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I Always Thought "Vixen" Was a Funny Name for a BoyDate Added: Dec. 3, 2001
In this chain, a biological fact is used to illustrate a humorous difference between men and women. Unfortunately, the joke may be lost on some who don't stick around for the punchline. Subject: Reindeer According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, every single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen- had to be a girl. We should've known. Only women, while pregnant, would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost. Never mind that we're talking about Santa Claus and flying reindeer, many have written wanting to know if the facts are real in this one. Would Santa's reindeer have to be female in order to have antlers at Christmastime? Reindeer experts agree that both male and females do grow antlers. They also agree that females typically retain theirs until spring, while most males will shed theirs in early December. The word "most" is the first weakness in the claim above. Many males - particularly young bulls - can retain their antlers well into spring. Given that lore typically describes Mr. Claus' team as "eight tiny reindeer," it would be plasible that they are small because they are young, thus more likely to have antlers in December. That said, I would sleep better on Christmas Eve thinking that the jolly old elf's impossible mission of flying all over the world in one night, sneaking into homes and leaving gifts was supported by mature, matronly types than by teenage boys looking for fame and glory. But maybe that says something about me. Please take this one as the joke it is. References: Snopes.com, About.com |