Since the movie appeared on television in 1964, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” continues to charm audiences with the heartwarming story of a little reindeer learning to appreciate his unique nose, something we all need to learn. Unfortunately, this treasured classic recently received an onslaught of hateful Twitter remarks after channels began to air the movie in honor of the season.

One Twitter post states, “Yearly reminder that #Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a parable on racism & homophobia w/ Santa as a bigoted exploitative.” Harsh words against a children’s movie that, up until recently, only received the admiration of kids and fond remembrance of parents during Christmas. 

Audience members choose to frown upon the bullying shown in the movie, but this classic is not the only holiday tradition facing scrutiny from modern-day viewers. The song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, also receives negative comments because some people claim that the lyrics insinuate the act of ‘taking advantage’. In 2014, debates even rose around Starbucks’ Christmas decorated cups, saying the decorations unfairly excluded other winter holidays. But, these complaints seem wrongly given.

Companies like, Rankin/Bass Productions, who produced holiday films such as Frosty the Snowman, The Year Without a Santa Claus, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer only try to spark joy, peace and happiness through the films. Their works include stories mainly centered around forgiveness, hope and faith, three qualities that deserve only praise and support. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer shows bullying, but only to teach a lesson about appreciating individuality at the end, again an appreciation everyone needs. The lyrics of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” seem related to themes of rape; however, the song was originally written by Frank Loesser in 1944 as a duet to perform with his wife for leaving party guests. In 1944, the negative connotations hardly applied and the song brought simple enjoyment. Why can’t it just be left at that? The complexity of current thoughts and meanings destroy the innocent, original purpose of the song, which in turn takes away from the beauty and spirit of the season.

By taking a more relaxed stance on details outdated in today’s society, people gain the opportunity to simply enjoy the holidays, something many modern day, persnickety people have forgotten People need to start focusing on the sparks of light and goodness, instead of nitpicking everything one comes across, in relation to seasonal spirit. With this new frame of mind, who knows what joy might come from it, if one just simply seeks the intended joy in an element meant for happiness and simplicity.