Although many credit our modern day Santa to Thomas Nast,
Santa’s jolly look all started in 1931 with legendary illustrator
Haddon Sundblom for a Coca-Cola holiday ad campaign. His
Santa has become one of the most beloved cultural icons and
an anticipated part of the Christmas holiday tradition. 
 

Haddon Hubbard "Sunny" Sundblom (June 22, 1899 – March 10, 1976)