Yes, it's that time of year again. Gather round while I tell you about the first Christmas romance story I remember. It's no surprise that it is. . .
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
There are two young lovers, Rudolph and Clarice, who have strong feelings for each other, despite their parents' objections. Clarice's dad is the toughest. . .it's great that he's so protective of his daughter, but he gets a little too alpha about it, literally butting heads with Rudolph's dad.
One minute Rudolph is flying through the air because Clarice has confessed she's smitten with him. The next he's leaving his home, and his detractors, because they have shunned him and his glowing nose. Talk about heartwrenching!
Fortunately he joins up with Hermey, the would-be dentist, and the two are off on a grand adventure, gaining experiences that will aid them in the future, while giving the would-be heroes a chance to see what they're truly made of.
There's even a black moment, when all seems hopelessly lost. The Abominable Snowman has captured Clarice, as well as Rudolph's parents, planning to make them his holiday snack. In true heroic fashion, Rudolph sacrifices himself to save those he loves. It looks like HE might be the next thing gobbled up by The Abominable One, but just when things look their worst, Hermey swoops in, using his dental training to render that big guy toothless, and harmless.
And just like in all the best romances, the character trait that seems to be a flaw in the beginning turns out to be just what everyone needed, although they were unable to recognize it at first. Rudolph's beacon of a nose saves Christmas, since Santa was ready to cancel the whole thing (he said it was because of the weather, but maybe he finally realized how tough it is to deliver that many toys in just one night--we'll never know for sure).
Rudolph also rescues the lonely toys from the Island of Misfit Toys, so they can be given to children who don't have any play things--demonstrating Rudolph's compassion, and giving us a lovely misty-eyed moment, like all the greatest romances do.
I've always believed the story ends with a happily-ever-after too. And if it doesn't, I've already written one in--because after all those romantic, heroic things we've just experienced, it wouldn't be right for Rudolph and Clarice, or us, to be denied their HEA.
