There's often a debate this time of year about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it unquestionably is). But I want to throw out another topic for discussion, one you might not have thought about before now. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a Christmas romance.

Let me explain why.

At first glance, it's a story about a lovable reindeer with an odd quirk—that bright red nose of his that makes everyone need protective eye wear whenever he's looking their way. There's also his friend, an elf who has a seemingly unattainable desire for a career change. 

But when you dig a little deeper, you'll see how this tale really does track with the romance stories we love so much.

There are two young lovers, Rudolph and Clarice, who have strong feelings for each other, despite their parents' objections, kind of like Romeo and Juliet. Clarice's dad is horrible! We expect him to be protective of his daughter, but he goes way "alpha over the top", literally butting heads with Rudolph's dad. He's the reason the young reindeer couple is torn apart, even though we know how perfect they are for each other. 

One minute Rudolph is flying through the air because Clarice let him know she's smitten with him. The next he's completely dejected and rejected, leaving his home and his detractors because they shun him and his glowing nose. It's a heart-wrenching moment!

Fortunately Rudolph joins up with Hermey, the wannabe dentist, and the two set off on a grand adventure, a quest of sorts, gaining experiences that will aid them in the future.

There's even a black moment, when all seems hopelessly lost. The Abominable Snowman has captured Clarice, as well as Rudolph's parents, planning to make them his holiday snack. In true heroic fashion, Rudolph sacrifices himself to save those he loves. It looks like HE might be the next thing gobbled up by The Abominable One, but Hermey gets to use his dental training, rendering the big guy toothless, and thus harmless. 

And just like in all the best romances, the character trait that seems to be a flaw in the beginning turns out to be just what everyone needed, although they were unable to see it at first. Rudolph with "his nose so bright" saves Christmas, since Santa was pretty darn close to cancelling the whole thing. (Santa said it was because of the foggy weather, but maybe he finally realized how tough it is to deliver that many toys in just one night. Or maybe he couldn't fit into his outfit. He only wears it once a year so if he gains even a little bit...).

Rudolph also rescues the lonely toys from the Island of Misfit Toys, so they can be given to children who don't have any play things—demonstrating Rudolph's compassion, especially for others who don't fit the norm, giving us a lovely misty-eyed "aww" moment, like all great romances do.

The story ends with a happily-ever-after, of course, which is the biggest requirement for a romance. Rudolph and Clarice are together, Hermey is doing the work his heart desires, and the villainous Abominable Snowman has stopped being scary and is now decorating Christmas trees.

That's an epic Christmas romance!