The article discusses the origins and history of Santa Claus' reindeer, particularly Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Topics covered include the reindeer in traditional festive and popular culture, the names given to the reindeer characters, and the popularity of Robert L. May's 1939 storybook "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the 1949 Christmas song of the same title.