Scientists in Europe have actually figured out why Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose. They found out that the average reindeer has a higher concentration of red blood cells in its nose than humans. They help prevent freezing, regulate his brain temperature, and make him the ideal candidate to pull Santa’s sleigh under extreme cold temperatures.

The new study is published in the “British Medical Journal” by scientists from Norway and the Netherlands.

Seriously.

Let’s have some fun with Rudolph’s theme song: