Rudolph stormed off to his cottage, his nose pulsing with red-hot rage. He stormed through the living room so quickly his father hadn’t had time to even say hello. He slammed the door to his bedroom and fell onto his bed.

“Knock, knock,” said his father, “what’s this all about, son?”

“It’s the others,” said Rudolph, “they finally are accepting me, but I know it isn’t real. They only like me because Santa thinks I can help guide the sleigh with my nose.”

“Well that sounds like a wonderful thing, bud,” said his father. “It’s what you’ve always wanted, no?”

Rudolph sat up in his bed and turned to face his father. “No. This isn’t what I’ve always wanted—not exactly. Sure, it is nice to be needed. Sure, it feels good to have my uniqueness finally perceived as a strength. But, it doesn’t change how they’ve treated me in the past. It doesn’t heal the hurt. It doesn’t give me back all those tearful nights and make them all better.”

“I know son,” his father said as he grabbed his hoof, “those were tough times. But tough times make tough reindeer. Sometimes moving on means forgiving those who hurt us.”

“That’s easier said than done,” replied Rudolph.

“I know. I truly do. It was hard on me to see how all of the other reindeer treated you. I can only imagine how hard it was for you. But sometimes what is required of us is bigger than ourselves. If you don’t help Santa tonight, think of all the kids who won’t wake up tomorrow to gifts under the tree. Only you can make that happen. You can use your nose to brighten both the night sky and the lives of children across the globe.”

“I guess so,” sniffled Rudolph. “It just feels wrong that those who have shunned me are going to benefit from my gifts. It feels like I’d be letting myself down if I help, but I’d be insanely selfish to let those kids down.”

“Oh, son. Self love is never selfish.” His father paused and thought a moment. “If you truly need to take this beat, and not guide that sleigh, your mother and I will support you. You need to do what is right for you, first and foremost. I didn’t mean to make you feel selfish. I just want you to know what a benefit to the world your gift can be.

“And, as far as those horrible other reindeer benefitting from your gifts: well, isn’t it true that Santa still gives gifts to children on the naughty list from time to time? Isn’t it true that those kids still deserve to feel warmth and love despite what their actions may be? I’m not saying it will be easy, or even that it will feel good right away, but maybe you can use your gifts to show them how you should have been treated.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Rudolph said as he straightened in his bed. “Maybe I can use my newfound standing to enact some change. Maybe I can make it so that other reindeer with special gifts never have to feel what I felt. Maybe I can lead from the front, and show others that you can look like me and be useful, and needed, and successful, and loved.”

“You are all of those things and more, son,” said his father as he embraced Rudolph in a warm hug. “You make me proud to be your Dad.”

Rudolph’s nose shined bright, enveloping the room in a bright-red glow. “Dad, stop, you’re embarrassing me!”

Rudolph gathered his things and made his way to the door. “Thanks, Dad. I really needed this tonight.”

“Any time son. Now go out there and go down in history!”

“Dad, phrasing!” Shouted Rudolph as his nose fluttered.

“Sorry, sorry,” said his father flustered, “break a leg, son!”

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