The Coca-Cola Santa Turns 75 Years Old

Legendary illustrator Haddon Sundblom Created the Rosy-Cheeked Figure

This holiday season, birthday cake will replace cookies on Santa's wish list. The modern-day image of Santa Claus -- based on a painting commissioned by The Coca-Cola Company -- turns 75 this year.

Legendary illustrator Haddon Sundblom created the rosy-cheeked figure -- today's traditionally accepted appearance of the jolly old elf -- in 1931 for a Coca-Cola holiday advertising campaign. In total, Sundblom created more than 40 pieces that feature the Coca-Cola Santa, which has become one of the most beloved cultural icons and an anticipated part of holiday tradition.

To mark the 75th anniversary, Coca-Cola is holding a free exhibit of Sundblom's original Santa pieces in New York City during the holidays. The entire exhibit also is online at http://www.mycokerewards.com, as part of a virtual gallery, for all to enjoy. During the month of December, Coca-Cola will donate $0.75 to the Salvation Army, up to $25,000, on behalf of each person who visits the online exhibit.

"The Coca-Cola Santa embodies the holiday spirit and has helped shape the image of Santa Claus around the world," said Phil Mooney, director, Archives, The Coca-Cola Company. "We hope people will enjoy viewing Sundblom's works which have become a cornerstone of our Company's holiday campaigns for the past 75 years."

When Coca-Cola first approached Sundblom in 1931 to develop an illustration, popular culture's perception of Santa Claus ranged from a stern, tall, gaunt man to an elf donning a bishop's robe or a Norse huntsman's animal skin. Sundblom changed this visual notion by turning to Clement Clark Moore's popular 1822 poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas" (commonly known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas") for inspiration, which led to his friendly interpretation.

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees, energy and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate exceeding 1.3 billion servings each day. For more information about The Coca-Cola Company, please visit their website at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/