What you do not know about Santa’s reindeer

Who really cares about the bunch of flying reindeer led by the famed red-nosed Rudolph that carries Santa Claus and his gifts across the globe during one night of gift giving?  Santa does.  And they are not reindeer for nothing.  That’s why he keeps their company.

According to numerous literatures about these famous Christmas characters, the personalities of Santa’s reindeer vary.  Some say that their names speak for themselves or about their identities.

Of the nine imagined reindeers, three are females and six are males.  A female reindeer is called a cow while a male is called a bull. A young reindeer is called a calf. It is born with no antlers.

This first eight were the original group created in 1822 via the poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’.  Rudolph was the last addition in the sleigh-pulling team in 1939.

A stanza of the poem reveals the original eight.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:

"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!

"On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!

See if your behavior during Christmastime matches that of any reindeer.

Dasher, a male, has incredible speed and stamina and is regarded as the fastest reindeer. That is why he is up front.  So contrary to famous beliefs, it is not Rudolph (or Rudolf) who leads the pack.

Dancer, a female, is the most graceful reindeer. She is elegant and maneuvers with such nimbleness that Santa put her alongside Dasher.

Prancer, a male, is a very proud creature. He is deceptively strong, which is why he is behind Dasher and Dancer.

Vixen, a female, has a very friendly personality. She is also quite strong. She is partnered with Prancer.

Comet, a male, is regarded as the most powerful reindeer. He has great force and often head butts obstacles out of his way.

Cupid, a male, is a frivolous reindeer. His sweetness and good nature make him the perfect partner for the meteoric Comet.

Donder, a male, is very confident in his role. Strong-willed, focused and resolute, Donder may not be a great partner for the electrifying Blitzen.

Blitzen, a female, is the most temperamental reindeer. Arrogant and impulsive, Blitzen is always the first to act.

Rudolf, a male, is the youngest reindeer. A timid creature, Rudolf looks up to the other reindeer, Dasher in particular. Rudolf leads the team in blizzards. His glowing red nose became Santa’s makeshift lamp to guide his sleigh through thick fogs.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve

Santa came to say

Rudolph with your nose so bright

Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?

Then all the reindeer loved him

And they shouted out with glee

"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

You'll go down in history!"

So goes the famous reindeer Christmas carol.

No doubt, he is the most popular and beloved Christmas animal.  He has a song and a film to his credit.  And in history, he is always the first one to be mentioned.

But Santa plays no favorite. He berates any reindeer which is not up to the task. 

What does Santa’s reindeer do on ordinary days?  No one knows exactly.  But they’re sure to eat lots of magic leaves to help them fly, and carrots for perfect eyesight for them to cruise forests and into dark nights.

Which one are you?