Podcast Summary: The Angry Designer - Episode: "The Most Commercialized Brand in History. Built by Graphic Designers Powered by Commercialism"

Host/Authors:
Massimo (A) and Sean (B)
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Podcast Description: A no-bull graphic design podcast that helps frustrated graphic designers crush the social and industry bull, learn to charge what they're worth, and build badass rewarding creative careers.

Introduction

In this festive episode, Massimo and Sean delve deep into the commercialization of Christmas, unraveling its origins, evolution, and the significant role graphic designers and marketers have played in shaping the holiday into the most commercialized brand in history.

Origins of Christmas Traditions

The Christmas Tree

The discussion begins with the history of the Christmas tree. Massimo explains that the use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands dates back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews, symbolizing eternal life. However, the modern Christmas tree, as we know it, originated in western Germany during the medieval period as a prop in plays about Adam and Eve. These "Paradise Trees" were celebrated on December 24th, merging pagan traditions with budding Christian practices.

Sean adds, "The Christmas tree might actually be one of the oldest parts of the whole tradition."

Santa Claus

Massimo traces the evolution of Santa Claus from St. Nicholas, a Turkish monk admired for his generosity, to the jolly figure we recognize today. St. Nicholas's feast day on December 6th was celebrated by Dutch immigrants in America, leading to the creation of "Sinterklaus." Over time, writers reimagined St. Nicholas, stripping him of religious connotations and introducing elements like magical wagons and reindeer.

A pivotal moment came in 1822 when Clement Clark Moore penned "The Night Before Christmas," inspired by a shopping trip ("[25:43] A: Clement Clark Moore brought these all together in a poem, which is what they called back then that we now know as The Night Before Christmas"). This poem cemented the modern image of Santa and introduced reindeer names such as Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen.

Reindeer and Rudolph

The origin of reindeer in Christmas lore is discussed next. Initially, reindeer were work animals in Scandinavia, used to pull carts and sleighs. Moore's poem introduced the idea of reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh, and by 1939, Rudolph was added by Robert L. May, a Montgomery Ward copywriter, to boost holiday sales. Sean reflects, "Rudolph was a triumph over bullying and adversity, much like a superhero origin story."

Massimo highlights the commercial success of Rudolph: "By 1985, over 150 million records were sold."

Christmas Stockings

The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings originates from a legend about St. Nicholas saving a poor father from selling his daughters by secretly providing gifts, which landed in their stockings. Massimo humorously warns, "Now I'm scared to hang them because I have three daughters."

Commercialization of Christmas

Massimo and Sean explore how retailers and corporations transformed Christmas into a commercial powerhouse. From the mid-1800s, department stores like Macy's began using festive window displays to attract customers, leading to frenzied shopping behaviors. The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, featuring Santa Claus, became a significant marketing tool.

Massimo states, "[07:00] 'Commercialism took that to another level. Right. So that is how the birth of the Christmas tree as we know it came about.'"

The commercialization extended to elements like tinsel and Christmas pyramids, blending pagan symbols with modern marketing strategies to create a universally appealing holiday.

The Role of Retailers and Corporations

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the influence of major corporations, particularly Coca-Cola, in shaping modern Christmas imagery. Massimo credits Coca-Cola with popularizing Santa's red suit: "[28:14] 'The big red nose. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, that 100 was accredited to Coca-Cola.'"

Coca-Cola's depiction of Santa in the 1930s solidified the image that is globally recognized today. Sean remarks, "Rudolph wouldn't exist without commercialization efforts, but it's a beautiful story born out of capitalism."

Balancing Commercialism and Tradition

Massimo and Sean reflect on the dual nature of Christmas commercialization. While it has led to materialism and stress associated with shopping, it has also reinforced themes of goodwill, generosity, and community spirit. Massimo acknowledges the complexity: "[37:21] 'It is possible, right. Yeah. Of course somebody's got to make money from this.'"

Sean adds, "These are wonderful stories of giving inside of capitalism."

The hosts emphasize that despite the commercial pressures, the core values of warmth, giving, and togetherness remain integral to the holiday's essence.

Insights and Conclusions

Massimo concludes that the brand of Christmas is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of traditions, religious influences, and commercial interests. While commercialization has its downsides, it has also ensured the holiday's widespread popularity and the perpetuation of its positive values.

Sean echoes this sentiment, noting, "This is a very rich brand. It's a very long, triumphant, rich brand that has taken a lot of work."

Massimo wraps up with a balanced perspective: "[41:09] 'Love it or hate it, I'm a fan.' He acknowledges the commercial aspects but appreciates the enduring spirit of Christmas.

Notable Quotes

• Massimo [05:08]: "This has been in the works for thousands of years. Thousands. No, no, no."
• Sean [25:05]: "Rudolph was a triumph over bullying and adversity, much like a superhero origin story."
• Massimo [37:21]: "It is possible, right. Yeah. Of course somebody's got to make money from this."
• Massimo [41:09]: "Love it or hate it, I'm a fan."

Final Thoughts

Massimo and Sean successfully navigate the intricate history and commercialization of Christmas, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of how graphic design and marketing have transformed a religious holiday into a global commercial phenomenon. They balance critique with appreciation, reminding designers and creatives of the power they hold in shaping cultural narratives.

Listening Recommendation:
This episode is particularly insightful for graphic designers, marketers, and creatives interested in the intersection of tradition, culture, and commerce. It provides a comprehensive look at how branding and commercial interests can both preserve and distort cultural practices.

Connect with The Angry Designer:
For more discussions on graphic design, branding, and creative business operations, visit angrydesigner.com and follow them on Instagram @angrydesignerpodcast.

Note: This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, excluding non-content segments such as advertisements, intros, and outros, to provide a focused overview of the discussions and insights shared by Massimo and Sean.