From where did Santa's reindeer come? And how did Rudolph come to join them?

What’s the story with the reindeer? Where did they originate?

Authors and businessmen are at the bottom of Santa’s ungulate fixation. Washington Irving’s “A History of New York” has Saint Nicholas riding on a horse with a wagon. Fifteen years later, in 1821, a poem called “Santeclaus” provided the jolly one with a sleigh drawn by a single reindeer.

The venerable “The Night Before Christmas” added depth to his reindeers by giving them names and describing the way in which Saint Nicholas (who was an elf at this point) shimmies out of houses. And – no joke – a controversy still exists as to whether “Donner” or “Donder” is the true name of the seventh reindeer. (Senator Robert J. Dole (R-Kansas) allegedly called for an investigation on this extremely critical issue.)

So it was. For over a hundred years, Santa had eight reindeers. Then, in 1939, a Chicago-based chain of department stores gave him a ninth. The company asked one of their copywriters to write a Christmas story as a promotional gimmick.
Robert L. May’s Rudolph was not actually the offspring or even a distant cousin of Santa’s existing reindeer, he was from an “ordinary” reindeer village outside of the North Pole (read: the wrong side of the tracks). And unlike Johnny Marks’ famous song, Rudolph was very much loved by his parents, and only minimally subjected to ridicule.

Moreover, he wasn’t hand-picked by Santa because of his shiny nose. Santa discovered him by accident, when he noticed the glow under the red-nosed reindeer’s door while delivering presents to his house – aw, even animals get gifts!
Weatherman Claus had noticed the fog earlier in the evening and, feeling that it would lead to delays and accidents, gave Rudolph the rags-to-riches story his nose deserved. Upon their successful return home, Santa said, “By YOU last night’s journey was actually bossed. Without you, I’m certain we’d all have been lost!”
(Auhtor Unknown)

How many different ways can you spell "Belschnickle"?

Belschnickle is the PA German version of Santa Claus. Through the years, as people have handed down stories of this gift giver - who has sweets and nuts for good children and a switch on the bottom for the naughty children - the name and spelling has changed to reflect local dialect and pronunciation. The following is a partial list of spellings we've seen.

How do YOU spell Belschnickle?

Belsnickle
Bellschniggle (Philadelphia Gazette, 1827)
Belsh Nickel (Annals of Philadelphia, 1830)
Belschnikkle (1839, Columbia, PA /1840, York, PA)
Peltznikle
Belsnickling
Bell Sneekling (1853, Harrisburg, PA)
Belschnicol
Peltz Nickle (1861, York, PA)
Bell Schnickel
Pelze Nicol
Pelznickle
Peltznickle
Pelz-Nickel
Belznickel
Bells-Nickle
Bell-Snickle
Beltzsnickle
Belsnickler/Pelsnickler (Shenandoah Valley, VA)
Pelse
Belsnicklin
Pelsing
Bells-Snickle
Pelze Nicol (“fur-clad Nicholas”)

National Christmas Center's version:

Amazing Grace Techno - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

New Exhibit Under Construction

Well, we said there would be no new exhibits this year, but we just couldn't help ourselves!

Construction has begun on "O Holy Night". It will showcase a near-life-size, hand-carved wooden Nativity. There are a total of 20 pieces: the Holy Family, kings, shepherds and sheep of course, but also huge camels (three!), an Italian bag piper, oxen and some incredible angels.

They are majestic, finely carved, and richly colored in jewel-tone paint and will make a magnificent display. It will immediately follow The Art of the Nativity, and will precede The First Christmas - the perfect setting for this tribute to the real meaning of Christmas.

We were blessed to get these pieces as a donation to National Christmas Center. They were originally displayed in Marshall Fields' flagship store.

We will post some photos as the exhibit progresses...

Top Story - KidReporters Visit NCC!

Some junior members of the press recently paid a visit to National Christmas Center.

Joshua and Kiernan, rising fifth graders, came to review our museum for the web site KidFriendlyOnline.net. This web site, geared towards families and young children, rates top "kid friendly" attractions around the country. Several Lancaster County properties will be featured in their online critiques and the top reviews, chosen by KidFriendly staff, will be published in a hardcover book.

Joshua liked checking out the old-fashioned brass cash register and all the old toys in our 1950's Woolworth's 5 & 10 Cent Store.

TudorTowne's animated storybook village caught everyone's attention.

The reporters took lots of notes and photographs so they could accurately describe their experiences.

Joshua's family

Kiernan's family

Thanks to KidFriendlyOnline's KidReporters! We hope you enjoyed your visit, and we look forward to reading your reviews of National Christmas Center - a one-of-a-kind kid-friendly museum and family attraction!

Red Hot Christmas in July

It was a Red Hot Christmas in July when we celebrated a special day for Ladies of the Red and Purple Society!
The Jersey Tomatoes (above) were just one of the numerous chapters who visited with us.

The Ladies loved shopping at Paradise Christmas gift shop!

Lucky was all decked out for the event...

The Red H@t flag flew outside our doors as we welcomed each chapter.

Next Red and Purple Event is Red Hot Christmas Magic and Memories in November! See our web site for details!

New additions to Art of the Nativity

A selection of more than 150 contemporary Nativities from around the world has been donated to our collection, The Art of the Nativity. This addition has generated quite a bit of interest from visitors, as the different styles, materials and techniques tell the stories of the cultures of their origin. Soon to come... an exquisite, near-life-size Nativity, complete with a menagerie of animals. Check back with us for updates.