Did you know that this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the longest running and highest rated holiday special of all time? That’s right! Rudolph, the most beloved red-nosed reindeer, is celebrating his 50th Anniversary this year.
For me and my family, it’s not really the Christmas season without watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
I’ve been enjoying this beloved holiday classic since I was a very little girl. I honestly can’t remember the first time I saw it. All I know is that as soon as it aired on television the holiday season “officially” begun (in my eyes that is).
My dad wasn’t a big fan of the show. He didn’t really like any holiday programming. I think a lot of that had to do with him being raised in an orphanage when he was a little boy. His Christmas was nothing like the Christmases I experienced growing up. I have nothing but happy memories where as I’m sure my dad didn’t have any happy memories. So watching holiday shows like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer didn’t see to phase him much. In fact he grumbled when my mom would tell him to let me watch Rudolph. She knew how much I loved it. The moment it was over he would change the channel.
Even though my dad didn’t enjoy the show, it still brings back happy memories from when I was a child. I would love to sit there and watch it while enjoying a candy cane. Afterwards mom would make me some hot chocolate.
I’m lucky that I married someone who also loves Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as much as I do. Whenever it’s on TV we have to watch it. We even have it on Blu-ray and DVD so we can watch it a few times during the holiday season (and usually do). We even have A LOT of decorations around our home based on the holiday special including stuffed animals, ornaments, snow globes and figurines.
My husband has a plush Bumble that he loves. It sits on our bed. Once I caught him fast asleep with Bumble in his arms. LOL!
You’d think he’d be embarrassed by this photo – but he’s not. My husband is just a big kid at heart. 🙂
This year, in celebration of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer‘s 50th Anniversary many places are having special Rudolph related tie-ins and promotions. For example, the U.S. postal service has issued special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer stamps this year (I need to get some!). There is a collector’s edition DVD available, them park and in-mall entertainment, a stage musical and even a special social media campaign called #ShineBright that celebrates uniqueness in association with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
We also have special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer books, compliments of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. The books are from Square Fish which is an imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. They released six new Rudolph themed books including the first graphic novel that stars Rudolph and all his friends, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Island of Misfit Toys by Brendan Deneen.
In addition to this book there is also a beautiful copy of the classic storybook and a My Reader edition specifically made for young readers.
I love the slide-and-find book. I have never seen one done this way before. I have seen pop-up books (there is also a new Rudolph pop-up book). Children can slide these little built in “doors” back and forth to reveal what is behind it. It’s really cute.
Here is some more information about the new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer books.
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
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Island of Misfit Toys – Middle-Grade Graphic Novel for ages 7-12
I LOVE the classic book. That is a keeper. I hope to share that book with my grandchildren, and God willing, grandchildren some day. I know some special little children who I am going to give the other books to.
These would make GREAT holiday gifts. The classic book would also make a great gift for an adult who loves the show. It’s a “keepsake” type of book.
If you would like to learn more about the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group you ca visit their Official Website. You can also follow Macmillan Kids on Twitter. The official hashtag is #Rudolph50.
Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group has generously offered to give a lucky reader all of the new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer books.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on November 30, 2014 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please comment on this post and tell about your favorite Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer memory or character from the show.
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries wont’ qualify (I do check). Extra entries are optional.
Kimberly
*I received free product samples in order to do this review. I also received compensation, however the opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
BalancingMama (Julie) says
I love Rudolph! Especially the young Rudolph and his funny voice when he had the cover over his nose 🙂
Beth Larrabee says
I love Rudolph! I used to have reoccurring nightmares of the Bumble when I was a kid…LOL!
Vickie Marks Allbright says
rudolph has been a fav in our home for many yrs i think my fav part is misfit island
Rachael says
I love Rudolph (I just might be drinking from my new Rudolph cup right now 😉 ) It’s just not Christmas in my family until we’ve watched it. Hermey has always been my favorite character.
Danielle D says
Rudolph is my favorite and there are too many favorites to choose from.
Jaime Nicole says
My favorite is the Bumble (he bounces!). We watch this every year with my kids!
Maureen says
I have been watching this since I was a child and it has recently been something that I watch with my nieces and nephews. My husband and I have ornaments of this show in a few different sizes.
Jana says
I love Rudolph! He’s so sweet and kind. Melts my heart.
McKim says
I remember when I was little sitting in front of the tv in my little wooden rocking chair watching Rudolph. Back then it was a big event to watch tv.
Tabitha says
I cried when the reindeer were mean to rudolph.
i’m too sensitive.
Will G says
I remember watching it on tv with my family as a kid.
Angela W says
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was a great and still is a great song and movie to watched and listened to as a child and now do the same with my children.
Terra Heck says
My husband is not much into Christmas movies but every year he HAS to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer when it plays on television. Guess it brings back good memories for him. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
April says
I always loved the Spotted Elephant!
Cassandra Eastman says
We watched Rudolph every year, now I do the same with my children! Rudolph is my favorite character!
beth shepherd says
I love watching Rudolph with my kids every year. We get on our pjs and pop some popcorn and make hot chocolate and cozy up. I love these memories.
Ellie Wright says
I love Rudoph and have wonderful memories of watching the show every year with my mom and dad.
Kimberly Schotz says
When I was a girl there was no VHS or DVD. I remember waiting to watch Rudolph and how excited I was.
Stephanie Grant says
This animated cartoon is a staple in our home during the holiday season 🙂 I can’t remember a single year that I have not watched this toon at least once during the month of December :)! Cornelius is by far my most favorite character from the show!
Daniel M says
always loved watching it every year growing up
Denise S says
My favorite character was the abominable snowman.
Kim Ann says
I love Rudolph! Always enjoyed watching it on TV.
Stephanie says
my best memory is watching this movie with my mom and then when I got older with my kids!
Terry Maigi says
I love Rudolph! His character is just so sweet 🙂
Katie Klein says
This was one of my favorite movies as a kid and now I love watching it with my boys.
Erika C. says
My children and I have enjoyed watching and reading about Rudolph for many years. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has always been our favorite.
Karen Martin says
I remember watching Rudolph every year on TV. Thanks
Jenn Short says
When I was little I talked to Rudolph at the mall after visiting Santa. It was the only year he ever made an appearance.
Paula Hafner says
Bumble has always been my favorite. I have two mini ones and an ornament.
Lisa V. says
I remember liking Hermey.
Carol Mclemore says
I love Rudolph because he cares about others!
Nicole C. says
My favorite memory is when it would come on every year! I loved it, and still do!
EMMA L HROTON says
HARD TO BELIEVE RUDOLPH IS 50 YEARS OLD
tina reynolds says
I love rudolph the most
Carolyn Daley says
My favorite memory was reading Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer when I was little.
Susan Chester says
Watching Rudolph was a special occasion for me and my sister when we were little. We got to stay up late and have popcorn.
Barbara Bowman says
I love Rudoph…… so many memories
janet says
like 2 watch the movies
Lisa says
I liked Clarice.
Vikki Billings says
My favorite character is Rudolph, he is so sweet!