Ruddy Cheek!

Santa Claus

1931

Saint Nicholas

1600

RUBY TUESDAY

http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/2009/12/ruby-tuesday-giveaway-for-holidays.html

 

RUDDY CHEEK!

We see the well-known Santa in the top picture above;

He wears the red-and-white array that we have come to love.

We recognise it everywhere, on Xmas cards and such,

And we don't consider what may lie behind it, very much.

Saint Nicholas (the man below) once brought the little toys,

The oranges and biscuits for much poorer girls and boys.

His name was changed to Santa Claus when it was Anglicised

But his present-giving attributes were always recognised.

Now, advertising's powerful, on that we all agree,

And Coca-Cola made a meme that's gone down in history.

In 1931 they thought of 'Santa! Red and white!'

They wanted their advertisement to look all bold and bright.

They gave their Santa ruddy cheeks and a great big beaming smile

And the well-known fat bonhomie of the 'Ho ho ho-ing' style.

Poor old Saint Nick was relegated to the history books

And the Coca-Cola Santa reigned supreme in clothes and looks!

Now, when we see 'our' Santa Claus, we think it a tradition,

We never think 'commercial' or a mercenary mission!

So now, when you sit on a ruddy Santa's knee,

Remember that he's only young!

He's the very same age as me!

*

He's wearing red and white in this one here:

http://rinklyrimes.blogspot.com/2008/12/243-late.html

See tomorrow's blog for some Xmas decorations.