Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Why wasn't Rudolph one of Santa's original Reindeer?

Written 7th July 2022 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter

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In 1822 we learnt the names of Santa's reindeer from the poem written by Clement Clarke Moore "Twas The Night Before Christmas.” But Rudolph, the most famous of Santa's reindeer was not included. 

We didn't find out about Rudolph until 1939 when he was written about in a book by Robert L May. The book was written for the retail company Montgomery Ward as a promotional gift for customers.

In 1948, May persuaded his brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, to write the words and the music for the song now called "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer". At Christmas 1949 it was to top of the charts. The song became a phenomenal success and went on to be recorded by many famous artists.

 

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