Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Once upon a time, somewhere at the North Pole, there lived a kind old man, Santa Claus. In fact, he still lives there. With Mrs. Claus, with the elves, and with the reindeer. Santa being Santa, he was busy organizing gifts with the help of the elves. But this time, Christmas was going to be different.
Santa was about to receive a very special gift. One cold night, an adorable little reindeer was born. His name was Rudolf. But this little one was not like the other reindeer. He was born with a shiny red nose. But Rudolf couldn't understand why he was special.
— Have you seen Rudolf? How strange his nose is! So shiny and red like a clown! — And it's so big, no reindeer has such a big, round, shiny nose. Look how funny he looks!
All the reindeer made fun of Rudolf's nose. They didn't realize they were making Rudolf feel very bad. Rudolf was always sad because he was different and felt left out.
— Why did I have to have such a shiny red nose? Everyone laughs at me. Nobody plays with me. I'm good for nothing.
But Rudolf was about to learn very soon that this was also a gift.
Christmas Eve and the Unexpected Fog
That night was actually Christmas Eve. Santa Claus gathered his reindeer to fly around the world. The elves worked hard. Some cleared the snow, while some packed Santa's sack with gifts and checked the naughty and nice list.
— Ho ho ho! Alright, we don't have much time left before we leave! — Yes, yes, they're still getting ready. And you? Where's your suit? Have you combed your beard and hair? — I... yes, I'm getting ready to do that. Don't worry, it won't take me too long. — My dear husband, there are only a few minutes left. And also, every year we have to make the suit bigger and bigger! Ha ha ha!
Just then, Peppermint Sticks, Santa's wisest elf, came to him, looking very worried and uneasy.
— Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus! I have some bad news! It seems there's a thick fog all over the world! So thick that even the reindeer's eyes could barely see through it. — Oh, this isn't good. I have to deliver all these gifts tonight. All the children in the world are waiting for them. What can we do? Ow! — We have to think of something! We can't just stand here! Can anyone help us? Can we put some lights in front? — No, the lights will fall. — Maybe we can put the young reindeer in front? Their eyes might be able to see through the fog. — That won't work. No matter how young they are, this fog will be far too thick for anyone to see through. — Alright, then you come up with a plan! What are you thinking?
Santa's Unexpected Solution
Santa Claus sneezed loudly.
— Huh? Huh? A-choo! — I think I've found the solution. Hey, buddy, Rudolf! What plans do you have for tonight? I hope you're free! — Uh, nothing special, Santa Claus. How do you know my name? — I know the names of all my reindeer. There's Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen. Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen.
Rudolf couldn't believe Santa knew all the reindeer's names.
— Again? Alright. There's Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen. Ho ho ho ho! — What are you doing here? There's no time for this! But what did you think of? — Relax, wife. Rudolf will help us tonight. Champion, don't you want to guide the sleigh tonight?
Rudolf was surprised by Santa's offer. He didn't expect it. He looked at the other reindeer in shock. So did Mrs. Claus and Pepper. But Santa was sure of his plan.
— I don't think I can. I don't have experience. — Nonsense! You're perfect. We need you tonight. Come on, Rudolf, lead the way! Get him ready, Pepper!
Pepper and Mrs. Claus dressed Rudolf like the other reindeer and got him ready.
— Are you sure about this? — Yes, my dear. I have a feeling. He and his shiny red nose will lead me forever. Is everyone ready? — Ha! Wait, wait! Just a minute! Safety first! — Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen! And Rudolf! To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, now dash away, dash away, dash away all!
Rudolf Saves Christmas
Santa's sleigh began to move slowly, then took off into the night sky. Rudolf was uneasy, unsure of what he was about to do. The other reindeer watched him. They all realized how special Rudolf was and felt guilty for having laughed at him. In the dark night, the fog grew thicker. Rudolf and the others struggled to see. Rudolf turned to Santa, who smiled at him.
— Come on, boy! Come on!
When the fog was thickest, Rudolf closed his eyes, and his nose lit up red, brighter than ever. It lit the way for Santa and the other reindeer. They cheered Rudolf on with great joy.
With the help of Rudolf's shiny red nose and the other reindeer, of course, Santa managed to deliver every gift to all the children on Christmas night.
— I told you so, didn't I? You're my special boy. You will always know how to guide my sleigh with your shiny nose. You are my Christmas gift.
And just like that, Rudolf came to lead Santa's sleigh forever. Through night, through fog, through snow, Rudolf would be their guide out front.
Isn't it amazing? Rudolf used to worry about his nose, and look how special it turned out to be. After all, it's what made him unique. So next time, when you look up at the sky and see Santa's sleigh flying at night, see if you can spot Rudolf's shiny nose.
Because he will surely go down in history.
