Do you remember your first Christmas romance story? It took me a while to remember mine, but then I realized it's. . .
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
At first glance, it seems to be a story about a lovable reindeer with an odd quirk--that bright red nose of his--and an elf with a seemingly unattainable career choice. But when you dig a little deeper, you can see how this tale really does track with the romance stories we love so much.
There are two young lovers, Rudolph and Clarice, who have strong feelings for each other, despite their parents' objections. And Clarice's dad -- it's great to be protective of your daughter, but he gets a little too alpha about it, literally butting heads with Rudolph's dad. He's the reason the young reindeer are torn apart, even though we know how perfect they are for each other.
One minute Rudolph is flying through the air because Clarice has let him know 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 heart wrenching!
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.
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 nibbled on by The Abominable One, but Hermey gets to use his dental training, rendering the 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 see 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 great romances do.
I've always believed the story ends with a happily-ever-after. And if it doesn't, I've already written one in--because after all of those romantic, heroic things we've just experienced, it wouldn't be right for Rudolph and Clarice to be denied their happily-ever-after.
