Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the longest-running and highest-rated holiday TV special of all time, and it is inarguably a beloved part of the American holiday tradition.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Yes, the sort-of fuzzy and very dated little reindeer with the bright red nose who couldn’t join in any reindeer games. Fifty years! Hard for me to believe that I’m only 10 years younger than Rudolph…. but really- so very many of my holiday memories are entwined with the story of Rudolph, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, Hermey, and the friends from the Island of Misfit Toys. Books, toys, songs, quotes, stuffed animals… there are so many ways that I’ve had Rudolph as a part of my holiday life (and beyond) and I just love that I can continue sharing the love of Rudolph with my kids. I’m pretty sure I’ve watched Rudolph, read the books, or both every single Christmas season of my life.
I’ve heard stories about me singing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer off-key for most of a year, I think when I was 4 or 5? It’s kind of fun that my youngest spends a whole lot of time singing it as well (she’s just 5 herself). Growing up, every year we would all watch when CBS aired Rudolph on TV, no matter how old we were, or what stage of life we were in. My husband thought I was so strange that I would not just watch, but would make sure to be ready to watch (popcorn, not multitasking) when Rudolph was on TV. Trust me when I tell you, he’s a changed man. It’s taken 14 years but he’s turned into a Christmas guy, and loves watching all of our beloved holiday friends almost as much as I do. He knew the holiday lineup of shows before I did last year. I was VERY proud.
So naturally, when I heard there was a TO DO for Rudolph, the best reindeer ever, I had to be involved. The anniversary celebration includes a major tie-in with the U.S. Postal Service, tribute promos from CBS, a collector’s edition DVD with new bonus material, a new stage musical, theme park and in-mall entertainment, and a social media campaign – #ShineBright – that celebrates uniqueness in association with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. (Note to self: go get Rudolph stamps ASAP for holiday cards!)
We received 6 Rudolph books in honor of the big anniversary to enjoy. They go from toddler all the way up to a special anniversary edition- and several in between. When I showed the kids the books, my son, age 7, sat down, opened the book, and emerged an hour later asking for book 2. (Is there to be a Rudolph series?)
ABOUT THE BOOKS
Square Fish, an imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, is releasing 6 new Rudolph-themed books that span a variety of formats, including the first ever graphic novel starring Rudolph and company, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS, by Brendan Deneen. Other formats include a classic storybook, a picture book, slide-and-find and lift-the-flap board books, and a ‘My Reader’ edition specifically designed for beginning readers. There’s something for the whole family!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition for ages 4-8
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Slide and Find Board Book for ages 2-4
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Life-the-Flap Board Book for ages 2-4
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Rudolph Saves the Day Paperback picture book for ages 3-7
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: My Reader Level 2 Paperback Reader for ages 5-7
This is the stage my youngest is reading, and she was REALLY excited about this book. She could read every word, with the exception of names and Christmastown.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Island of Misfit Toys Middle-Grade Graphic Novel for ages 7-12
Visit Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group Official Website
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One reader will win the 6 books pictured above to celebrate Rudolph’s 50th!
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Susan Moore says
Rudolph was always one of my favorite Christmas shows when I was a child and it still is.
Leslie Davis says
When I was little “Santa” would bring stocking stuffers for me each of the 10 days between my birthday and Christmas.
Stephanie Galbraith says
I love watching my kids on Christmas Eve about to open their presents.
Stephanie Larison says
Both sides of the family coming over to celebrate Christmas together. I miss it!
Laurie Emerson says
My favorite holiday memory is when my husband came home on leave for Christmas as a surprise for me. The best Christmas ever!
Susan Smith says
My favorite memory was baking cookies with my Grandma at Christmas.
EMMA L HORTON says
I GREW UP ON A FARM IN KY AND WE ALWAYS CUT OUR CHRISTMAS TREES AND I REMEMBER WALKING IN THE WOODS TRYING TO FIND A GOOD TREE
Denise S says
I like remembering how my sister and I snuck candy canes off the tree.
Kortney Lah says
All the one’s I spent with my grandparents.
John says
Our kids opening up their new pj’s on Christmas Eve & then checking with NORAD to see when Santa would be at our house.
christine j says
my favorite memory was christmas at my grandmothers house.
Amber Faith says
My favorite Christmas memory was my daughter’s very first Christmas. It was so sweet.
Beth says
Waking up and running downstairs to look under the tree
Twila says
Building a gingerbread house
lisa peters says
PJs on Christmas eve
Cassandra Eastman says
My favorite memory is when me and my sisters got bikes for Christmas!!
Nannypanpan says
Probably my sons second christmas..he was so excited and had no idea why their were so many gifts
lorene desjardins says
visiting all my cousins on christmas morning and opening gifts
ken ohl says
Gathering at my Grandmothers home and the spread of food she had was unreal you name she had it home made.
John says
Coming home from work one Christmas morning to find that one of my kids had opened ALL of the presents, including his brother’s.
DEBIJOT says
My favorite holiday memory was getting my engagement ring on Christmas Day.
Anne Perry says
My favorite holiday memory is feeding the dogs and cats at the animal shelter.
McKim says
Mine is making fruitcakes with my mom.
D Schmidt says
My favorite holiday memory was last year when my family came to stay from overseas.
Kelly D says
My favorite holiday memory is the last year or two, when my kids helped me decorate the Christmas tree.
KV says
My favorite memory is making sugar cookies & fudge during the holidays.