Introduction
The use of Santa Claus in advertising has become a common practice during the holiday season. But which company was the first to incorporate Santa Claus into their advertising campaigns? In this article, we will explore the origins of using Santa Claus in advertising and identify the first company to do so.
The Origins of Santa Claus
Before we delve into the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising, it is essential to understand the origins of this beloved holiday figure. Santa Claus, as we know him today, is based on the legendary figure of Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop who lived in the 4th century in what is now modern-day Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity and gift-giving, which eventually became associated with the Christmas season.
The modern image of Santa Claus, with his red suit, white beard, and jolly demeanor, was popularized in the 19th century through various publications and illustrations. The most influential depiction of Santa Claus came from the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”) written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823.
The First Company to Use Santa Claus in Advertising
The honor of being the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising goes to the Coca-Cola Company. In the 1930s, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a series of illustrations featuring Santa Claus for their holiday advertising campaigns. Sundblom’s illustrations depicted Santa Claus as a cheerful, plump figure enjoying a bottle of Coca-Cola.
These iconic Coca-Cola Santa Claus advertisements, which first appeared in magazines in the 1930s, quickly became a hit and helped solidify the modern image of Santa Claus in popular culture. The advertisements portrayed Santa Claus as a warm, friendly character, reinforcing the association between Coca-Cola and the joy of the holiday season.
It is important to note that while Coca-Cola played a significant role in popularizing the modern image of Santa Claus, they did not invent the character. Santa Claus had already been depicted in various forms in advertisements and illustrations before Coca-Cola’s campaign. However, Coca-Cola’s extensive and consistent use of Santa Claus in their advertising campaigns helped establish the image we recognize today.
Impact and Legacy
Coca-Cola’s use of Santa Claus in their advertising campaigns had a lasting impact on popular culture. The company’s portrayal of Santa Claus as a jolly, red-suited figure became deeply ingrained in the public’s perception of the holiday season. The image of Santa Claus enjoying a Coca-Cola became synonymous with Christmas cheer.
Over the years, many other companies have followed in Coca-Cola’s footsteps and incorporated Santa Claus into their advertising campaigns. The use of Santa Claus has become a powerful marketing tool during the holiday season, evoking feelings of nostalgia, joy, and generosity in consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising was the Coca-Cola Company. Through their iconic illustrations by Haddon Sundblom in the 1930s, Coca-Cola helped solidify the modern image of Santa Claus in popular culture. Their advertisements featuring Santa Claus enjoying a bottle of Coca-Cola became synonymous with the holiday season and had a lasting impact on advertising practices.
References
– Coca-Cola Journey: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/coke-lore-santa-claus
– Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-true-history-of-the-modern-day-santa-claus-who-is-not-who-you-think-160733441/
– History.com: https://www.history.com/news/coca-cola-santa-claus-creator-advertisement
