Here in Auckland, for instance, I'm

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<v Speaker 3>at a particularly quite exciting Christmas New Christmas experience this year.

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<v Speaker 3>Families can choose to have their picture taken there with

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<v Speaker 3>Santa or the Grench.

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<v Speaker 1>So it's not just.

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<v Speaker 3>There, but it's been elevated to the same level of

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<v Speaker 3>you know, Christmas iconicity. At Santa, you can actually have

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<v Speaker 3>it taken with both, you know, like if anyone is

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<v Speaker 3>so inclined. So there's definitely been a spike in the

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<v Speaker 3>ways in which the Grench has been used for marketing

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<v Speaker 3>and merchandise in purposes this Christmas season for sure.

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<v Speaker 2>Well, it's funny that you mentioned that because this is

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<v Speaker 2>where I started my journey, because I got an email

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<v Speaker 2>from a Christmas photo outfit. I believe they're called Enchanted

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<v Speaker 2>Christmas in New Market.

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<v Speaker 1>I was thinking about it.

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<v Speaker 2>Yeah, And so they give you the option of going

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<v Speaker 2>with the center of the Grench or both. I emailed

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<v Speaker 2>them and they said, this is the first year they're

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<v Speaker 2>giving the option. They actually got the idea from the UK.

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<v Speaker 2>It's really popular over there apparently, and bookings sat at

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<v Speaker 2>about thirty percent of Santa So the Grinch of thirty

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<v Speaker 2>percent of Santa when I asked, And groups of adults

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<v Speaker 2>are actually preferring to book a picture with the Grinch.

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<v Speaker 2>I mean, in terms of this situation, I've been scratching

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<v Speaker 2>my head because I too have seen a lot more

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<v Speaker 2>Grinch presence. I've done a survey amongst all of my

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<v Speaker 2>friends with kids. They say, yes, we're not going insane,

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<v Speaker 2>And I was trying to think, well, why why the

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<v Speaker 2>Grinch all of a sudden, have you any idea?

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<v Speaker 1>Well, I think.

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<v Speaker 3>There's a certain appeal to the Grinch for quite a

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<v Speaker 3>few reasons. I think on the one hand, it represents

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<v Speaker 3>a bit of a cheeky and perhaps counterculture view of Christmas.

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<v Speaker 3>You know, of all those Christmas traditions that we're you know,

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<v Speaker 3>we come to know and love. He's quite the opposite

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<v Speaker 3>of Chia in a number of ways. You know what

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<v Speaker 3>we expect of the Christmas season. You know, it's quite

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<v Speaker 3>funny he puts up a bit of a protest against

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<v Speaker 3>the over the top atmosphere of Christmas and the Christmas

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<v Speaker 3>spirit overall. So there is definitely something quite appealing about

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<v Speaker 3>is grinchiness, you know, because some of us may feel

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<v Speaker 3>a bit bahmburg about Christmas and how it's so you know,

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<v Speaker 3>like hyped every year. So there's definitely that appeal as well.

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<v Speaker 3>But I also think as a figure, you know, like

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<v Speaker 3>when we get down to it, the Grench is very relatable,

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<v Speaker 3>you know, character, you know, it's it's quite lonely. Struggles

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<v Speaker 3>with isolation, it struggles with loneliness, it struggles we're having

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<v Speaker 3>meaningful connections at a time when the season tells us

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<v Speaker 3>that we must have those meaningful connections, that this is

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<v Speaker 3>the meaning of the season.

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<v Speaker 1>You know.

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<v Speaker 3>We live in a very hyper technological twenty first century

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<v Speaker 3>where a lot of our lives are in the digital world,

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<v Speaker 3>so the loss of connection is something that I think

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<v Speaker 3>speaks quite loudly to people. So even though the Grench

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<v Speaker 3>of course is not about being online and being on

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<v Speaker 3>the internet, it still has that core idea, you know

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<v Speaker 3>that we can get a little bit lonely at Christmas

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<v Speaker 3>and we can struggle, you know, to make those connections,

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<v Speaker 3>and I think in the end is transformation, you know,

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<v Speaker 3>into an individual school quite lonely, but get Cup comes

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<v Speaker 3>to get you know, like understand the meaning of Christmas. Again,

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<v Speaker 3>it's quite relatable, and I think his story is popular

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<v Speaker 3>precisely because he tuckles themes like loneliness, but also the

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<v Speaker 3>hyper commercialization of Christmas, which is something that you know,

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<v Speaker 3>I think some of us have become quite aware of

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<v Speaker 3>these holidays and is this pushed to buy you know,

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<v Speaker 3>I can produce presents and do something fantastic. Of course,

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<v Speaker 3>having said that, there is probably something quite ironic about

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<v Speaker 3>the fact that the Grinch figure has become so heavily commercialized.

