My pregnant reindeer column from last week inspired a number of you to share thoughts about Santa’s sleigh-pullers, specifically a red-nosed one named Rudolph. I summarized a few of them and shared my comments as well. I am now inspired to pull out the VHS tape of the 1964 Christmas stop motion TV special to recall these life lessons.

1. It’s OK to be different. That red nose made Rudolph stand out, which, in the end, proved to save the day for Santa and the sleigh. What makes you unique? And how can you use that to help others?

2. Don’t judge others based on their differences. Rudolph was mocked for his difference, and he wasn’t allowed to play in the reindeer games. Unfortunately, meanness is not reserved for the youth. Negatively judging others is easy to do, and we have all done it. How can we turn that around and seek to learn from our differences?

3. You can’t run away from your problems. Rudolph tried, but that wasn’t the solution. Our problems seem to follow us, no matter where we go. The real challenge is in deciding how to face those problems head on and make the best of the situation.

4. Parents make mistakes, too. This is a difficult one for kids to understand — until they become parents. Rudolph’s mom and dad didn’t seem to grasp his situation, and they erred by not listening and handling it properly. We can all do better with this.

5. Never underestimate the underdog. We hear success stories like Rudolph leading the sleigh, but, in reality, those are few and far between. What we don’t hear about are the smaller (and maybe more important) victories — the positive thoughts, the heartwarming smiles and the uplifting moments that can come about from a simple comment or deed. Those can wake up the underdog and make small but meaningful differences.

6. If others aren’t doing what needs to be done, try showing them the way. We get stuck in a rut sometimes and fail to think outside the box. Sometimes we need a youngster like Rudolph to get us to think differently and solve a problem. Who can you learn from today?

7. Always check the weather forecast before venturing out. Santa did not have access to the Daily Umbrella and Jason Parkin’s weather forecast, but you do. Use it wisely, and enjoy the Christmas season!

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

Tuesday, Nov. 30
Santas Rock n Lights
At: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Info: The 1-mile-plus route will feature hundreds of thousands of lights, miles of cords, and tens of thousands of zip ties, all to spread holiday cheer. Attendance of more than 100,000 attendees is expected. Nov. 27 - Jan. 2, paid online reservation is required. Peak hours for this event are from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Lines to drive through the show may be long. The show takes approximately 20-25 minutes at 3 mph. santasrocknlights.com
What’s New:
- Large than life polar Bears
- Larger than Life 3D Dinosaurs
- Limited time slots to minimize wait times

Nearly 14,000 votes were cast in the 2021 CITYVIEW Best Of Des Moines readers' poll.

Best Local Power Lunch
1. Centro
2. Palmer’s Deli & Market
3. Bubba

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A life well lived: Malone to be honored by Iowa Race Car Hall of Fame

By Darren Tromblay

For most of his 93-year life, Dean Malone has been somewhat of a perfectionist.

The Korean War veteran and Dallas Center resident doesn’t do things half way. It’s the best, or not at all. And lifelong friend Margaret Kenyon wants people to know it.

Kenyon, 71, has lived across the street from Malone for 70 years. She admires her neighbor’s abilities, which are many. He is a perfectionist and detailed oriented, she says.

“As a Dallas Center historian, he puts descriptions and dates on all pictures and documents and has wonderful penmanship,” she says.

[...]

Happy Birthday to Emily Tomlinson, Chris J Williams, Maria Jordan

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