The picture-perfect Christmas usually involves evergreens adorned with twinkling fairy lights, mistletoe, carols and a jolly Santa in a big, red suit. But what are the real stories behind these festive favourites?
‘Fairytale of Coca-Cola’
The Coca-Cola truck is almost as iconic as Santa, and everyone knows that Christmas doesn’t start until we hear ‘Holidays are coming…’ But did Coca-Cola really turn St Nick’s suit red to match their brand’s colours? It would appear not. The soft drinks company did feature a recognisable Santa Claus in red robes with white trim in a 1931 advert, but the modern Santa Claus is actually a much older character woven together from different sources. These include the original Saint Nicholas, who was probably Bishop of Myra in the 4th century and wore red robes while giving gifts to the poor, and English folk figure Father Christmas, whose green robes changed to red over time.
‘On the feast of... St Andrew’
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Loose Women IN CRISIS
With unhappy viewers and panel fall-outs, are the key characters about to be axed?
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
