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 Today, the "Christkind" has largely been replaced by the Coke Santa Claus, although this character also resembles St. Nicholas, who is often depicted with a white beard and a (red) bishop's outfit.
Why would that upset you? It looks like they're both made up. One was the Christ child and the other was Saint Nicklaus (Santa Klaus). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christkind
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 Today, the "Christkind" has largely been replaced by the Coke Santa Claus, although this character also resembles St. Nicholas, who is often depicted with a white beard and a (red) bishop's outfit.
That is the most infuriating thing. It's common for people to mix the two up and I'm too pedantic not to correct them.
Why would that upset you? It looks like they're both made up. One was the Christ child and the other was Saint Nicklaus (Santa Klaus). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christkind