You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen

But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

The most famous reindeer of all didn’t even exist until 1939 and more shocking is that when he first arrived on the scene, his name wasn’t Rudolph.

In the 1930’s Montgomery Ward stores had Santa give away coloring books to the children who visited Santa. Executives decided it would save money if they created a Christmas storybook and publish it for the handouts instead.

Robert L. May worked as a copywriter for Montgomery Ward. He was given the task of creating the storybook and he wrote a charming story about a shy, oddball reindeer who didn’t fit in with the rest of the crew. Rollo’s bright red nose made them laugh at him and tease him.

Montgomery Ward executives liked the story, hated the name. They insisted that May find another name for the reindeer; Rollo was too carefree. They weren’t crazy about the second suggestion, Reginald, either.

Finally Robert May came up with a name that pleased the company – Rudolph. In a brilliant move, May asked for the copyright to the story.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer was immortalized in a song recorded by Gene Autry in 1949 and has been the star of his own Christmas special.

Robert May continued to work for Montgomery Ward and retired nicely on the royalties earned from Rollo, ahem, I mean Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer.