Sixty years ago, a stop-motion reindeer with a glowing red nose first appeared on television, sparking a holiday tradition that continues to warm hearts worldwide.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” premiered on Dec. 6, 1964, and has since become the longest-running Christmas special in history. Its themes of acceptance, resilience and celebrating differences resonate as deeply today as they did in the 1960s, a decade when America grappled with social change.
Oak Lawn’s Rick Goldschmidt, Rankin/Bass historian and author of multiple books about the studio, believes the timeless appeal of Rudolph lies in its universal message.
“The story of Rudolph being excluded from reindeer games is something so many people can relate to,” Goldschmidt said. “Robert L. May captured that in the original 1939 storybook, and Rankin/Bass brought it to life with heart. All their specials feature characters who don’t quite fit in but eventually find their place.”
Goldschmidt’s Oak Lawn home serves as a living museum to Rudolph and the works of Rankin/Bass. Every room overflows with treasures—rare puppets, original artwork and memorabilia from the studio that also produced Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town and The Hobbit.
“Rankin/Bass specials stand out because they give personality to these characters,” Goldschmidt said. “Before Rudolph, Santa Claus was just an advertising figure—selling Coca-Cola, cigarettes and other products. But Rankin/Bass gave him a backstory. They answered questions like why he says, ‘ho, ho, ho,’ why he wears a red suit and why he goes down chimneys. That kind of storytelling brought heart and warmth that appealed to everyone—not just kids.”
A key part of the special’s magic comes from its music. Goldschmidt notes that Johnny Marks, who wrote Rudolph’s iconic songs, was Arthur Rankin’s neighbor in New York. However, he emphasizes the often-overlooked contribution of Maury Laws, Rankin/Bass’ orchestrator.
“Maury’s orchestrations brought so much joy and energy—they made the special pop,” Goldschmidt said. “Together, he and Jules Bass were like Lennon and McCartney for children’s entertainment. Songs like ‘Holly Jolly Christmas,’ ‘Silver and Gold,’ and ‘Put One Foot in Front of the Other’ are timeless. One day, someone will realize these songs deserve a Broadway production—not just the ones from Rudolph, but everything Rankin/Bass did.”
It’s not just the music that has kept Rudolph relevant for six decades. The story itself resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Goldschmidt notes how Rudolph has become a beacon for diverse audiences.
“I’ve had autistic fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community tell me they see themselves in these characters,” he said. “The underdog theme brings everyone together. That’s what makes Rankin/Bass specials unique—they show us that even misfits have a place in the world.”
Goldschmidt’s passion for Rankin/Bass began with his love of their artistry, which he calls “iconic.” Designers like Jack Davis and Paul Coker Jr., who also worked for Mad Magazine, created much of the studio’s visual style.
“Their simple, stylized designs are so memorable,” Goldschmidt said. “Even the elves in Rudolph have lightbulb-shaped noses, a clever nod to GE, the special’s sponsor. And Hermey the Elf is different, with a regular nose and ears, because he’s a misfit. Those details make all the difference.”
Goldschmidt’s encyclopedic knowledge of Rudolph extends to its production quirks. He delights in sharing behind-the-scenes tidbits, such as how Yukon Cornelius’ habit of licking his pickaxe originally had a payoff.
“He discovers peppermint near Santa’s castle, but that scene was cut after the first showing,” Goldschmidt said. “It wasn’t restored until the 1998 DVD release. Without it, his habit just seemed random.”
Another change involved the Misfit Toys. “In the first broadcast, Santa didn’t go back to rescue them,” Goldschmidt said. “That was added later after viewers wrote in asking what happened to them.”
Even the puppets used in Rudolph have a unique story. “The ones used in promotional photos weren’t the same as those in the animation—they stayed in Japan,” he said. “The promo puppets were given to Arthur Rankin’s secretary, whose family played with them. Most were damaged, but Santa and Rudolph survived and were eventually restored.”
Goldschmidt hopes his vast collection, which inspired the TV show Collector’s Call, will continue to be preserved, though he acknowledges it may eventually be sold.
“These pieces represent history—they should be appreciated for generations to come,” he said. “But my kids probably wouldn’t know what to do with it all, so it will most likely be sold one day.”
The influence of Rankin/Bass extends far beyond Christmas. “They created specials for almost every holiday—Jack Frost for Groundhog Day, Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold for St. Patrick’s Day, and more,” Goldschmidt said. “Their adaptation of The Hobbit won awards and is still considered one of the best versions of Tolkien’s work.”
Their style also inspired modern creators. “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas owes a lot to Rankin/Bass,” Goldschmidt said. “Vincent Price, who voiced a villain in their Peter Cottontail special, clearly inspired Burton’s Gothic style.”
As Rudolph continues to bring joy to new generations, Goldschmidt reflects on its lasting appeal.
“If Rudolph were made now, it would probably be faster-paced to match today’s short attention spans,” he said. “But that would lose the heart and warmth that make it timeless. Rankin/Bass had a relaxed style that people return to because it reminds them of simpler times.”
For six decades, families have gathered around their televisions, year after year, to watch Rudolph light the way for Santa’s sleigh. In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and uncertain, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer offers a comforting reminder of acceptance, hope and the enduring magic of holiday traditions.
Def 1 of my fav n family tradition to watch “Rudolph! That’s soo Amazing to have all that! Maybe you can find a family to wants to carry on the tradition of putting that up for Christmas Every Yr! Like maybe donate it or sell it to someone who won The Great American Light Fight! { that’s thier dream to collect more n more! I would make sure ya tell ur fam ya want it to go to a “Good thing!