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<v Speaker 2>Yeah. I was going to say, you know, didn't he

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<v Speaker 2>say something like what if Christmas? He thought, doesn't come

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<v Speaker 2>from a store?

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<v Speaker 1>Yet You've got you know, the Jammas And.

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<v Speaker 3>It's intrinsic to the Grinch story, right, So we see

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<v Speaker 3>the errony here of the figure I have become so commercialized.

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<v Speaker 3>But of course, also in terms of why he's appealing,

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<v Speaker 3>we must not forget that the the Grne comes from

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<v Speaker 3>a very beloved Dtor Sue's book, which has been you

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<v Speaker 3>a licence nineteen fifty six, So there's definitely and all

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<v Speaker 3>the film and animated adaptations that have come after, of course,

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<v Speaker 3>and there have been a few. It's humorous, and undoubtedly

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<v Speaker 3>there is a lot of for some of us, at

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<v Speaker 3>least turned up on myself in that group, a lot

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<v Speaker 3>of deep rooted nostalgia that heightens the appeal of the

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<v Speaker 3>Grinch figure with the public.

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<v Speaker 4>Undoubted, every who down in Hoover liked Christmas Salt.

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<v Speaker 1>Bravo Jesus.

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<v Speaker 4>O my Gridge.

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<v Speaker 1>I must thank color.

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<v Speaker 4>Course you could change my entire look on life.

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<v Speaker 5>Warry no.

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<v Speaker 4>Jim carry even if we're horribly mandels faces on.

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<v Speaker 1>Doctor Seu says how the Green Store Christmas? Even if

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<v Speaker 1>I wanted to go my shall, I wouldn't allow it.

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<v Speaker 4>One o'clock while I went self checkstading dinner with me.

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<v Speaker 3>I can't can't kill that again.

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<v Speaker 2>I was surprised to see that it's actually the twenty

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<v Speaker 2>fifth anniversary of the Jim Carrey adaptation that film, So

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<v Speaker 2>I was thinking, well, could that have something to do

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<v Speaker 2>with why we're seeing him especially so much this year,

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<v Speaker 2>or is it just all millennials growing up and having

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<v Speaker 2>kids and you know, exposing their children this new generation

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<v Speaker 2>to the Grinch.

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<v Speaker 3>Why is the end of the twenty fifth anniversary, isn't it?

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<v Speaker 3>That's come around far too quickly for my liking. But undoubtedly,

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<v Speaker 3>you know, the Jim Carrey movie definitely had a very

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<v Speaker 3>generational impact, you know, like for millennials, you or like,

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<v Speaker 3>it was a big Grench narrative of the time. The

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<v Speaker 3>renewed interest in the Grinch came with that movie. But

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<v Speaker 3>I don't think the Jim Carrey movie is the only

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<v Speaker 3>reason why we're witnessing a growth or resurfacing of pop

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<v Speaker 3>popularity of the grenching you know, Christmas merchandise. Certainly the

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<v Speaker 3>items that I've seen of the Grench particularly recalled the

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<v Speaker 3>Doctor Seuss illustrations or even more so the nineteen sixty

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<v Speaker 3>six adaptation, you know, cartoon adaptation, which has become quite

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<v Speaker 3>iconic over the years.

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<v Speaker 1>So I think all these different Grench.

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<v Speaker 3>Narratives and older nostalgia that they brought up at a

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<v Speaker 3>time where the world is not in the most fantastic place.

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<v Speaker 1>Perhaps so some of us.

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<v Speaker 3>May turn to nostalgia, you know, like to make us

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<v Speaker 3>feel a bit better, to share with our family, you know,

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<v Speaker 3>like if we you know, people have children and are

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<v Speaker 3>of that generation where the Grench you know, like got

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<v Speaker 3>a little bit of a boost in the nineties and

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<v Speaker 3>early two thousands. Certainly this is the right time for

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<v Speaker 3>the Grench as a figure to capture the imagination at Christmas.

