Reindeer & Animals

Reindeer & Animals - Frequently Asked Questions

• Are reindeer the same as regular deer?

  Both deer and reindeer are Cervids, which means they are hoofed mammals in the same family but slightly different (though related) species. Reindeer—also called “caribou”—are the second-biggest species of deer (moose are the largest). The chief difference between deer and reindeer is that reindeer have adapted to cold, circumpolar climates, such as Arctic, Nordic, and boreal forests, while white-tailed and other species of “regular” deer prefer more moderate climates. Furthermore, both male and female reindeer grow antlers, whereas in most other deer species only the males grow antlers.

• How did reindeer become associated with the legend of Santa Claus?

  Although the legend of Santa Claus is based largely on St. Nicholas of Myra (in present-day Turkey) and the Dutch character Sinterklaas, both of those figures were said to deliver presents by traveling on a white horse. That is how Santa Claus was depicted in European tales of Christmas for centuries. But then, in 1821, a New York printer published an anonymous booklet about Santa that first introduced the concept of flying reindeer drawing Santa’s sleigh. Finally, in 1823, the famous poem titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (better known as “The Night Before Christmas”) was published, featuring eight flying reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh and even giving them names! A ninth reindeer, the red-nosed Rudolph, was added to the mix in 1939 when a department store copywriter was assigned the task of creating a new Christmas story as a holiday gimmick.

• What are the size ranges of your outdoor Reindeer decorations?

  Our reindeer decorations range in size from 13 inches tall to 79 inches tall.

• What materials are your Reindeer decorations made from?

  Many of our outdoor Reindeer figures are made from durable, chip-resistant fiberglass. Others are LED light displays with metal frames and mounting hardware. By contrast, many of our indoor Reindeer decorations are made with a strong, durable metal frame that is covered in soft fur-like fabric, not suitable for outdoor display.

• How are your large outdoor Reindeer decorations made?

  All our large outdoor reindeer figures are made using a molding process similar to that used in the manufacture of fiberglass boats. After the fiberglass has cured, it is sanded and painted using sunlight-resistant paint. Once the paint has dried, the surface of the figure is sealed against the weather using a clear urethane coating.

• How do I care for my outdoor Reindeer decorations?

  Because all our large Reindeer figures are designed and made for outdoor use, they will withstand all kinds of weather, including rain and snow. Many of these large products have ground-mounting plates and D-rings for attaching to the ground or other fixed surfaces such as walls and trees. When setting up the figure, make sure it is stable and will not be blown over by the wind. Tether the figure to a wall or post with monofilament fishing line or flexible wire. We recommend ensuring that the figures are not left in standing water or frozen to the ground for lengthy periods.

• How do I store my outdoor Reindeer decorations after the holiday season?

  When the holiday season is over, the figures can be wiped clean with a soft damp cloth to remove dirt and bird droppings . Do not use detergents or liquid cleaners, as these may dull the shine of the item. They should be stored indoors, in a clean , dry place, and returned to the original cartons or wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent scratching.