Festive myths DEBUNKED

Think you know all about Christmas traditions? Think again!

- LIANNE LA BORDE

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’