Meet Wayne Dear: The Story Behind The O'Dears

Meet Wayne Dear, the fame-seeking reindeer behind The O'Dears, one of Sophie Morrell's much-loved Christmas card collections.

Wayne's story began with a very unexpected Christmas Eve visit. While the rest of the reindeer had apparently carried on without him, Wayne arrived tangled in a clothesline, with flashing lights in his antlers and a story he was desperate to tell.

How The O'Dears came to life

Wayne told us about growing up with his friends and family at the North Pole. His adventures were full of friendship, family, festive mishaps and just enough dry humour to make children and grown-ups smile.

What began as a few words about a funny reindeer slowly became a complete story. The characters, rhyming lines and illustrations grew together until the idea for A Big Cheer for Wayne Dear was born, a charming storybook designed to be enjoyed at bedtime in around ten minutes.

The O'Dears have travelled much further than Wayne ever expected. In 2018 when the book was first published, approximately 40,000 O'Dears cards and card packs made their way to Switzerland, packed by hand and sent in four pallets to Geneva. The range has continued to grow into a much-loved Christmas classic, with new reindeer designs joining the familiar favourites.

At the heart of the story is the same spirit that runs through the cards: family, friendship, imagination and a little festive mischief. Wayne and his friends may be reindeer, but their world is made for anyone who still enjoys a good Christmas story.

A Big Cheer for Wayne Dear is available alongside The O'Dears Christmas cards and festive wrapping paper, making it a lovely way to bring the characters from the page into your Christmas celebrations.

So if you see a reindeer with flashing antlers, a pocketful of carrots and an unusual explanation for being late, it might just be Wayne Dear.