At least internationally, the Coke advertising campaigns definitely had a big impact. In Germany, for example, there was the “Christkind”, who was usually depicted as a little girl bringing presents to children. Today, the “Christkind” has largely been replaced by the Coke Santa Claus, although this character also resembles St. Nicholas, who is often depicted with a white beard and a (red) bishop’s outfit.
In Spain, children used to get presents from the “Reyes Magos” (the Three Wise Men) on Jan 6th. Nowadays, they may also (or instead) get presents on Christmas, from Papá Noel (coke Santa Claus).
Dunno about the presents, but that old white man character was popularized by coca cola in the 1930s.
Not really, it’s more the red costume that was! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Christmas
At least internationally, the Coke advertising campaigns definitely had a big impact. In Germany, for example, there was the “Christkind”, who was usually depicted as a little girl bringing presents to children. Today, the “Christkind” has largely been replaced by the Coke Santa Claus, although this character also resembles St. Nicholas, who is often depicted with a white beard and a (red) bishop’s outfit.
In Spain, children used to get presents from the “Reyes Magos” (the Three Wise Men) on Jan 6th. Nowadays, they may also (or instead) get presents on Christmas, from Papá Noel (coke Santa Claus).