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Reindeer Day
Dec 9
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"🎶 You know Dasher MacTavish and Dancer MacKay,
Prancer MacDougall and Vixen MacRae,
Comet McCallum and Cupid MacBride,
Donner MacLeod and Blitzen MacClyde,
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph MacRednose reindeer,
Had a glow you couldna miss!
And if you ever saw him,
You’d be sure to give a kiss (on both cheeks!)
All of the other reindeer,
Decked in tartan, bonnie and fine,
Used to laugh and dance with him
At the Yule-tide ceilidh time!
Then one snowy Hogmanay,
Santa came to say,
"Rudolph, lad, ye’ll lead tonight,
Your nose will guide my sleigh alright!"
Then how the reindeer loved him,
Clapping loud and shouting, "Aye!"
Rudolph MacRednose reindeer,
You’re our Scottish Christmas guy!
~ Rudolph MacRednose
Deer friends and gentle dancers ... The association of reindeer with Christmas largely stems from the 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, written by Clement Clarke Moore (or possibly Henry Livingston Jr.). This poem introduced the idea of Santa’s sleigh being pulled by eight reindeer, giving them their iconic names like Dasher, Dancer, and Prancer. The reindeer became a permanent fixture in Christmas lore, further cemented by the 20th-century story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, created in 1939 by Robert L. May for a Montgomery Ward holiday booklet. Reindeer were a fitting choice for Santa’s sleigh because of their association with snowy northern climates, particularly in Scandinavia and Siberia, where they’ve been traditionally used as draft animals, making them a natural and whimsical addition to the imagery of Christmas. Celebrate the season with your deer or dear friends, a strathspey devised by Bob Anderson for a workshop in Red Deer Alberta. And be sure to wear your holiday antlers for a special touch, red noses optional. 😜 ❤️ 🤍 ❤️ 🦌 🦌 🦌 🦌
Deer Friends
Reindeer hold a special place in Christmas traditions across the world, symbolizing the magic of the season and the spirit of giving. In many Western cultures, they are most famously known as the loyal companions of Santa Claus, guiding his sleigh through snowy skies on Christmas Eve. This imagery originates from the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas", which introduced Dasher, Dancer, and their fellow reindeer. In Scandinavian countries, reindeer are more than mythical creatures—they are real animals integral to the lives of the Sámi people, who herded them for centuries and incorporated them into winter folklore. In Russia, reindeer are associated with Ded Moroz, the Slavic equivalent of Santa Claus, who delivers gifts with the help of these sturdy animals. Meanwhile, in regions like Alaska and Canada, reindeer-themed events, such as parades and sleigh rides, celebrate their importance in both indigenous cultures and festive cheer. Around the world, reindeer bring a sense of wonder to Christmas, embodying both cultural heritage and seasonal joy.
For some of a certain age, the animated Christmas special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer premiered in December1964, has since become a beloved holiday classic. Produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, the stop-motion animated television special brought to life the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing red nose who overcomes rejection and doubt to find his place as the leader of Santa's sleigh team. The special was inspired by the 1939 poem written by Robert L. May and the subsequent 1949 song made famous by Gene Autry. Narrated by Burl Ives, who also voiced Sam the Snowman and performed iconic songs like "A Holly Jolly Christmas," the special introduced memorable characters such as Hermey the elf, who dreams of becoming a dentist, Yukon Cornelius, and the lovable yet misunderstood Abominable Snow Monster. Premiering on NBC and later moving to CBS, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer continues to enchant audiences annually, reminding viewers of the importance of acceptance, self-belief, and the magic of Christmas.
Click below for an excerpt!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
