Jason Koenig channels our collective visual memory bank of Christmas Past to create this spectacular, celeb-studded video for Ed and Sir Elton's new Christmas classic of the future.  

The video for Merry Christmas starts with the pair performing in a festive fireside scene, and then moves seamlessly to a succession of classic seasonal scenarios.

With lots of affection and a touch of irreverence, they pay homage to some memorable Christmas videos - including the East 17 one, with the help from some famous friends - and Ed gets to recreate the flying scene in The Snowman. All leading to a very big climax. 

It remains to be seen if Merry Christmas stands the test of time like Elton's Christmas hit of 1974. But Jason Koenig, who has directed some of Ed Sheeran's most-watched videos including the multi-billion viewed Shape Of You, has returned to direct one of the biggest British videos of the year.

And it's for a couple of good causes. Profits from this year’s Christmas period will go to the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.