Coca-Cola Christmas collection

Its hard for many of us to remember a time without Santa sipping an ice-cold Coca-Cola. The images of the perfectly plump Santa Claus drinking a refreshing Coca-Cola under the Christmas tree has become a staple illustration and widely collectible merchandise for both Christmas and Coca-Cola aficionados.

Hi, its Christmas Gal Shendra here! I have a confession. I’m obsessed with Coca-Cola Santa Claus! It started when I was young and has only grown over the years. These last two years I have hit my stride and started expanding my collection from just a few select ornaments and figurines to a themed tree and a passion for learning the history behind this American favorite.

So much of my Christmas style comes from my mother who had several Coca-Cola Santa Clauses when I was young. I was always enamored by these pieces. They were so lifelike and represented the very best imagery of Santa.

As an adult, my mother gifted me my first Coca-Cola Santa and it continues to be one of my absolute favorite pieces to display.

Santa, Coca-Cola and, of course, polar bears have also become synonymous with this holiday brand. The addition of the polar bears may have been what truly hooked me as a collector.

Little known fact about me: our high school mascot was a polar bear and my senior year I was the gal who dressed up in the (very hot) costume and danced around at the football games!

As my collection (and obsession) for Coca-Cola Santa’s grew, I was drawn to learn more about the history of these precious piece.

In the 1920’s, Coca-Cola was known only as a summer drink.  The company was trying to find a way to convince consumers that this was a year-round drink. Their first attempt to connect Santa with Coca-Cola wasn’t successful.

It wasn’t until 1931 that artist Haddon Sundblom, who was working for the advertising agency D’Arcy, that The Coca-Cola Company successfully used a painting of Santa holding a Coke bottle.

Sundblom used Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” (1820s) and a portly neighbor as his inspiration. A full figured rosy cheeked jolly man with a white beard and a rich red suit was depicted, but now always with a Coca-Cola in his hand. His original artwork truly personified Santa and the campaign became a huge success for both Sundblom and the company.

Sundblom continued creating Christmas campaigns for The Coca Cola Company until 1964. His paintings have become the universal image of what Santa looks like to this day. 

Beyond just a successful advertising campaign, the Coca-Cola Santa’s have become merchandising gold. There are cardboard cut outs for displays, calendars, figurines, ornaments, and my favorite, the table top Santa.

The Coca-Cola Company made a few Coca-Cola Santa dolls and table top figurines themselves before The Possible Dreams Company took over in the 1990’s  and now Kurt S. Adler produces these pieces exclusively. 

Many of these highly sought after collectibles were made to replicate Sunblom’s iconic paintings!

Each year, the 2-3 new Coca-Cola Santa’s are released and each retail for $60 – $100. Enter my obsession! I have collected many of The Possible Dreams and Kurt Adler Santa’s and ornaments. And, I’m excited to share my collection with you!

My collection has grown over the years but in the past  two years has really taken off.  I even added a Coca Cola themed tree to my kitchen last year!

In my research, I have been trying to find a timeline of when each of the collectible Santa’s were released. While there isn’t an official list – I’m creating one myself and will share in a future blog.

Thinking of collecting Coca-Cola Santa memorabilia and décor? This category of Christmas has so much to offer, I strongly recommend picking up a guide to help you. One of my favorite resources has been this book: Coca-Cola Collectible Santas: Official Coca-Cola Collectors Series.

Start your own Coca-Cola Christmas collection now! Here are a few of my favorite online finds to help you out!