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Sundblom’s first model was his friend Lou Prentiss, a retired salesman. After Prentiss died, Sundblom used himself as a model by looking in a mirror. Myth vs. Reality

Sundblom drew inspiration from Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), which described Santa as a warm, jolly, and human-like figure. 1600x1200 Coca Cola Santas">

Coca-Cola first commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom in 1931 to create a Santa for their "The Pause That Refreshes" campaign. Sundblom’s first model was his friend Lou Prentiss,

The iconic is widely recognized as the definitive modern image of Santa Claus. While Coca-Cola did not "invent" Santa, their century-long advertising campaign transformed him from a varied folkloric figure into the jolly, red-suited character known today. Historical Background a retired salesman. After Prentiss died