Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, now, dash away! dash away! dash away all!
Flying reindeer came to life for the first time in these lines from the classic poem “ ’Twas the Night before Christmas,” also known as “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” written by Clement Clarke Moore (1779–1863). Many years later, another reindeer, perhaps the most famous of all, took flight to guide Santa’s sleigh by night—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Even if you haven’t heard their hooves on your roof, or seen them as they fly across the sky on Christmas Eve—reindeers do exist. You can find them in northern parts of North America, Asia and Europe, where they typically live in herds. Living in colder climates isn’t a problem for reindeer because they have dense fur coats that keep them warm.
Another place you’ll find a reindeer (just in time for Christmas) is on a PERMANENT™ stamp at the domestic rate (52¢) issued by Canada Post on November 1, 2007. This festive stamp shows a single leaping reindeer.
Could it be that our furry friend is off to help Santa pull his sleigh? There’s always that possibility!
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