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<v Speaker 2>It does seem quite strange how a figure, a Christmas

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<v Speaker 2>specific figure has come along and is able to at

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<v Speaker 2>least compete with Father Christmas at the top of the

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<v Speaker 2>leader board when it comes to fictional or non fictional,

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<v Speaker 2>you know, off the top. I mean, should the Easter

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<v Speaker 2>Bunny be worried? I know in Australia we had there

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<v Speaker 2>was a resurgence of the Easter Bilby at one point

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<v Speaker 2>because you know, farmers don't like rabbits on their farms

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<v Speaker 2>and everything. But the Easter Bilby really didn't you know,

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<v Speaker 2>take off, so to speak. Only Australia. Some Australians of

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<v Speaker 2>a certain generation probably know who the Easter Bilby is.

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<v Speaker 1>Do you reckon that there's any other.

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<v Speaker 2>Figures or fictional characters out there that could, you know,

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<v Speaker 2>give other others a run for their money.

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<v Speaker 1>So we're wondering if the Grinch as indeed stolen Christmas

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<v Speaker 1>in more.

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<v Speaker 3>Ways than one, well two parts of this in spite

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<v Speaker 3>of the Grench's popularity that we're seeing this year, this

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<v Speaker 3>incredible resurgence is everywhere. Yeah, all the nostalgia, all the merchandise,

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<v Speaker 3>Santa is very much still there, you know, still very

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<v Speaker 3>much in all the merchandise, is in the shop displays,

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<v Speaker 3>is in the picture opportunities you.

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<v Speaker 1>Know that we can have, you know, like is in

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<v Speaker 1>the adverts. It's Christmas adverts.

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<v Speaker 3>So I don't quite think Santa at least is at

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<v Speaker 3>a risk of losing is thrown as the King of Christmas.

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<v Speaker 3>As for other figures, well that remains to be seen.

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<v Speaker 3>You know, like I'm not sure the Ister Bunny has

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<v Speaker 3>enough competition you know, in popular culture quite yet, of course,

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<v Speaker 3>you know, like there are the Christian traditions, you know,

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<v Speaker 3>like around something, you know, a celebration like Easter, that

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<v Speaker 3>don't necessarily involve the Ister Bunny. So again we've got

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<v Speaker 3>quite a few offshoots. But as far as Christmas is concerned,

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<v Speaker 3>it's quite nice to see a little bit of an alternative,

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<v Speaker 3>different ways, diverse ways of celebrating Christmas and different Christmas

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<v Speaker 3>psychonomic piography is coming into the full ground that are

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<v Speaker 3>not necessarily the traditional you know, narrative that we've been

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<v Speaker 3>known to. This is a sign that you know, people

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<v Speaker 3>are embracing different ways of seeing the world and I

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<v Speaker 3>think that is quite pleasing.

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<v Speaker 2>Yeah, how do you think Christmas marketing has evolved over

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<v Speaker 2>the years and what's like kind of stayed the same

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<v Speaker 2>and what's really different?

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<v Speaker 3>Well, I think Christmas marketing, some aspects of it have

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<v Speaker 3>really changed, you know, has really changed over the years.

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<v Speaker 3>I think we have moved a little bit away from

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<v Speaker 3>the traditional perhaps product you know, material focused campaigns that

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<v Speaker 3>traditionally historically use the print and broadcast media you know,

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<v Speaker 3>like as the primary venue you know, like to.

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<v Speaker 1>Get out there. Two more contemporary and perhaps emotionally and

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<v Speaker 1>values driven marketing that uses a lot more of social

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<v Speaker 1>media and storytelling to create a connection, you.

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<v Speaker 3>Know, like with people, you know with In the end,

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<v Speaker 3>we're still talking about buying, you know, like we're still

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<v Speaker 3>talking about purchasing items, but I think that storytelling aspects

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<v Speaker 3>and that emotional aspects, it has become a lot more

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<v Speaker 3>to marketing that perhaps it has been historically. Now key

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<v Speaker 3>factors that might have influenced this, of course include the

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<v Speaker 3>rise of online shopping. A lot more people do their

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<v Speaker 3>shopping online, so we needed to change, you know, like

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<v Speaker 3>how we create that connection. The use of digital platforms

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<v Speaker 3>for targeted advertising, including platforms such as Instagram that are

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<v Speaker 3>very picture you know, like emotional focused, you know, like

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<v Speaker 3>that emotional response, and of course an evolution in you know,

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<v Speaker 3>campaigns that tend to reflect social values a lot more.

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<v Speaker 3>I think traditionally Christmas marketing as tend to put forward

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<v Speaker 3>a very family, still Christian inspired, family centric narrative, while

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<v Speaker 3>we see our Christmas marketing has become, you know, in

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<v Speaker 3>the digital world, a lot more diverse and a lot

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<v Speaker 3>more inclusive of different experience and experiences and different situations.

