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Santa Claus and Christmas go hand-in-hand - in the other hand, Father Christmas is holding an ice cold bottle of Coca-Cola.

The gigantic brand has more to do with the big man in red than the supposedly traditional mince pie and glass of sherry.

But while it is often said his trademark red suit is solely down to the soft drink's long-running advertising campaign, many historians believe the colours were inspired by the Bishop of Myra in the 4th Century.

(Image: Caters)

He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and so he became the model for Santa Claus

But the association with Coca-Cola has done little to harm any link with a red suit - and the brand denies it is solely responsible for Saint Nick's garb.

"Before the Coca‑Cola Santa was even created, St Nick had appeared in numerous illustrations and written descriptions wearing a scarlet coat," its site reads.

(Image: Caters)

"However, it is true that Coca‑Cola advertising played a big role in shaping the jolly, rotund character we know and love today."

In 1931, Swedish-American artist Haddon Sundblom was commissioned to paint Santa Claus for the company's Christmas adverts.

Prior to this, he had been portrayed in a variety of ways throughout history: tall and gaunt; short and elfin; distinguished and intellectual; even downright frightening.

(Image: Caters)

Coca-Cola adds: "Sundblom’s paintings for Coca‑Cola established Santa as a warm, happy character with human features such as rosy cheeks, a white beard, twinkling eyes and laughter lines.

"This grandfather-style Coca‑Cola Santa captivated the public and, as our adverts spread globally, the perception of the North Pole’s most-famous resident changed forever."

These historic Coca-Cola Christmas adverts show how little has changed in 80 years of festive marketing.

(Image: Caters)

Proving that they know when holidays are coming, the mega-brand have consistently put Santa Claus at the heart of their posters.

Starting in 1931, a rotund St Nick holds up a glass of the iconic pop up with the tag line "my hat's off to the pause that refreshes".

Even 83 years later, a smiling Santa with slightly less rosy cheeks, dominates the poster.