What Santa Can Teach Us About Branding
- Natalie Murray
- Dec 3
- 2 min read
When we think about iconic brands, most of us picture big names like Apple, Nike, or Coca-Cola.
But let’s talk about the most recognisable brand of all time…
Santa Claus. (Or Father Christmas if you're old like me!)
He’s got it all - global recognition, emotional impact, a signature colour palette, clear values, and a story people love to share.
So what can your business learn from the world’s most joyful brand icon?
Let’s break it down.
1. Consistency is Everything
Santa doesn’t suddenly change his look each year. The red suit, the white beard, the sleigh bells - it’s recognisably him, every time.
✅ Your Takeaway: Your brand should look, sound, and feel consistent across all platforms. Confused brands don’t build trust. Consistent ones do.
2. Emotional Connection Wins
Santa doesn’t just deliver presents; he delivers wonder, joy, nostalgia, and magic. His brand makes people feel something, and that’s why it’s powerful.
✅ Your Takeaway: Your brand isn’t just what you do, it’s how you make people feel. Build connection, not just visibility.
3. Values-Driven Messaging Matters
Santa’s brand is built on generosity, kindness, and community. These values shine through everything he does (and even who gets coal in their stocking!).
✅ Your Takeaway: Do your brand values show up in your content, your visuals, your offers? If not, you’re missing a huge opportunity to connect with aligned clients.
4. Storytelling is a Superpower
Everyone knows the story: the North Pole, the elves, the list, the sleigh. Santa's brand is one big immersive experience - and it keeps us engaged year after year.
✅ Your Takeaway: People don’t just want information. They want a story. What’s yours?
5. A Strong Brand Has Legacy
Santa doesn’t rely on new trends or gimmicks. He’s built a brand that’s lasted centuries, because it’s rooted in who he is and what he stands for.
✅ Your Takeaway: Trends come and go - strategy lasts. If your brand isn’t built with intention, you’ll constantly feel like you’re reinventing the wheel.
So... What Would Santa Do?
He’d look at your brand and ask:
Does it reflect what you really stand for?
Is it consistent, clear, and emotionally engaging?
Is it designed to last?
If the answer’s “not quite”, now is the perfect time to get ahead of 2026 and realign your brand with where your business is going.
Because nothing feels better than showing up with a brand that does the heavy lifting for you.
🎁 Special Offer:
In the spirit of giving and to celebrate the festive season, I’m offering a limited number of Brand Health Reports at a special price throughout December. You’ll get actionable insights, strategic clarity, and a full analysis of where your brand is now - and what needs to change.
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