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<v Speaker 3>And of course, within that, I think there is the understanding,

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<v Speaker 3>you know, like in the shift that for the majority

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<v Speaker 3>of people, not all, but for a good portion of

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<v Speaker 3>the population, Christmas is a secular experience rather than perhaps

0:13:11.559 --> 0:13:15.479
<v Speaker 3>a Christian one, but still places an emphasis on community,

0:13:15.960 --> 0:13:19.520
<v Speaker 3>on family, on the importance of coming together, and the

0:13:19.559 --> 0:13:23.920
<v Speaker 3>importance of celebrating. So I think Christmas marketing has taken

0:13:24.040 --> 0:13:27.520
<v Speaker 3>all those shifts, social and cultural shifts into account to

0:13:27.559 --> 0:13:30.319
<v Speaker 3>present us with something that is a lot more focused

0:13:30.400 --> 0:13:34.560
<v Speaker 3>on experience rather than the product itself that they're selling.

0:13:34.640 --> 0:13:35.719
<v Speaker 1>Like what is this going to.

0:13:35.679 --> 0:13:36.160
<v Speaker 3>Do for me?

0:13:36.720 --> 0:13:39.119
<v Speaker 1>On do this to create memories?

0:13:39.200 --> 0:13:42.040
<v Speaker 3>You know, the idea of creative memories is very very central,

0:13:42.040 --> 0:13:44.440
<v Speaker 3>I think to Christmas marketing, and we see it even

0:13:44.480 --> 0:13:48.120
<v Speaker 3>with the types of products that have become very central,

0:13:48.200 --> 0:13:50.680
<v Speaker 3>you know, to a lot of our Christmas experiences, like

0:13:51.080 --> 0:13:55.440
<v Speaker 3>taking Christmas photos with the family. You know, that's become

0:13:55.520 --> 0:13:58.120
<v Speaker 3>one of the big sellers like Christmas, you know, rather

0:13:58.200 --> 0:14:01.360
<v Speaker 3>than just gifting something is gifting experience and gifted memory.

0:14:01.960 --> 0:14:05.719
<v Speaker 3>So we definitely see that shift. And the emotional storytelling

0:14:05.800 --> 0:14:09.400
<v Speaker 3>and the message focused marketing has become very central. But

0:14:09.480 --> 0:14:13.560
<v Speaker 3>of course we're not forgetting the material side, you know,

0:14:13.679 --> 0:14:14.400
<v Speaker 3>the experience.

0:14:14.480 --> 0:14:17.240
<v Speaker 1>The big windows, displays, et cetera, et cetera.

0:14:17.200 --> 0:14:20.920
<v Speaker 3>The lights, the decorations even in the streets are still there.

0:14:21.200 --> 0:14:22.960
<v Speaker 3>So we see I think a bit more of a

0:14:23.080 --> 0:14:27.640
<v Speaker 3>balanced experience with Christmas marketing that takes into account the product,

0:14:27.720 --> 0:14:31.120
<v Speaker 3>of course we're still selling, but also puts in the

0:14:31.120 --> 0:14:34.880
<v Speaker 3>foreground the experience of Christmas and why it's meaningful for people.

0:14:41.080 --> 0:14:46.560
<v Speaker 4>Gond it be so it came with out ribbons, it

0:14:46.640 --> 0:14:54.240
<v Speaker 4>came without tags, it came with our packages, boxes or bags.

0:14:55.200 --> 0:14:59.240
<v Speaker 5>He puzzled and puzzed to his puzzle of a saw.

0:15:00.200 --> 0:15:04.640
<v Speaker 5>The gridch thought of something you haven't before. Maybe Christmas,

0:15:04.680 --> 0:15:10.680
<v Speaker 5>he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps

0:15:11.800 --> 0:15:13.480
<v Speaker 5>means a little bit more.

