Rudolph

In 1949, the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" became a hit. It was later made into a stop motion animated TV special in 1964, which is now considered the longest running and most beloved holiday film. The story of Rudolph was originally created by Robert L. May as a coloring book for a Christmas promotion in 1939. May drew from his own life experiences to create the character, wanting to teach children about hope and finding their place in the world. The story almost didn't get published because some thought the red nose symbolized alcoholism. But in the end, Rudolph became a beloved character who guided Santa's sleigh and went down in history. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a song originally sung by Jean Audrey topped the charts in 1949. A stop motion animated version of the story premiered in 1964 and is known as the longest running Christmas TV special and was voted most beloved holiday film. The story of this famous reindeer was first created as a coloring book by Robert L. May, an employee of Montgomery Wards. He was tasked with creating a new character for their 1939 Christmas promotion. It was a sad time in his life. He was on the brink of bankruptcy, his wife was terminally ill with cancer, and his four-year-old daughter couldn't understand why her mommy was so different. He drew from his life experiences to create the character of Rudolph. As a young boy, he was awkward and shy, so he got teased a lot. In creating a holiday themed coloring book, he felt it important for kids to believe there is always hope and that someone will discover your special place in the world. So Santa needing that ninth reindeer came into play. The story almost didn't get published as some executives felt the red nose identified too closely with alcoholism. Imagine that. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows. All of the other reindeers used to laugh and call him names. They never met poor Rudolph, joined in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight? Then how the reindeer loved him, and they shouted out quickly, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you'll go down in history!