1600x1200 Coca Cola Santas"> Apr 2026

The iconic is widely recognized as the definitive modern image of Santa Claus. While Coca-Cola did not "invent" Santa, their century-long advertising campaign transformed him from a varied folkloric figure into the jolly, red-suited character known today. Historical Background

Coca-Cola first commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom in 1931 to create a Santa for their "The Pause That Refreshes" campaign. 1600x1200 Coca Cola Santas">

Sundblom’s first model was his friend Lou Prentiss, a retired salesman. After Prentiss died, Sundblom used himself as a model by looking in a mirror. Myth vs. Reality The iconic is widely recognized as the definitive

Sundblom drew inspiration from Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), which described Santa as a warm, jolly, and human-like figure. a retired salesman. After Prentiss died