Another stormy Christmas Eve had fallen upon the North Pole. Rudolph was needed again, but he was faced with another inconvenience: Janice had gotten a cold on the 23rd, and her condition hadn’t improved yet.

As Rudolph was making up his mind about whether he ought to go out or stay home, he helped in every way he could in helping Janice heal. “Clarice”, he started, “I’m not going.” “What?”, said Clarice. Rudolph continued as Santa arrived. “I simply cannot leave Janice during her time of need.”

Hermey spoke up and told Rudolph, “You’ve got nothing to worry about. Your lifelong friend has it all covered. I may be just a dentist, but I’ll make sure Janice takes her medicine and has tea.”

Rudolph was truly touched by Hermey’s hospitality, but he still told Santa, “I still cannot leave Janice”. Santa told him “Rudolph, there’s nowhere in this world you can go where Janice won’t be with you. Besides, if you don’t guide my sleigh tonight, we’re sure to let down every child in the world. And one of those children happens to be your own. You can do it, Rudolph. Do it for Janice.” Rudolph knew Santa was right, but he was still a little hesitant to go. Then Janice told him before sipping some apple cinnamon tea, “Yes. Do it for me, daddy.” Rudolph was now even more touched. He just couldn’t let down any child, not even his own. Now more confident, he kissed Clarice, gave Janice a hug and left the cave saying “This is for you, Janice”.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ©️ Rankin/Bass Productions and Classic Media and created by Robert May.