302. The Holidays Are Coming: COCA-COLA’S SANTA CLAUS

COKE SANTA PRINT AD, 1952

The image of Santa Claus that the world is most familiar with, was largely shaped and influenced by the SANTA CLAUS in the Coke ads that were illustrated by Haddon Hubbard "Sunny" Sundblom (b. 22 June 1899/s.10 Mar.1976), of Michigan, an artist of Finnish and Swedish descent. He was commissioned by the Coke advertising agency, D'Arcy Advertising to provide the illustration. Sundblom was inspired by Clement Clark Moore's 1822 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (or  "'Twas the Night Before Christmas) for his initial studies. 

COKE SANTA AD, 1950

As the Coca Cola Company wanted a SANTA that was realistic and wholesome, Sundblom designed one that was just that—a pleasantly plump, smiling SANTA with a warm personality like no other. Sundblom’s SANTA CLAUS first appeared in Coke ads in 1931 in The Saturday Evening Post, the Ladies Home Journal,The New Yorker and National Geographic, from where these ads came from.

 WATCH 'The Legend of Coca-Cola & Santa Claus" HERE:

*Source: The Coca-Cola Company, http://CokeURL.com/8lf4

Sundblom’s SANTA CLAUS appeared on holiday ads from 1931 to 1964, distributing toys to children, playing with kids, checking on refrigerators, reading letters. The Coke SANTA was used in many merchandising materials—from lifesize standees to calendars, billboards and even dolls—now pop culture collectiles. Over time, Sundblom's creation became the quintessential image of the most recognizable Christmas character in the world. 

The Coke SANTA never appeared in Philippine ads, although a plush SANTA doll modeled after Sundblom’s iconic illustration appeared as a prop in one ad featuring actess Jeaan Lopez in 196

SOURCES:

https://www.coca-colacompany.com/company/history/five-things-you-never-knew-about-santa-claus-and-coca-cola

youtube video: The Legend of Coca-Cola and Santa Claus, uploaded by the Coca Cola Company, 21 Nov. 2013.http://CokeURL.com/8lf4