Santa Claus cannot be thought without his reindeer and elves. Although, Santa is known for distributing gifts to children, it is Santa’s team of reindeer that pull his sleigh and help him deliver the Christmas gifts and the elves who make toy. Even though the reindeer and elves are thought to be fictitious, they are very popular with the kids.

Reindeer

Santa’s team of reindeer was first mentioned in the 1823 poem ‘A visit from St. Nicholas’.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name;

"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!
"On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!
"To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
"Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

But the most popular reindeer is Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Rudolph is the lead reindeer of Santa’s sleigh. Because of his nose, which gives off his own light, he can illuminate the path of the sleigh through the severe winters of North Pole. It was Robert L. May who had originally written the story of Rudolph in 1939, which became very popular among the kids.

Elves

The elves of Santa are tiny creatures with pointy ears, long noses, and pointy hats clad with red or green colored clothes. They act as helpers to Santa Claus, make toys in Santa’s workshop and also take care of the reindeer. The origin of elves can be traced to pre-Christian era of the Germanic people. There are different names for the Santa’s helpers in different countries. In The Netherlands the helper of Santa is called Zwarte Piet, in Iceland they are called Yule Lads, in Germany Knecht Ruprecht, in France Père Fouettard and Hoesecker in Luxemburg.

They are many stories and different versions associated with the origin of Santa’s team of reindeer and helpers. Many songs and television serials of these characters have also appeared over the years.