Day 6: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a Christmas classic, and, like millions of other children, I loved it when I was a child.

The story couldn't be more timeless: a misfit runs away after having been mocked mercilessly by his peers. After some time away and self-discovery, he returns and ultimately gains acceptance.

Watching it for the first time in years last week, I found that the story still resonated, though this time I was more attuned to how much of a jerk Santa was to Rudolph in the beginning. Credit the writers for imbuing Santa with some real failings. Still, Rudolph seemed a little too magnanimous when he returns. Yes, he gets to save the day, but it would have been fun if he pelted Fireball with some snowballs or made Santa grovel a little before he agreed to guide his sleigh.

This is part of my 25 Days of Christmas blog series.

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