Life lessons from Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

When Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer premiered on NBC during the 1964 holiday season, Rankin-Bass had a hit on his hands. Based on a song (which was based on a poem), they used the technique of stop motion animation and captivated children. But beyond the sweetness of the story and the lovability of the characters, there are also life lessons from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The Fresh Toast – Who would have thought that the life lessons of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer would stand the test of time and help children and adults today?

It's okay to be different

It is difficult for children in school to be different. Whether it's growing up early, wearing glasses, or a variety of other things that stand out from the mainstream, it's hard. Rudolph goes and goes his own way, makes friends and finally recognizes the value of his difference.

In the land of Misfit Toys, Dolly's only apparent “flaw” is displaying persistent sadness, a sign that she is likely suffering from depression. The other toys accept them and Santa belatedly realizes that they can be loved and finds a home for them.

Sometimes it comes from unexpected quarters. “You'll be a normal little goat, just like everyone else,” says Rudolph's father a few minutes after the child's birth. From then on, Rudy's self-esteem goes downhill. “In the early years, the Donners did a pretty good job of hiding Rudolph's… 'non-conformity,'” says the Snowman narrator. The idea of ​​nonconformity only emerged in the 50s and 60s. First with rock 'n' roll, then with punk rockers and a host of misfits for the next 50 years and counting.

RELATED: 5 Morning Activities That Will Help You Feel Happier

Meaningful work is crucial

Herbie knew he was an outsider, but also felt like he had a purpose. He knows he could make his team better if people understood. Not content to stay in an assembly line job he hated, he took the risk of choosing something he loved. Finding out who you are and what talents you have can be scary, but it pays off in the long run. Ultimately, Herbie has the chance to open his much-needed practice.

Be open

Although Rudolph's father emotionally abused his son throughout his childhood, he demands to be the only one looking for him when the boy runs away from home. He tells Ms. Donner that she can't come with him because it's “men's work.” However, as soon as the old bastard leaves, Rudy's new girlfriend shows up and the ladies go looking for him.

Adapting isn't everything

When it turns out that his nose is different, all of the training reindeer, including the trainer, make fun of Rudolph. For millions of children who watched the show, Rudolph gave hope to those who were being bullied. It's hard, but the hero defies and decides to stay alone and be himself.

Everyone can contribute

Social outcasts, including a spotted elephant, a train with square wheels, and a gun that shoots… jelly? …are the new squad that Rudolph finds. Okay, cue up the Twenty One Pilots song.

RELATED: Easy Holiday Whiskey Cocktails

It's never too late to change

The Abominable Snowman spends most of his time terrorizing the creatures of the North Pole, sending them into hiding every time he casts a shadow. But by the end of their journey, old Abominable's heart has grown three sizes – and all he wants is a job decorating Christmas trees.

Sometimes you don't have the whole story

Have you ever noticed how the miner, Yukon Cornelius, does he keep licking the pickaxe in a really weird way? Well, there's more to it than just a gun fetish Snopes reported. In a deleted scene, Yukon says that he was looking for peppermint mines the whole time.

Plus, in the 1964 show, Santa Claus didn't end up collecting toys from the Island of Misfit Toys. A letter-writing campaign followed and in 1965 the new ending was added. Also in 1965, sponsor General Electric insisted on replacing the song “We're a Couple of Misfits” with “Fame and Fortune”, a change that lasted until 1998. was reinstated as “Misfits”.