MathWorks Xmas Activity

Which brand launched the first major advertising campaign featuring Santa Claus as we know him today (red suit and white beard)? 

• Coca-Cola

• Pepsi

• Macy’s

• Nestlé

Answer explanation

Coca-Cola launched the first major advertising campaign featuring Santa Claus in the 1930s, depicting him in a red suit and white beard, which solidified this image in popular culture.

According to recent studies, when is the biggest peak in online Christmas sales?

• Black Friday

• The last weekend before Christmas

• Cyber Monday

• Boxing Day

Answer explanation

Recent studies indicate that the last weekend before Christmas sees the highest online sales, as consumers rush to complete their holiday shopping, making it the peak time for online Christmas sales.

Which luxury brand famously created a holiday campaign featuring animated bears in their signature packaging? 

• Burberry

• Cartier

• Tiffany & Co. 

• Gucci

Answer explanation

Cartier is known for its luxurious holiday campaigns, including one featuring animated bears in their iconic red packaging, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Which brand's Christmas ad went viral for its tagline "Christmas is for sharing," featuring a heartwarming WWI story?

• John Lewis

• Sainsbury's

• Marks & Spencer

• Tesco 

Answer explanation

The viral Christmas ad with the tagline "Christmas is for sharing" features a touching WWI story and was created by Sainsbury's, making it the correct answer. John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Tesco did not use this specific tagline.

What is the most-selling product on Amazon during the Christmas season?

• Clothing and accessories 

• Electronics

• Books

• Toys 

Answer explanation

During the Christmas season, electronics consistently top sales on Amazon due to high demand for gadgets and tech gifts, making them the most-sold product category.

Which Christmas movie from the 1990s caused a boom in sales of gingerbread house kits? 

• Home Alone 

• The Grinch

• Elf

• The Nightmare Before Christmas

Answer explanation

The movie 'Home Alone' released in 1990 featured a memorable scene with a gingerbread house, leading to a significant increase in gingerbread house sales throughout the 1990s.

What is the most expensive Christmas ad ever produced? 

• Coca-Cola’s polar bear campaign 

• Apple’s “Share Your Gifts” campaign 

• John Lewis’s Elton John ad 

• Coca-Cola’s holiday trucks campaign 

Answer explanation

The most expensive Christmas ad ever produced is John Lewis’s Elton John ad, which cost around £7 million. It features a touching narrative and high production values, making it a standout in holiday advertising.

Which 1980s toy became the first to sell out globally due to a Christmas marketing campaign? 

• Cabbage Patch Dolls

• Rubik Cubes

• Furby

• Tamagotchi

Answer explanation

Cabbage Patch Dolls' marketing campaign in the 1980s was groundbreaking, not only because it created an unprecedented demand and urgency but also because it incorporated a unique social mission element. The dolls were marketed with a narrative that each one was unique and "adoptable," which resonated deeply with consumers by tapping into themes of family and care.

According to global trends, what type of content generates the most engagement on social media during Christmas? 

• Emotional stories 

• Flash discounts

• Christmas recipes

• Snowy pictures

Answer explanation

Emotional stories resonate deeply during Christmas, evoking feelings of nostalgia and connection, which leads to higher engagement on social media compared to other content types like discounts or recipes.