I actually wrote this as a post for Christmas Eve/Christmas, then forgot to actually POST it! So, it was wait until next year or post it now.
Most of us have heard of the "famous" reindeer - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen; and of course Rudolf TRR. But, have you ever thought about the other reindeer?
I happen to have obtained some information on another one - Marvin.
Marvin was another reindeer along the same designs as Rudolf - a bit of an outcast. However, he had no redeeming physical quality like a red shiny nose. He also was not liked by the other reindeer, you know - no reindeer games, etc., etc. He spent most of his young reindeer life trying to win the admiration, friendship, and/or affection of the other reindeer with almost reckless abandon. But, to no avail. Reindeer can be quite clique-ish and quite judgmental. Once shunned it is almost impossible to reintegrate into reindeer society without the Big Man's endorsement. Marvin had seen Rudolf's success and so wanted it for himself.
Marvin tried working on his flight tactics. He would fly around doing different stunts and maneuvers, but eventually realized he did not have the skills of a Comet or Donner. He was devastated. To help alleviate his loneliness he started hanging out with the elves and around the Claus's house more and more. When the Head Elf, Bernard, would come out Marvin was right there. "Looking good today Bernard! Are you getting taller? Anything I can do for you?"
Marvin was always there trying to become fast friends with Bernard.
As gregarious and accommodating as Marvin was with Bernard, he was even more so with the Clauses. "Good Morning Mrs. Claus" he would shout out as she was working at breakfast. "Lovely day isn't it?" Then inching over to the door he would poke his reindeer snout in and ask "Anything you need today? I am here to help." Then there was usually a comment like "My, my, Mrs. Claus I think you are getting younger every day!" or similar. "Where is the Boss, by the way?"
With a booming "Ho, Ho, Ho" Santa would arrive in the kitchen for his breakfast. Marvin was right on it - "Good Morning, Santa! How are you? I'm not sure what it is, but something Mrs. Claus cooked up smells wonderful! I think you are in for a great breakfast!" Santa just looked back with a "good morning Marvin". "How can I help today Santa? I am here for you." Marvin would always ask. "Just let me eat in peace Marvin". Santa would reply. "Yes, sir! In peace it is. Just let me know what I can do. I will be right out here sir!"
Later, in the workshop Marvin would be right off Santa's shoulder. If Santa was reviewing the toys and gifts, Marvin was listening and observing it all. If Santa liked a gift, Marvin would expound upon its wonder. If Santa had a negative comment, Marvin would shake his head and tell Bernard that he could probably do better. He was always there with a comment and an offer to help. "Can I get you some hot cocoa Boss? Tea? I am here for you. Don't overdo it!" When lunch came Marvin said "Let me fly up to the house and get it for you Santa. Just sit right here. I will be right back."
This kind of behavior was not good for Marvin's acceptance by the other reindeer, and in fact was really hurting his standing with the elves as well. That just made Marvin double down on his efforts with Santa. He was on the spot with a drink, a comment, or a supporting role as best he could.
There is more to this story, but I will address it later. By the way, you may have guessed it by now but as stated above, Marvin was not a red-nosed reindeer as was Rudolf. He was Marvin the brown-nosed reindeer; and would be forever known as such.
Most of us have heard of the "famous" reindeer - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen; and of course Rudolf TRR. But, have you ever thought about the other reindeer?
I happen to have obtained some information on another one - Marvin.
Marvin was another reindeer along the same designs as Rudolf - a bit of an outcast. However, he had no redeeming physical quality like a red shiny nose. He also was not liked by the other reindeer, you know - no reindeer games, etc., etc. He spent most of his young reindeer life trying to win the admiration, friendship, and/or affection of the other reindeer with almost reckless abandon. But, to no avail. Reindeer can be quite clique-ish and quite judgmental. Once shunned it is almost impossible to reintegrate into reindeer society without the Big Man's endorsement. Marvin had seen Rudolf's success and so wanted it for himself.
Marvin tried working on his flight tactics. He would fly around doing different stunts and maneuvers, but eventually realized he did not have the skills of a Comet or Donner. He was devastated. To help alleviate his loneliness he started hanging out with the elves and around the Claus's house more and more. When the Head Elf, Bernard, would come out Marvin was right there. "Looking good today Bernard! Are you getting taller? Anything I can do for you?"
Marvin was always there trying to become fast friends with Bernard.
As gregarious and accommodating as Marvin was with Bernard, he was even more so with the Clauses. "Good Morning Mrs. Claus" he would shout out as she was working at breakfast. "Lovely day isn't it?" Then inching over to the door he would poke his reindeer snout in and ask "Anything you need today? I am here to help." Then there was usually a comment like "My, my, Mrs. Claus I think you are getting younger every day!" or similar. "Where is the Boss, by the way?"
With a booming "Ho, Ho, Ho" Santa would arrive in the kitchen for his breakfast. Marvin was right on it - "Good Morning, Santa! How are you? I'm not sure what it is, but something Mrs. Claus cooked up smells wonderful! I think you are in for a great breakfast!" Santa just looked back with a "good morning Marvin". "How can I help today Santa? I am here for you." Marvin would always ask. "Just let me eat in peace Marvin". Santa would reply. "Yes, sir! In peace it is. Just let me know what I can do. I will be right out here sir!"
Later, in the workshop Marvin would be right off Santa's shoulder. If Santa was reviewing the toys and gifts, Marvin was listening and observing it all. If Santa liked a gift, Marvin would expound upon its wonder. If Santa had a negative comment, Marvin would shake his head and tell Bernard that he could probably do better. He was always there with a comment and an offer to help. "Can I get you some hot cocoa Boss? Tea? I am here for you. Don't overdo it!" When lunch came Marvin said "Let me fly up to the house and get it for you Santa. Just sit right here. I will be right back."
This kind of behavior was not good for Marvin's acceptance by the other reindeer, and in fact was really hurting his standing with the elves as well. That just made Marvin double down on his efforts with Santa. He was on the spot with a drink, a comment, or a supporting role as best he could.
There is more to this story, but I will address it later. By the way, you may have guessed it by now but as stated above, Marvin was not a red-nosed reindeer as was Rudolf. He was Marvin the brown-nosed reindeer; and would be forever known as such.
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