The Untold Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer A Tale of Resilience and Hope

When we hear the name Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, most of us immediately think of a cheerful Christmas song or the beloved claymation TV special. But beneath the jingling bells and snowy landscapes lies an extraordinary story of resilience, love, and hope that deserves to be celebrated.

The Birth of a Legend



Rudolph’s story began not at the North Pole, but in the heart of Robert L. May, a struggling copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store. It was 1939, a time when the world was reeling from the Great Depression. May, who had always loved writing, was tasked with creating a Christmas story for the store’s annual holiday booklet. His challenge? To come up with something fresh and unique to delight children and families alike.

But May’s life was anything but merry. His wife was battling cancer, and the financial strain was immense. Feeling the weight of his struggles, he poured his heart into the story of a little reindeer who was different from the rest—Rudolph.

This is an incredible story and very inspiring.

Wow, I had no idea about the original story of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer! If you aren't familiar with it either, read below:

As the holiday season of 1938 came to Chicago, Bob May wasn’t feeling much comfort or joy. A 34-year-old ad writer for Montgomery Ward, May was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of a two-year battle with cancer. This left Bob to look after their four-year old-daughter, Barbara.

One night, Barbara asked her father, “Why isn’t my mommy like everybody else’s mommy?” As he struggled to answer his daughter’s question, Bob remembered the pain of his own childhood. A small, sickly boy, he was constantly picked on and called names. But he wanted to give his daughter hope, and show her that being different was nothing to be ashamed of.

More than that, he wanted her to know that he loved her and would always take care of her.

 So he began to spin a tale about a reindeer with a bright red nose who found a special place on Santa’s team. Barbara loved the story so much that she made her father tell it every night before bedtime. As he did, it grew more elaborate. Because he couldn’t afford to buy his daughter a gift for Christmas, Bob decided to turn the story into a homemade picture book.

In early December, Bob’s wife died. Though he was heartbroken, he kept working on the book for his daughter. A few days before Christmas, he reluctantly attended a company party at Montgomery Ward. His co-workers encouraged him to share the story he’d written. After he read it, there was a standing ovation.

Everyone wanted copies of their own. Montgomery Ward bought the rights to the book from their debt-ridden employee. Over the next six years, at Christmas, they gave away six million copies of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to shoppers.

 Every major publishing house in the country was making offers to obtain the book. In an incredible display of good will, the head of the department store returned all rights to Bob May. Four years later, Rudolph had made him into a millionaire.

Now remarried with a growing family, May felt blessed by his good fortune. But there was more to come. His brother-in-law, a successful songwriter named Johnny Marks, set the uplifting story to music. The song was pitched to artists from Bing Crosby on down. They all passed. Finally, Marks approached Gene Autry.

The cowboy star had scored a holiday hit with “Here Comes Santa Claus” a few years before. Like the others, Autry wasn’t impressed with the song about the misfit reindeer. Marks begged him to give it a second listen. Autry played it for his wife, Ina. She was so touched by the line “They wouldn’t let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games” that she insisted her husband record the tune.

Within a few years, it had become the second best-selling Christmas song ever, right behind “White Christmas.” Since then, Rudolph has come to life in TV specials, cartoons, movies, toys, games, coloring books, greeting cards and even a Ringling Bros. circus act. The little red-nosed reindeer dreamed up by Bob May and immortalized in song by Johnny Marks has come to symbolize Christmas as much as Santa Claus, evergreen trees and presents. As the last line of the song says, “He’ll go down in history.”

Rudolf will air December 6th, NBC, 8:00 Eastern, 7:00 Central time.

Bob May and His Daughter Barbara

Bob May

Bob May and Barbara as she grew older

A Reindeer Unlike Any Other

Unlike the sleek and confident reindeer in Santa’s usual crew, Rudolph was an underdog. His glowing red nose, meant to symbolize his uniqueness, also made him the target of ridicule. But May wanted Rudolph’s difference to be his superpower. Through his creativity and empathy, May transformed Rudolph into a symbol of hope for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in.

Rudolph’s big moment—saving Christmas with his luminous nose during a foggy Christmas Eve—was a reminder that what makes us different can be exactly what makes us shine.

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The World Embraces Rudolph
May’s story, printed as a booklet and distributed for free to Montgomery Ward customers, was an instant hit. Over 2.4 million copies were given away in its first year. But the story didn’t stop there. In 1949, May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, turned the tale into the now-famous song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” which skyrocketed to fame when Gene Autry recorded it.

Lessons from Rudolph’s Journey

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness: Rudolph’s red nose wasn’t a flaw; it was his gift. In a world where we’re often pressured to conform, Rudolph’s story reminds us to celebrate what makes us different.
2. Resilience in Tough Times: May’s own hardships didn’t stop him from creating a story that brought joy to millions. His determination is a powerful reminder to keep going, even when life feels overwhelming.
3. The Power of Kindness and Inclusion: Santa’s choice to believe in Rudolph’s potential transformed him from an outcast to a hero. A little encouragement can go a long way in helping someone unlock their true potential.
   

Carrying the Legacy Forward

As we celebrate this holiday season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of Rudolph’s story. It’s not just about a reindeer with a glowing nose; it’s about resilience in the face of adversity, the courage to embrace who you are, and the magic that happens when we lift each other up.

So, the next time you hum the tune of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” remember the incredible journey that brought this story to life. It’s a legacy of hope and a beacon of light for anyone who dares to be different.

What’s your red nose? 

What makes you unique, and how can you shine brighter this season? 

Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s celebrate the underdogs who change the world!

Merry Christmas from Rene' and Belinda