0:15:16.120 --> 0:15:20.240
<v Speaker 2>When you said that, the emotional switch on the ads

0:15:20.600 --> 0:15:26.040
<v Speaker 2>immediately made me think of the John Lewis ads ink. Yes,

0:15:26.120 --> 0:15:28.200
<v Speaker 2>so every year they come out with one, and it's

0:15:28.280 --> 0:15:30.320
<v Speaker 2>like they're coming out with them every year to see

0:15:30.320 --> 0:15:32.600
<v Speaker 2>how many more people they can get to cry. Really,

0:15:33.120 --> 0:15:35.280
<v Speaker 2>the one that comes to my mind is the Elton

0:15:35.400 --> 0:15:39.120
<v Speaker 2>John one, but they're really famous for bringing that you know,

0:15:39.200 --> 0:15:43.600
<v Speaker 2>that loving and caring and it really is that kind

0:15:43.640 --> 0:15:47.120
<v Speaker 2>of marketing switch from bye bye bye to you know,

0:15:47.160 --> 0:15:48.680
<v Speaker 2>what can you do for your family and your friends

0:15:48.720 --> 0:15:53.760
<v Speaker 2>and everything for Christmas. On one hand, though, I actually

0:15:53.760 --> 0:15:57.000
<v Speaker 2>have seen a more sustainable approach to Christmas. I actually

0:15:57.040 --> 0:15:59.680
<v Speaker 2>found myself watching a whole bunch of TikTok videos on

0:15:59.720 --> 0:16:03.320
<v Speaker 2>how to wrap presents and silk scarves. But on the

0:16:03.360 --> 0:16:06.440
<v Speaker 2>other hand, I also have seen those videos of influences

0:16:06.520 --> 0:16:09.680
<v Speaker 2>with a massive tree with you know, presents piled up

0:16:09.720 --> 0:16:14.000
<v Speaker 2>to the ceiling. So there are those two extremes for sure.

0:16:14.160 --> 0:16:15.200
<v Speaker 2>What do you make of that?

0:16:15.800 --> 0:16:18.680
<v Speaker 3>I think absolutely I've also seen, you know, like the

0:16:18.720 --> 0:16:22.400
<v Speaker 3>pictures with Christmas, you know, like the bigger, the better, right,

0:16:22.720 --> 0:16:25.480
<v Speaker 3>you know, like huge Christmas trees going all the way

0:16:25.480 --> 0:16:28.560
<v Speaker 3>to the ceiling, and so many presents that you gotta wonder,

0:16:28.800 --> 0:16:32.000
<v Speaker 3>you know, what's in all those boxes, et cetera, et cetera.

0:16:32.120 --> 0:16:35.320
<v Speaker 3>And also a push I think for influencers to put

0:16:35.360 --> 0:16:39.840
<v Speaker 3>forward Christmas products, things like advent calendars, you know, like

0:16:39.880 --> 0:16:44.160
<v Speaker 3>that again put the emphasis on that materialistic side, which

0:16:44.320 --> 0:16:47.880
<v Speaker 3>eventually is a little bit of a throwaway experience when

0:16:47.920 --> 0:16:49.320
<v Speaker 3>it comes to it, with all the packaging.

0:16:49.720 --> 0:16:51.960
<v Speaker 1>But I've also I agree with you that I've.

0:16:51.840 --> 0:16:54.400
<v Speaker 3>Also seen a rise in a desire for a more

0:16:54.440 --> 0:16:57.920
<v Speaker 3>sustainable Christmas with many people, and even we see this

0:16:58.040 --> 0:17:00.840
<v Speaker 3>on social media, you know, like so many videos and

0:17:00.880 --> 0:17:05.680
<v Speaker 3>so many tips for adopting a more environmentally conscious you know,

0:17:05.840 --> 0:17:09.320
<v Speaker 3>way to reduce and wte to reduce waste, or you know,

0:17:09.480 --> 0:17:13.560
<v Speaker 3>choosing eco friendly gifts made with eco friendly materials. I

0:17:13.560 --> 0:17:16.199
<v Speaker 3>think there's a lot more conscious consciousness and you know,

0:17:16.320 --> 0:17:19.959
<v Speaker 3>desire to engage in that. And of course, even with

0:17:20.240 --> 0:17:24.880
<v Speaker 3>the Christmas lunches and Christmas meals, opting for more local.

0:17:24.880 --> 0:17:28.400
<v Speaker 1>And seasonal foods you know, like for the Christmas.

0:17:27.960 --> 0:17:30.280
<v Speaker 3>Season, there's definitely been a rise in that and I've

0:17:30.320 --> 0:17:33.040
<v Speaker 3>seen it in a lot of different contexts. So this

0:17:33.200 --> 0:17:37.600
<v Speaker 3>also includes embracing experiences, like we said over material goods.

0:17:37.920 --> 0:17:40.679
<v Speaker 3>That is also part of that sustainability, you know, like

0:17:40.760 --> 0:17:44.119
<v Speaker 3>that goes hand in hand with the desire to feel

0:17:44.119 --> 0:17:46.720
<v Speaker 3>connected to people and look after the planet.

