Memories of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'

Most people my age have no idea who Burl Ives is. Yet his voice singing "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" is what marks the beginning of the Christmas season for me, every year. You may know him better as the narrator of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Burl Ives' voice is such a signature part of that classic movie, that I always had a hard time discerning the man from the snowman. I quickly became a fan of his other movies, such as "Summer Magic." But nothing is quite the same as "Rudolph."

Meaning of Rudolph

The magic of "Rudolph" goes well beyond Burl Ives' captivating voice. I was always fascinated by the movements of the clay-mation creatures and the noise Rudolph's nose makes when it glows. His constant ridicule by everyone around him always tugged at my young heartstrings. I hated being the butt of jokes when I was a kid and did not like it when others were mean to kids. I loved how Santa found a use for him, that exemplified his unique trait as being helpful and special. That loving embrace of individuality fit right in with my Montessori upbringing and naturally fit right in with the Spirit of Christmas.

Excitement of Rudolph

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was usually the first Christmas special broadcast each December. Back then, you could only catch the shows once a year, so you had to pay attention to the TV listings. It was never broadcast prior to Thanksgiving, maintaining the tradition of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Santa arriving at the end.

We tried taping it on our VCR, but repeated viewings at later dates never held the same allure as that annual broadcast. As the movies become accessible for unlimited viewing on TV stations and on DVDs, they start to lose their magic. I never feel the same about it as I do during that first TV showing each year. I fear younger generations are missing out on something special.

Music of Rudolph

The song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was always a family favorite. Every year we would gather around our organ and sing it together. My sister and I would sing along to the other songs as we watched the movie on TV each year. To this day, listening to the "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" soundtrack still elicits those warm and fuzzy memories from my childhood.