Overheard in the OnAllCylinders newsroom:

Grouchy Editor: “Aren’t you finished with that article yet? There’s a mountain of stories that need written! What’s eatin’ ya boy?”

Writer: “Not happy with my work, I guess.”

Grouchy Editor: “What?”

Writer: “I just don’t like always writing about cars.”

Grouchy Editor: “Oh, well, if that’s all…WHAT?! YOU DON’T LIKE ALWAYS WRITING ABOUT CARS?!”

Writer: “No.”

Grouchy Editor: “Did you hear that everyone? This guy doesn’t always like to write about cars! Do you mind telling me what you DO want to do?”

Writer: “Well, sir, someday, I’d like to write about holiday-themed outdoor light displays—specifically ones depicting everyone’s favorite characters from everyone’s favorite Christmas television special, ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.’”

Grouchy Editor: “Seriously? That’s what you want to do?”

Writer: “Yes. We need to write about this. I’ve been studying. It’s fascinating; you’ve no idea. Bumbles and Misfit Toys and Yukon Cornelius…

Grouchy Editor: “Now listen, you. You’re an OnAllCylinders writer, and OnAllCylinders writers write about cars! Now, get to work!”

…

Well, we mostly write about cars.

We told that editor to take a stress tab and drink some eggnog out of his favorite moose-antler mug, and now he’s napping in the corner even though he’ll tell you he was just “resting his eyes.”

This is gift-giving (and holiday-decorating) season, and we only know a few people who can afford to gift cars and sometimes-pricey performance parts to friends and family. Which means we have to dig a little deeper, and even look beyond the garage, to bring the perfect holiday gifts to everyone we buy for.

We’ve already written about men’s hotrod T-shirts this holiday season. And hotrod garage and man-cave signs. And it won’t be long before we write about awesome hotrod die-cast collectibles courtesy of our friends at Summit Racing Gifts, Clothing & Memorabilia.

But on this most special of occasions, we dedicate this space to light-up outdoor holiday décor depicting our favorite characters from the 1964 stop-motion animated classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

You won’t find a scooter for Jimmy or a dolly for Sue. You won’t find a hat- and whistle-wearing Coach Comet encouraging his students to bully Rudolph and exclude him from any reindeer games. You might be disappointed to discover you also won’t find a boomerang who won’t come back. We were.

But if Rudolph is a cherished part of your holiday memories like it is, ours’, you will find something awesome. (Hint: Yukon Cornelius and the Bumble are the awesomest.)

King Moonracer won’t let you stay forever, so don’t get any ideas, but since you’re already here you might as well take a quick look. Welcome to the Island of Misfit Toys.

***

Light-Up Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Lawn Ornaments

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Bumble with Star Tinsel-Light Display

bumble lighted lawn ornament
Beware of the Abominable Snow Monster of the North. He’s mean. He’s nasty. And he hates everything to do with Christmas. Side note: He probably bounces. But try not to jump off any cliffs with him, please. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

The Bumble in a Red Truck Tinsel-Light Display

Beats a dogsled, doesn’t it? (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Sam The Snowman 2-D Tinsel-Light Display

If he lives to be 100, he’ll never forget the big snow storm from a couple of years ago. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Yukon Cornelius Dog Sled Lighted Display

yukon cornelius and dog sled lighted lawn ornament
Yukon’s off to get his life-sustaining supplies: cornmeal and gun powder and hamhocks and guitar strings. But he’ll give you a lift. Hop aboard, mateys. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Yukon Cornelius Tinsel-Light Display

We’re going to stay with him and we’ll all be rich with the biggest silver strike this side of Hudson Bay. Silverrrrrrr! You thought he wanted gold? He changed his mind. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Hermey Tinsel-Light Display

He’s not just a nitwit. And you can’t fire him. Because he quits. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Tinsel-Light Display

She thinks he’s cute. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Clarice Tinsel-Light Display

clarice from rudolph the red-nosed reindeer lighted lawn ornament
There’s always tomorrow for dreams to come true. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Charlie-In-The-Box Tinsel-Light Display

charlie in the box island of misfit toys lighted lawn ornament
He’s the official sentry of the Island of Misfit Toys. Because his name’s all wrong. (Image/Summit Racing)

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Misfit Sally Tinsel-Light Display

Does anyone actually know why Sally was on the Island of Misfit Toys? (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Spotted Elephant Tinsel-Light Display

spotted elephant from island of misfit toys lighted lawn ornament
Little known fact: The spotted elephant from the Island of Misfit Toys once made a cameo appearance in The Simpons. Seriously. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Misfit Boat Tinsel-Light Display

misfit boat from island of misfit toys
In the film, this boat cannot stay afloat. We’re honestly not sure whether this one will. They wouldn’t let us try. We only know no lawn-ornament Island of Misfit Toys is complete without it. LAANNDD HOOOO! No kidding. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Misfit Airplane Tinsel-Light Display 

misfit plane from island of misfit toys lighted lawn ornament
True to the original, this plane cannot fly. (Image/Summit Racing)

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Misfit Train Tinsel-Light Display

misfit train from rudolph lighted lawn ornament
Fully equipped with square wheels on the caboose. Obviously. (Image/Summit Racing)

…

Rudolph, Santa, and Misfit Sleigh Light Display 

See, Santa didn’t forget about the Misfit Toys. (Image/Summit Racing)

***

Rudolph and Bumble Train Light Display

Also better than a dogsled. (Image/Summit Racing)

***

If you’re anything like us, you continue to feel genuine surprise that the holiday season is upon us already, even though we say the same thing every year, and mathematical precision is inherent in how calendars work.

Whether you’re looking to spread a little extra cheer this holiday season in your own neighborhood, or to others’, displaying or gifting some light-up Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lawn ornaments feels like the right thing to do.

Not that you should listen to us. Because we’re pretty sure we’re on the naughty list.