Christmas 2020: The legend of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer; all you need to know

Who doesn't like a Christmas story that has Santa Claus and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer making all-out efforts to reach all the kids in the world to deliver presents on a festive day? As the popular Christmas song goes "Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open slay, o'er the hills and moon, riding all the way."

Well, not just the kids but we adults too like to hear Christmas stories about magic and presents and of course, Rudolph.

But, did you ever wonder what the story of Rudolph is and why he is such an important part of Christmas celebrations?

The ninth and youngest reindeer of Santa Claus, Rudolph was created by Robert Lewis May. 

Rudolph, who had a bright red nose, unlike all the other reindeers in Santa Claus's sleigh team, was made fun of, for this uncommon feature of his.  

However, as the legend goes, Santa had chosen eight of his best reindeers to pull the sleigh to deliver toys and gifts to children around the world. And because Rudolph was very young, even after he asked Santa if he could join the team, he was asked by the latter to stay at home and wait until he grew up. 

Other reindeers laughed at him and pulled his leg for his red nose. Embarrassed Rudolph did not further indulge in the conversation and returned home. However, just before Santa was to set off, a huge snowstorm hit and the sky turned dark, strong winds blew and it was all foggy reducing visibility to nearly zero.

And despite Santa asking his team of reindeers to set off an hour early they got stuck in trees and hit the rocks due to poor visibility. 

Suddenly Santa recalled that Rudolph'sbright red nose could guide them on the way and help them deliver presents to the children. He went back and woke Rudolph up and asked him to join the team and lead the way. 

And so, it was Rudolph's bright red nose that helped guide Santa's sleigh on the cold night of Christmas Eve, in turn, helping the cheerful old fellow in red dress and sporting a white beard successfully deliver presents to children across the world right before the Christmas Day.

Then on everyone loved little Rudolph and he became one of the most popular reindeers in  Santa's sleigh team.

Well, a great story we must say!

On another note, do you know that names of the other eight reindeers who pull Santa Claus's magic sleigh? 

Well, their names are - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph - the most famous among them.