A British department store company, John Lewis, has found a unique and touching way to remind customers and viewers that Christmas traditions happen on their own, naturally and organically.

The Christmas season is filled with friends, family, traditions and other fun events. Whether those annual activities involve decorating the tree with loved ones, watching a favorite Christmas-themed film or eating a special meal, all those traditions became a thing on their own. 

Forcing a tradition or trying to get others to participate in some activity usually does not work. Instead of fun and creating precious memories, the result will probably look like something from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation." 

The cute and touching ad begins with a young man picking up a box labeled “perfect Christmas tree.” Inside the odd-looking container is a single seed. That little guy quickly becomes attached and invested in the plant, watering it and anxiously checking on the progress of the “perfect Christmas tree.”

Little by little, as plants and trees do, something begins sprouting and growing from the pot. Soon enough, viewers are introduced to Snapper, a mischievous but lovable Venus fly trap. 

The plant becomes a family member and a best friend to the little boy. They create and look at photos of Christmas trees together. Snapper even gives his best impression of a typical Christmas tree, standing still while holding a bright, yellow star. 

But the tree becomes too big and inadvertently starts causing destruction and headaches. Snapper soon finds himself outside in the cold, exiled away from the family. 

Despite the plant’s position and the issues caused, it looks into the house as the family decorates what most would consider a typical Christmas tree. Snapper is beyond hurt.

The boy, sensing that all is not right, takes matters into his own hands to include Snapper in the Christmas fun. Soon enough, the entire family follows the child’s lead. It may be an unconventional way to celebrate the Christmas holiday, but it was a tradition that literally sprung up naturally and organically.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 “Therefore, brothers, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or our letter.”