Coca-Cola and Santa Claus

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Most people can agree on what Santa Claus looks like -- jolly, with a red suit and a white beard. But he did not always look that way, and Coca-Cola® advertising actually helped shape this modern-day image of Santa.

In 1931, The Coca-Cola Company commissioned Michigan-born illustrator Haddon Sundblom to develop advertising images using Santa Claus. For inspiration, Sundblom turned to Clement Clark Moore's 1822 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (commonly called "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"). Moore's description of St. Nick led to an image of Santa that was warm, friendly, pleasantly plump and human. For the next 33 years, Sundblom painted portraits of Santa that helped to create the modern image of Santa -- an interpretation that today lives on in the minds of people of all ages, all over the world.

You can read more about the history of Coca-Cola and Santa Claus by clicking here.

You can view more images of The Coca-Cola Santa Claus by clicking here.

The Night Before Christmas

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"A Visit from St. Nicholas" (also known as "The Night Before Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" from its first line) is a poem first published anonymously in 1823. It is largely responsible for the conception of Santa Claus from the mid-nineteenth century to today, including his physical appearance, the night of his visit, his mode of transportation, the number and names of his reindeer, and the tradition that he brings toys to children.

Authorship was later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore and the poem was included in an 1844 anthology of his works.

Project Gutenberg also has an online copy you can read by clicking here.

Norelco Santa Commercials

Here's one from the 60's...



... and another from the 70's.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer was released on December 6, 1964.