For those living in the Northern Hemisphere and English speaking world, the holiday season is filled with at least a hundred classic movies. More are created each year, and the list grows, but we always return to the ones that bring us nostalgia and happiness of simpler times. Enter, Burl Ives and the epic puppet animation tv special of 1964: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

A reindeer is born a little different than the rest, and is joined by the squeaky voiced elf Hermey who aspires to be a dentist, and the gruff Yukon Cornelius who represents all the hopes and dreams of the gold rush. The sultry and unique voice of Burl Ives compliments the children’s drama with other songs like “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” A visit from the Abominable Snow Monster, which of course adds furhter conflict to he mix, is frankly terrifying for kids.

The journey takes us to the Island of Misfit toys, and eventually ends with acceptance and a happy ending. It’s a happy and simple message about discrimination and eventual acceptance. The song is nice, but the film is even better. Look for it on Youtube for a laugh and a window into the childhood classic of millions.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows

All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
“Rudolph with your nose so bright,
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight”

Then how the Reindeer loved hiim
As they shouted out with glee,
“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,
You’ll go down in history!”

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,
You’ll go down in History.