Vintage Coca-Cola Christmas Ads Featuring Santa Claus

History has offered many representations of Father Christmas, who has appeared in a range of clothing and colors over time. Perhaps the most famous portrayal, however, is that of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th Century bishop depicted in familiar red robes.

The popular myth that Father Christmas owes his appearance to Coca-Cola – the portly stature, bushy beard and red outfit – is not entirely accurate. Rather, the Santa Claus image you recognize today was the image portrayed by Haddon Sundblom for Santa’s first appearance in Cola advertising in 1931, drawing inspiration from Saint Nicholas’ image.

Indeed, of the many contemporary portrayals of Father Christmas, Coca-Cola conveniently selected – as opposed to invented – the image we know today.