The Coca-Cola Company has a long and storied history of associating its brand with the holiday season. From the iconic image of Santa Claus to heartwarming commercials featuring polar bears, Coca-Cola has woven itself into the fabric of Christmas celebrations for generations. But the association goes beyond advertising; it extends to festive decorations, including the Diet Coke Christmas tree ornament. While the exact origin of the Diet Coke Christmas tree ornament is difficult to pinpoint with certainty, its existence is deeply intertwined with Coca-Cola's overall marketing strategy and its clever use of imagery to evoke feelings of nostalgia, joy, and togetherness during the holidays.
The Coca-Cola Polar Bears: A Christmas Staple
A key element in understanding the Diet Coke Christmas tree ornament is the legacy of Coca-Cola's polar bear commercials. The first polar bear print advertisement appeared in France in 1922, and for the next 70 years, polar bears appeared sporadically in print advertising. In 1993, The Coca-Cola Company made a dramatic shift in its advertising by introducing the "Always Coca-Cola" campaign.
The "Always Coca-Cola" campaign by Creative Artists Agency and later Edge Creative was diverse in nature, with an initial run of 27 commercials designed to appeal to specific audiences. Creator Ken Stewart's inspiration came from an unexpected place: his Labrador Retriever puppy, which resembled a polar bear. Stewart envisioned polar bears going to the movies and drinking Coke, and the idea for "Northern Lights" was born.
Stewart collaborated with animation company Rhythm & Hues to bring the polar bears to life. Using advanced computer graphics software, each ad took approximately 12 weeks to produce. The process began with storyboards, mirroring scenes from previously created storyboards illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. Pencil sketches of the polar bears were created, defining their appearance in each scene. A sculptor created a three-dimensional clay model of the bear's head, which was then transferred into three-dimensional images and stored in the computer. Animators plotted the points along the body of the model, creating a schematic of the bear on the computer screen. The bear's movements were then plotted, and additional elements, such as a Coca-Cola bottle, were scanned and added.
To maintain the magical quality of the world of the bears, Mr. Stewart kept the music to a minimum and dialogue-free, except for the notable "oohs," "ahs" and grunts, which were created by Mr. Stewart on a sound stage using his own voice, which then was altered through a computer to make him sound like the bears. "That's really what we were trying to do - create a character that's innocent, fun and reflects the best attributes we like to call 'human'," said Mr. Stewart.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
The polar bear commercials became a sensation, solidifying Coca-Cola's association with the holidays and family-friendly entertainment. The polar bears, with their heartwarming antics and thirst for Coca-Cola, became synonymous with the Christmas season for many viewers.
The Ornament's Role in Holiday Decor
Christmas ornaments play a significant role in holiday traditions. They serve as tangible representations of memories, family history, and personal interests. Decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments is a cherished activity that brings families together and evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
The Diet Coke Christmas tree ornament, like other Coca-Cola-themed ornaments, taps into this tradition. It allows consumers to incorporate their love for the brand into their holiday celebrations. Whether crafted with meticulous detail and adorned with shimmering beads and glitters, this Christmas ornament celebrates the joy of the iconic beverage during the festive season.
Christmas: A Time for Celebration
The holiday season is a time to celebrate and fill your home with warmth, joy, and festive decor. Whether you’re decking the halls with twinkling lights or dressing your Christmas tree with delicate ornaments, the Christmas shop has everything you need to make the season bright. From Christmas trees to stockings and advent calendars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Decorate your space, share holiday cheer, and create memorable moments with family and friends.
Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with stunning Christmas decorations. Whether you’re going for a traditional look with classic red and green or opting for a modern touch with sleek gold and silver, you will find everything, the Christmas shop offers a variety of holiday decor options to match your style. You can start by decorating your front porch with festive garlands and Christmas lights. Create a welcoming space that spreads cheer to everyone who passes by. Decorate your indoor space, add seasonal touches with holiday decor like wreaths, swag, Christmas ornaments, and festive table settings. If you are looking for something to make your tree stand out, then you will find plenty of options like tree toppers that will give your Christmas tree a magical finishing touch, you can also get classic stars and angels to create a unique and personalized look, just find the right piece to decorate and crown your tree.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
A Christmas tree is the centerpiece of any home during the holidays. Artificial Christmas trees come in various sizes, styles, and colors, so you can find the perfect fit for your home. Choose from pre-lit trees for easy setup or unlit trees if you prefer to string your own Christmas lights. Christmas trees range from full and lush to slim and sleek, perfect for any space, big or small. Add greenery like garlands and wreaths around your home to complement the look of your tree and spread holiday joy throughout your space. Decorate it with unique tree ornaments that represent your family’s personality and traditions. Look for classic tree ornaments like baubles, or more personalized Christmas ornaments to make your tree shine and sparkle with holiday cheer.
Hanging Christmas stockings by the fireplace is a timeless tradition that adds warmth to your home, decorate your space with classic red velvet stockings to create a modern, personalized look, you can find the perfect Christmas stockings for each family member. Fill them with small trinkets, candies, or keepsakes to bring even more joy on Christmas morning. For those who love counting down to Christmas, an advent calendar is a must-have item in your holiday decor collection. Choose from traditional designs filled with chocolates or opt for more modern versions that can hold small gifts, making each day leading up to Christmas a fun and exciting celebration.
Christmas is the perfect time to update outfits, as the holidays are also a time to dress up and celebrate! Get into the festive spirit and refresh your wardrobe with Christmas outfits to suit your style, you will find plenty of Christmas outfits that are perfect for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. From classic Santa Claus suits to festive sweaters and dresses, you’ll find something for every occasion. These Christmas outfits are perfect for adding that extra bit of holiday cheer to your celebrations and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP