It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go. It’s the season of good cheer, Advent, warmth, Christmas trees and Santa, but what’s Christmas without Carols. As the holiday season envelops us in its warm embrace, few tales evoke the spirit of Christmas quite like that of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Beyond his luminous nose and the catchy tune that immortalized him, Rudolph’s story is rich with intriguing details that many might not know. Let’s embark on a festive journey to uncover ten lesser-known facts about this beloved Christmas icon.
1. Rudolph’s Humble Beginnings in Retail
In 1939, amidst the Great Depression, the Montgomery Ward department store sought to create an original Christmas storybook to distribute to children, aiming to save on the cost of purchasing pre-made books. They turned to Robert L. May, a copywriter known for his flair with words. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences of feeling like an outsider, May crafted the tale of a reindeer with a glowing red nose. That year, Montgomery Ward distributed 2.4 million copies of the booklet, introducing Rudolph to the world.
2. A Song That Almost Wasn’t
The catchy tune “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” that we all hum during the holidays was penned by Johnny Marks, Robert L. May’s brother-in-law. Despite the song’s eventual success, it faced initial resistance. Prominent artists like Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore declined to record it. It was Gene Autry, the “Singing Cowboy,” who finally brought the song to life in 1949, after some persuasion from his wife. The song soared to the top of the charts, selling over two million copies that year.
3. The Television Special’s Canadian Roots
The 1964 stop-motion television special, which has become a holiday staple, was brought to life by Rankin/Bass Productions. Interestingly, the voice of Rudolph was provided by Canadian actress Billie Mae Richards, who brought a youthful charm to the character. The special was animated in Japan, showcasing a unique blend of international collaboration that contributed to its timeless appeal.
4. A Misfit Song
In the original 1964 broadcast of the television special, Rudolph and Hermey the Elf sang “We’re a Couple of Misfits.” However, in subsequent broadcasts, this song was replaced with “Fame and Fortune.” The original song was reinstated in later versions, but this change remains a curious footnote in Rudolph’s history.
5. The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Rudolph
Robert L. May’s creation of Rudolph was deeply personal. At the time of writing, May’s wife was battling a terminal illness, and he was struggling to make ends meet. His own feelings of inadequacy and the desire to create a story of hope and acceptance for his daughter Barbara influenced the creation of Rudolph’s character. This heartfelt origin adds a layer of depth to the beloved tale.
6. The TV Show Animation was Created in Japan
The beloved Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special was a remarkable international effort, with voice recordings done in Toronto and intricate stop-motion animation painstakingly crafted in Japan. Taking 18 months to complete—a monumental timeline for a 1960s TV special—the production brought Rudolph’s story to life with meticulous detail. Interestingly, while the classic song mentions nine reindeer—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph—the final scene of the special features Santa’s sleigh pulled by just seven.
7. The Lost Ending
The original 1964 airing of the television special did not include Santa rescuing the Misfit Toys. After receiving letters from children expressing concern for the toys, producers added a new scene the following year, showing Santa and Rudolph saving them. This change highlights the impact of audience feedback on storytelling.
8. A Marketing Marvel
Rudolph’s story began as a marketing strategy for Montgomery Ward, but it quickly transcended its commercial origins. By 1946, the company had distributed over six million copies of the story. Recognizing its potential, they transferred the rights back to Robert L. May, allowing him to benefit from his creation’s success. This move was both generous and forward-thinking, paving the way for Rudolph’s enduring legacy.
9. The Puppets’ Journey
The original puppets used in the 1964 television special, including Rudolph and Santa, were made of wood, wire, and cloth. Over the years, they changed hands multiple times and were eventually restored. In 2006, they were featured on “Antiques Roadshow,” where they were appraised at $8,000 to $10,000. These artifacts serve as tangible pieces of television history.
10. A Legacy of Acceptance
At its heart, Rudolph’s story is one of embracing differences and finding strength in uniqueness. His journey from ridicule to heroism serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of acceptance and the value of individuality. This enduring message continues to resonate, making Rudolph not just a Christmas icon, but a symbol of hope and inclusion.
As we gather around the glow of holiday lights and the warmth of family, let us remember the deeper lessons embedded in Rudolph’s tale. Beyond the jingling bells and festive melodies lies a story that encourages us to celebrate our differences and find joy in the unique light that each of us brings to the world.
