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Deer & Reindeer Day
"🎶 Rudolph MacRednose Reindeer,
Had a nose so ruddy bright,
Glowing like Highland sunsets,
Casting warmth on frosty nights.
All the other reindeer,
Teased him with a jest so free,
"Here comes that red-nosed Rudolph
Like a cherries jubilee!"
Then one misty Hogmanay,
Santa stopped to say:
"MacRednose, wi' yer nose so fine,
Guide me through this winter’s pine!"
Then all the reindeer praised him,
Though they'd mocked him just before.
"Rudolph MacRednose Reindeer,
Now ye're famous evermore!"
~ Traditional Reindeer
Dear and deer tartan friends, this red, white, and green design was originally created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Red Deer Highland Games in this Alberta township. Over time, it has taken on a broader identity as a District tartan—one that feels especially fitting for the festive season with its cheerful, traditional holiday palette.
Its namesake, the red deer, is found across Scotland, parts of Europe, and Canada. Among the largest of the deer species, red deer are known for their majestic antlers, warm reddish coats, and the important roles they play in cultural symbolism throughout history and folklore. Their presence has long evoked strength, grace, and a connection to the natural world.
The link between deer, reindeer, and Christmas emerged in the early 19th century with Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”—better known today as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” This was the first time Santa Claus was described as having magical flying reindeer, an image that instantly captured the public imagination and transformed the reindeer into an enduring symbol of Santa’s sleigh. Previously, Santa arrived on foot, or sometimes by goat, horse or an unspecified magic manner!
As Santa and his sleigh became fixed the public imagination, reindeer became iconic symbols of winter wonder and the holiday spirit. Their association with Christmas now extends far beyond their natural habitats, embodying the enchantment, warmth, and whimsy of the season. On Dasher, on Dancer, on tartarned up Prancer! 💚 🤍 ❤️ 🦌 🦌 🦌
Red Deer, located in central Alberta, Canada, has a rich history rooted in its geographic and cultural significance. The area, nestled in a fertile river valley, was originally inhabited by the Cree, who used the Red Deer River as a vital transportation route and resource. The name "Red Deer" derives from the translation of the Cree term for the river, referencing the elk, often mistaken for red deer by early European settlers.
European exploration began in the late 18th century when fur traders and explorers arrived, establishing trade routes between Edmonton and Calgary. By the late 19th century, the Canadian Pacific Railway built a line through the area, fostering settlement and economic growth. Red Deer grew rapidly with the establishment of agriculture, becoming a hub for grain and cattle production.
Incorporated as a town in 1901 and later as a city in 1913, Red Deer expanded significantly in the 20th century, driven by Alberta’s oil and gas boom. Its strategic location between Edmonton and Calgary made it a key transportation and industrial hub. Today, Red Deer is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and events such as the Westerner Days Fair and Exposition.
It maintains its historical roots while thriving as a modern city in the heart of Alberta. For more on Red Deer's annual highland games, click the Christmas red deer!