During the mid-20th century, major companies hired famous actors and musicians to sell products during the holiday season. These advertisements appeared in national magazines and newspapers every December. Jackie Gleason appeared in advertisements for Manhattan Shirts to encourage shoppers to buy clothing as gifts. Donna Reed promoted Singer sewing machines, which were marketed as essential tools for the home. These ads focused on practical items that families could use throughout the year.
Tobacco brands were prominent in Christmas advertising campaigns. Ann Sothern served as a spokesperson for Lucky Strike cigarettes. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz appeared together in holiday ads for Philip Morris cigarettes. Chesterfield cigarettes ran group advertisements that featured multiple stars like Arthur Godfrey, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Bob Hope. These ads often showed the celebrities holding decorated holiday packages containing cartons of cigarettes.
Home technology and photography products also used celebrity endorsements. Dick Van Dyke advertised Kodak cameras as the best way to capture holiday memories. Telechron Timers created a unique advertisement that featured a large group of stars arranged in a circle like a clock. This list included Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, and Judy Garland, along with musicians like Stan Kenton and Les Paul.
Government and charitable organizations used famous faces to reach the public during the winter. Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels appeared in their Lone Ranger and Tonto costumes to promote Christmas Seals. The Three Stooges, including Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Joe DeRita, appeared in advertisements for U.S. Savings Bonds. They encouraged citizens to buy the bonds as a way to save money for the future. These campaigns used the popularity of the stars to link specific products with the traditions of the holiday season.
