Christmas adverts seem to get more and more whimsical – but this year, Lidl has opted for realism. Playing on its position as a trusted supermarket for everyday necessities, Lidl offers a down-to-earth portrayal of modern rituals around festivities, giving viewers "a Christmas you can believe in."

Whether it’s Brussels sprouts at Christmas, pumpkins at Halloween, or hot cross buns at Easter, there are certain foods that are inextricably tied to festive occasions. Why do people crave specific flavours at set times of the year? And how are brands tapping into their long-lasting appeal?

Christmas may be the happiest time of the year among those who celebrate it, but it comes with plenty of stressors – whether that’s money, family, or gift-giving. Canvas8 spoke to 20 people from across the US to find out what tends to worry them around the festive season and how they plan to cope.

Research has revealed that 74% of Britons are planning to have a more environmentally-friendly Christmas. As awareness of the climate crisis increasingly shapes consumer decisions, there’s an opportunity for brands to help people keep their festive seasons as green as possible.