Did you know this company created Santa Claus as we know him?
The festive season brings with it a cascade of cherished traditions: twinkling lights, family reunions, gift exchanges, and of course, the iconic figure of Santa Claus. Known by various names like Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, or Kris Kringle, Santa has become synonymous with Christmas cheer. But did you know that the modern depiction of Santa Claus owes much of its existence to one of the most famous brands in the world—Coca-Cola?
The Transformation of Santa Claus
The origins of Santa trace back to the real-life Christian bishop Saint Nicholas, who was known for his generosity. For centuries, Santa was depicted in various ways—often wearing green robes and appearing more as a solemn figure. However, in 1931, Coca-Cola changed the game with a groundbreaking advertising campaign that reimagined Santa as the cheerful, red-suited figure we recognize today.
The Birth of the Modern Santa
Before Coca-Cola’s intervention, the image of Santa Claus had already begun to evolve. In 1862, American Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast depicted Santa as a small, elf-like figure bringing gifts to Union soldiers. This illustration laid the groundwork for Santa’s eventual transformation.
Fast forward to 1930, when artist Fred Mizen painted Santa enjoying a Coca-Cola in a department store. The image was featured in print ads during the holiday season and gained immense popularity. This success encouraged Coca-Cola’s advertising agency, led by Archie Lee, to make Santa Claus a central figure in their marketing.
In 1931, Swedish-American artist Haddon Sundblom was commissioned to refine Santa’s look. Sundblom’s version of Santa traded the traditional, solemn image for a jolly, larger-than-life character with twinkling eyes, a round belly, and a kind face. His Santa wore the now-iconic red and white outfit—colors matching Coca-Cola’s branding.
A Poetic Inspiration
Sundblom’s work drew inspiration from Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. The poem’s description of Santa as a “jolly old elf” guided Sundblom as he created scenes of Santa delivering toys, enjoying Coca-Cola, and spreading holiday cheer.
To make Santa relatable, Sundblom modeled him after a retired salesman friend, Lou Prentice, and later incorporated elements of his own likeness into the character. His dedication to detail was unmatched, with Sundblom continuing to tweak Santa’s image for over three decades.
Coca-Cola’s Lasting Legacy
Coca-Cola didn’t stop at advertisements. The company produced stuffed toys, merchandise, and collectibles featuring Sundblom’s Santa. These items became so popular that they are now showcased in museums around the world, including the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
Between 1931 and 1966, Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaigns featured Sundblom’s illustrations, solidifying their version of Santa as a cultural icon. Even today, Coca-Cola’s red-suited Santa remains a fixture in holiday marketing, influencing countless other brands and industries.
Santa Claus: From Folklore to Cultural Icon
Coca-Cola’s reimagining of Santa Claus is more than a marketing success; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The campaign not only shifted perceptions of the holiday season but also established a global, non-religious symbol of Christmas joy.
So the next time you see Santa Claus with his iconic red suit, twinkling eyes, and jolly demeanor, remember that this enduring image owes much to Coca-Cola’s visionary campaigns. It’s a story of how creativity, branding, and holiday cheer came together to shape a beloved tradition.
Coca-Cola’s Santa Claus isn’t just a figure of nostalgia—it’s a collector’s dream! Original Sundblom illustrations and merchandise are highly sought after and continue to enchant audiences around the globe.
This holiday season, when you sip on a bottle of Coca-Cola, raise a toast to the company that gave the world the Santa Claus we all know and love. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Technology section.