0:17:46.920 --> 0:17:48.639
<v Speaker 1>You know, I think that is all part of the

0:17:48.680 --> 0:17:50.000
<v Speaker 1>same narrative.

0:17:50.000 --> 0:17:54.440
<v Speaker 3>Reusing, you know, using reusable gift wrapping, perhaps the scar

0:17:54.680 --> 0:17:58.040
<v Speaker 3>for perhaps just beautiful fabric that can be used, you know,

0:17:58.160 --> 0:18:00.640
<v Speaker 3>like a year in and year out. I've also seen

0:18:00.960 --> 0:18:07.679
<v Speaker 3>several lines of reusable Christmas crackers, you know, Christmas farm.

0:18:07.600 --> 0:18:10.760
<v Speaker 2>Bars yes so high actually, yes.

0:18:10.600 --> 0:18:13.479
<v Speaker 3>That you can make yourself every year and also choose

0:18:13.560 --> 0:18:17.240
<v Speaker 3>much more meaningful little gifts that you can give, you know,

0:18:17.440 --> 0:18:20.119
<v Speaker 3>to your friends and family and be sustainable in the

0:18:20.160 --> 0:18:23.439
<v Speaker 3>process as well. So there's definitely a conscious effort, and

0:18:23.480 --> 0:18:26.960
<v Speaker 3>these are just examples of sustainability, you know, becoming part

0:18:27.280 --> 0:18:29.880
<v Speaker 3>of how many people think about their daily lives, their

0:18:29.920 --> 0:18:33.639
<v Speaker 3>interest in the planet, their interest in being environmentally conscious,

0:18:34.000 --> 0:18:37.920
<v Speaker 3>and also how it goes hand in hand with building memories.

0:18:37.960 --> 0:18:41.680
<v Speaker 3>Building experiences is now a normal part of our Christmas celebrations.

0:18:42.640 --> 0:18:46.600
<v Speaker 2>So lastly, Laurna, do you in fact think the Grinch

0:18:47.440 --> 0:18:48.840
<v Speaker 2>will steal Christmas?

0:18:49.960 --> 0:18:53.640
<v Speaker 3>Oh, I've certainly been trying for quite a few years now.

0:18:54.320 --> 0:18:57.320
<v Speaker 3>I think the Grinch may have come to accept that

0:18:57.440 --> 0:18:59.439
<v Speaker 3>some parts of Christmas might be his.

0:19:00.240 --> 0:19:01.920
<v Speaker 1>And you know, it never turns down an.

0:19:01.880 --> 0:19:05.159
<v Speaker 3>Opportunity for bar and humbug, which I think some of

0:19:05.240 --> 0:19:07.160
<v Speaker 3>us might want to join in a little bit.

0:19:08.000 --> 0:19:10.240
<v Speaker 1>But I think, like with everything, a little bit of.

0:19:10.200 --> 0:19:13.280
<v Speaker 3>Balance that makes for a much happier experience at Christmas.

0:19:13.400 --> 0:19:16.840
<v Speaker 3>And in the end, everyone should do what brings their

0:19:16.960 --> 0:19:19.240
<v Speaker 3>joy and brings them joy and you know, like do

0:19:19.320 --> 0:19:22.280
<v Speaker 3>with their hearts desire to have the best experience they

0:19:22.359 --> 0:19:23.480
<v Speaker 3>can at Christmas.

0:19:24.080 --> 0:19:26.000
<v Speaker 2>Thanks so much for joining us, Lorna.

0:19:26.359 --> 0:19:27.760
<v Speaker 1>Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure.

0:19:30.560 --> 0:19:33.760
<v Speaker 2>That's it for this episode of The Front Page. You

0:19:33.800 --> 0:19:37.680
<v Speaker 2>can read more about today's stories and extensive news coverage

0:19:37.720 --> 0:19:41.800
<v Speaker 2>at NZHERLD dot co dot nz. The Front Page is

0:19:41.880 --> 0:19:46.119
<v Speaker 2>produced by Jane Ye and Richard Martin, who's also our editor.

0:19:46.680 --> 0:19:51.000
<v Speaker 2>I'm Chelsea Daniels. Subscribe to the Front Page on iHeartRadio

0:19:51.160 --> 0:19:54.600
<v Speaker 2>or wherever you get your podcasts and tune in tomorrow

0:19:54.720 --> 0:19:56.680
<v Speaker 2>for another look behind the headlines.