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38 Santa’s Reindeer Names & Personalities

A List of Santa's Reindeer

Names and Their

Personalities

BY Cynthia Sageleaf

There are Santa’s reindeer and then there are
Santa’s reindeer. What are they like? Are they
mischievous? Are they funny?
Clement C. Moore used secretive means
to reveal the names of eight reindeer in his
poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.
But once the world found out, people
began to make songs about them, and Santa
started using their names every time he took off
in the sled. But, what do people really know
about the reindeer?
They have funny names and there is a lot
of talk about the eight famous reindeer (there’s Prancer: The Fairest of Them All implies. He’s quite handsome and is always
even a ninth and a tenth—the other reindeer!) smiling. He’s easy-going and loves to play ball
during the holiday season. But, during their time Prancer loves the other reindeer and would do with all the young fawns.
off, what do they do? anything for them. All the children of the world seem to
But he also loves to carry a mirror to look up to him. Santa, of course, loves this
Dasher: The Speed Demon regard himself on the sleigh every now and about Comet.
then. He has to look his best all the time because In the days before Christmas, Santa will
Who hasn't heard of Dasher? he never knows quite who he’s going to meet. head out with Comet to check his list and see
He’s one of the fastest reindeer in Mrs. Clause made him a special how children all around the world are doing.
Santa’s herd. He’s always ready to dash out the reindeer-harness that is red and green with extra When they see Comet, they flock to pet him
door. For that reason, he excels at track and field attachments for his mirror, comb, and brush. because he’s quite adorable and so laid-back.
during the off-season. He often is found in the elves’ factory He just loves the attention the children
So, after his yearly tenure at the North prancing around gracefully with all the other shower upon him. Plus, he inspires little
Pole, he might find himself at a high school reindeer, elves, and helpers cheering him on. children to be on their best behavior.
track and field meet, trying to run the 800-yard Are You Like Prancer? Are You Like Comet?
dash. You can bet he’s usually the first to finish. • loves to make people laugh
“Dasher” originally came from a • always is sure to look great • incredibly smart
German name, Dascher, meaning "purse- • loves his accessories • laid back
maker." Whoa! He can sew! One has to wonder • great at baking (especially mint-flavored • likes flexibility
if he is the Father of the Modern Hand Bag. cookies) • once he makes up his mind to do something,
Are You Like Dasher? • absolutely loyal he'll get it done
• loves to be social • has high energy • always willing to lend a helping hand
• good at sports; prefers track and field • totally thinks out loud • loves honesty and playing fair
• doesn't mind the cold • enthusiastic
• aware of fashion • favorite song: Santa Claus is Comin' to Cupid: Loves Sharing Love
• loves to party Town
• happy Cupid is an affectionate reindeer. She has
• has a big heart Vixen: The Most Enchanting Reindeer Christmas reins decorated with red and green
little heart-shaped bells. Her motto is “Spread
Dancer: The Salsa Phenomenon Vixen is the comedic reindeer known for lots of the Love.”
magic tricks. The other reindeer often get She often carries mistletoes and
Dancer is a reindeer with a unique personality. slightly annoyed with his ability to make things mysteriously places them all around peoples’
He’s completely extroverted. When he’s not disappear and reappear. entryways at Christmastime. That way, people
helping Santa, he’s having dance parties. He’s great at tricking the other reindeer don’t forget to hug and kiss during the season.
His favorite genre is Latin music due to out of their candy canes. He also has a weakness She’s always singing, too. The other
the strong rhythm. He would be happy to dance for yummy Santa-shaped chocolates. reindeer roll their eyes when she begins singing
with Enrique Iglesias. Santa, however, loves Vixen’s tricks “Joy to the World” for the thousandth time.
Since dancing is his passion, he knows because they really come in handy on Christmas She also makes appearances on
the tango, salsa, meringue, and even has Eve. That bag of toys is quite large, and that Valentine’s day, showering people with red
ventured into contra- and square-dancing. Do- chimney is quite small . . . hearts.
si-do-ing can be a little difficult, but he likes it. Are You Like Vixen? Are You Like Cupid?
Plus, you’ll never find him without a • very smart • favorite colors are red and green
bell around his neck, as he never hesitates to • loves to be the center of attention • loves jazzy Christmas music
indulge in pomp and circumstance. • cool, calm, and collected • really good at finding mistletoe
Are You Like Dancer? • everyone likes to confide in him • really good with bows and arrows
• has good hand-eye-foot coordination • gifted at magic tricks • cannot stand it when a friend is sad and will
• great at dance moves • loves to help others, especially Santa often do anything to help
• loves wearing colorful clothes runs late • oves helping Santa eat his cookies and milk
• popular among the elves • has a sweet tooth, but also likes a good,
• loves eating popcorn Comet: An All-Around Wonderful crunchy carrot
• loves a celebration Reindeer
• loves to go to the movies with friends
(Continued on Page 39)
Comet is out of this world—as his name