Andrew Kantor's Place: At Coca-Cola it’s Christmas, not Hanukkah

At Coca-Cola it’s Christmas, not Hanukkah

Published 12/22/05

I called a local Coca-Cola Bottling Company office to speak to one of the vice presidents.

“Merry Christmas, Coca-Cola,” the receptionist answered. (I did not think quickly enough to wish her a Happy Hanukkah in return.)

The VP wasn’t in, so I got his voice mail. In it, he reminded people that Christmas was approaching, to buy presents (including Coke products, of course), and this:

This Christmas, let’s remember why we’re celebrating: the birth of Jesus. Also make sure we keep our troops in our prayers — they’re fighting for our freedom. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Addition: I called the local Pepsi office and got, “Good afternoon and thank you for calling Pepsi/Dr Pepper…”

The Fray

5 responses (add yours)

braine says:

Hello, duh, who do you think funds that sleigh and all those presents? Christmas ain’t cheap. That’s why they’re allowed to have Santa all over their bottles. You are so unwise in the ways of marketing synergy, grasshopper.

December 22nd, 2005 at 2:04 PM

Fran says:

If I remember correctly, Santa Claus is dressed the way we see him as a result of a Coca Cola ad many years ago. My thought is that it’s a marketing thing since the majority of their customers celebrate xmas.

December 22nd, 2005 at 6:29 PM

Jerry says:

It’s true. Coca Cola gave us the Santa that we all have come to love and hate. But who cares if the VP says to remember the birth of Jesus. That’s what Christmas is all about. If that’s what he believes in, why should he be censored for it? And you should have said Happy Hanukkah in return. Let them know that there is more than just one Holliday to be celebrated right now.

December 26th, 2005 at 8:04 PM

artemis says:

Well, no offense meant but, Christmas is not just a Christian holiday any more, yes, it started out that way, but big businesses (such as Coca Cola)have turned it into a propaganda fest, I myself know many Jewish families who celebrate the holiday. People who get offended at every little thing like that are the ones who will eventually make it so that no one can say anything that might offend any minority group. Which is just not fair, or in the style of our country. In America we are allowed to say whatever we want,even if it offends someone else. It is not polite, but it is true. They were not trying to convert anybody, nor force their ideals upon anyone; it was just a greeting to the majority of America’s population at this time of year. To not say anything is to ignore our nation’s past because we were founded as a Christian nation and while we have diversified I applaud Coca Cola for their thought. I’m sorry if it came across as offensive to you I do not believe they meant it to be so.

November 25th, 2007 at 7:57 PM