Alongside Father Christmas (Also known as Saint Nicholas), the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are an integral part of the festive season.
With the popular song ‘Rudolph the red nosed reindeer’ and images of the jolly old man travelling the world with his flying reindeer on a foggy Christmas eve, the reindeer are synonymous with Christmas. But where did they come from?
Without these guys travelling the night before Christmas delivering presents, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same.
The Origin of Father Christmas & Reindeer
The origin of Santa’s reindeer is deeply rooted in early 19th-century American literature. The initial mention of St Nicholas and his reindeer can be traced back to the 1821 poem “Old Santeclaus with Much Delight,” published anonymously. This poem, one of the earliest to reference Santa Claus, depicted a jolly figure traveling in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, though it did not provide specific names for the reindeer.
The real turning point in the popularisation of Santa’s reindeer came with the publication of Clement Clarke Moore’s iconic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” in 1823. Commonly known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Moore’s work profoundly shaped the modern depiction of Santa Claus and his reindeer. In this poem, Moore introduced the now famous reindeer names: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.
Moore’s vivid and imaginative description transformed the reindeer from mere elements of folklore into beloved characters in their own right. The poem described Santa’s sleigh being pulled through the night sky by a team of reindeer, each with distinct qualities. Dasher and Dancer were portrayed as swift and graceful, Prancer and Vixen as playful and charming, while Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen brought a sense of joy, love, and speed to the scene.
How Many Reindeer Does Santa Claus Have?
Santa Claus traditionally has nine reindeer in his iconic team, each with its own distinct personality and role.
The original eight reindeer were introduced in Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”).
Dasher
Known for his incredible speed, Dasher leads Santa’s team with agility and swiftness. His name reflects his swift movements, making him essential for navigating the night sky efficiently.
Dancer
Elegant and lively, Dancer brings a graceful quality to the team. His playful and rhythmic nature adds a touch of beauty to the sleigh ride, making the journey smooth and joyful.
Prancer
Playful and spirited, Prancer is full of energy and enthusiasm. This male reindeer has a lively demeanor and joyful attitude make him a vital contributor to the team’s morale, ensuring that the journey is filled with excitement.
Vixen
Enchanting and mystical, Vixen, a female reindeer, adds a magical touch to the team. Her name suggests a sense of charm and allure, enhancing the festive and whimsical atmosphere of Santa’s journey.
Comet
Associated with joy and delight, Comet brings a sense of happiness and cheerfulness to the team. His name reflects his role in spreading festive joy during the Christmas season.
Cupid
Known for spreading love and cheer, Cupid’s warm-hearted nature helps to instill the spirit of goodwill and affection throughout Santa’s journey. His role is to ensure that the holiday spirit reaches all.
Donner (sometimes spelled “Donder”)
With a name that means “thunder,” Donner is known for his strength and powerful presence. His steady and reliable nature helps to guide the sleigh through challenging conditions.
Blitzen
Famous for his lightning-fast speed, Blitzen is essential for maintaining the swift pace of the sleigh ride. His name, meaning “lightning,” highlights his quickness and efficiency in delivering gifts.
These reindeer are described as pulling Santa’s sleigh through the night sky, each contributing to the magic and efficiency of his journey.
The ninth reindeer, Rudolph, was introduced later. His story began in 1939 with a booklet written by Robert L. May and was popularised by the hit song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks. Rudolph’s bright red nose, which lights up the night sky, became crucial in guiding Santa’s sleigh through foggy weather and this young reindeer is arguably the most famous reindeer.
While the original eight reindeer are well-known from Moore’s poem, Rudolph’s inclusion with the other reindeer has made Santa’s magical creatures even more memorable and beloved, especially among children.
What to Leave the Reindeer’s On Christmas Eve?
Santa’s fleet are incredible, and they travel around the world with Santa to make sure all the children have their presents on Christmas morning, so what can you leave them to thank them, and ensure they have enough energy and magic to make Christmas Day special.
In little packets you can get special reindeer food, perfect for sprinkling outside for the reindeer to graze on whilst Santa leaves the presents. This food will give these creatures all the energy they need to carry on their journey before they head back to the North Pole.
Carrots & ApplesA personal favourite of the Reindeer, Carrots and Apples are the perfect bite size, and tasty treat that can be left out for these magical animals. The little bite of fruit will give them a burst of energy and allow them to carry their gift through the winter night.
