In this episode of Beans and Dave, we delve into the fascinating story of how Coca-Cola helped shape the modern image of Santa Claus. We explore the historical origins of St. Nicholas and how Coca-Cola's iconic advertising campaigns in the 1930s played a pivotal role in popularizing the jolly, red-suited figure we know today.
Key Takeaways:
- The Evolution of Santa: We trace the roots of Santa Claus back to St. Nicholas, a real-life bishop known for his generosity and gift-giving. We discuss how his legend evolved over centuries, incorporating elements from folklore and popular culture.
- Coca-Cola's Role: We examine how Coca-Cola's advertising campaigns in the 1930s, featuring a plump, jolly Santa Claus with a white beard, significantly influenced the public perception of the figure.
- The Art of Haddon Sundblom: We highlight the contributions of artist Haddon Sundblom, whose iconic illustrations of Santa Claus for Coca-Cola became synonymous with the holiday season.
- The Lasting Impact: We discuss the enduring legacy of Coca-Cola's Santa Claus imagery and its influence on popular culture today.
The opening music is "Tall Boy Radio" by Andy and the Leffe Turns and the closing music is "BDS" by Lewis Pickford.
tallboyradio.com
