Christmas, which is celebrated all over the world in winter, is a lot for different cultures. But behind the differences lies a universal need to share and acknowledge the most wonderful things we have: family, faith, children, love.
There are many animals that we associate with as symbols of the most beautiful time of the year. Come on winter break, these creatures on TV, under the tree, in the movies, on holiday cards, in decorations and paintings.
Here are a dozen feathered or furry friends we love during this joyous December celebration of remembrance.
# 12 Christmas animals from around the world: penguins
Penguins are everywhere at the party. In truth, we associate cute flightless birds with Christmas just because they live in cold climates. Some species, such as Gentoo, chinstrap penguin, and emperor penguin, actually live in warmer climates.
Here’s the irony: we link penguins and Christmas because of the North Pole. In fact, penguins live in the icy environment of Antarctica, its neighboring continents and the South (not the North!) Pole.
Although we almost always see them on land, penguins spend most of their life in the water and hunt a lot under the ocean surface.
# 11 Christmas Animals From Around The World: Robins
Throughout the English winter, the robin is a treasure. Once upon a time, Victorian postmen were nicknamed “the robin” because of their bright red jackets. The spectacle sparked a series of images of red-breasted birds delivering mail during the holidays.
American robins are familiar landmarks too. They often pull on earthworms. The bird is known for its cheerful singing and vibrant chest.
The robin first appears towards the end of winter. They are known for being the first to start singing during the day and the last to stop at the end of the day.
# 10 Christmas animals from around the world: camels
Yes, they are there in the wilderness, but there is no more famous symbol of the Nativity than the three kings reaching Bethlehem on these animals. The image is synonymous with the feast of the Nativity of Christ.
Interestingly, the Bible does not mention camels. The book talks about the wise wise men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, but not about how they made the journey.
Camels are sturdy creatures with two rows of eyelashes and three sets of eyelids. The installation prevents sand from getting into the eyes. Their lips allow them to harvest thorny plants that other creatures cannot eat. The thick pads of the skin make them feel comfortable on very hot sand.
Camels can travel long distances without water. But when they find it, they are capable of consuming 40 gallons.
With a decent temperament, an angry camel will spit at you if it feels threatened.
# 9 Christmas animals from around the world: turkeys
Until the 16th century, the golden bird for Christmas dinner was actually a goose.
Today in American culture, turkey is associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas through settlers and natives who dined together. But the Christmas turkey dates back to Henry VIII, who personally made the bird a staple food. Rumor has it that Queen Victoria, by resuming trade with the United States and importing turkeys, influenced the traditional gala dinner.
Turkeys are classified as Galliformes. The family includes many terrestrial, heavy birds such as pheasants, chickens and black grouse.
Millions of turkeys live in all states of the country except Alaska. Most turkeys are wild, feeding on insects, seeds, lizards and frogs.
# 8 Christmas animals from around the world: polar bears
Polar bears, like penguins, have become symbols of the winter holiday only because of the proximity of snow and cold. But, like the penguin, polar bears are not found at the North Pole. They live in the Arctic and Canada.
The polar bear’s white fur coat is a gift from Mother Nature. This allows the animals to hide in the environment, where they are often mistaken for snowdrifts.
# 7 Christmas animals from around the world: partridges
Partridges are not found on pear trees. These are land birds. But thanks to the repetitive lyrics from “12 Days of Christmas,” these animals are one of the beloved creations of Christmas.
Partridges are relatives of pheasants and traditional game in England. The cute partridge mentioned in the Christmas carol is believed to be the gray or English partridge.
Partridges have light plumage. Their bodies are similar to those of a chicken, but plump with small heads. The partridge weighs less than a pound and is about a foot long.
# 6 Christmas animals from around the world: turtle doves.
Two turtle doves create the perfect look as these birds form a strong bond. They are known for long relationships of love, devotion and friendship.
Turtle doves are live animals with a charming call. In the United Kingdom, birds feed mainly on arable and mixed farmland. Their diet is crops and wildflower seeds left on the ground. They incubate and nest near feeding grounds, usually on open forest edges, bushes and hedges.
# 5 Christmas animals from around the world: sheep
You won’t find a nativity scene without a sheep anywhere nearby. Sheep play a vital role in the Christian faith. So it’s no wonder they are in a manger. Most of the creatures are obedient and defenseless, famous for their meekness.
Sheep share a family with cattle, antelopes, goats and musk oxen, all cloven hoof mammals. Many sheep have curly horns and all have wool on the outside.
With all due respect to man’s best friend, sheep are one of the first domestic animals. Wild sheep are found all over the world, especially in Central Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.
Alarming fact: if a sheep is on its back, it can die. They do not know how to get up without help. This often happens with pregnant and full-haired sheep.
# 4 Christmas animals from around the world: reindeer
There is no animal more representative of Christmas than the faithful reindeer.
The root of the image of Santa’s sleigh and his reindeer is from The Night Before Christmas. It is believed that the first symbols of flying deer that help Saint Nick appeared here. Others, however, joke that deer are associated with flying because they tend to feed on hallucinogenic mushrooms.
North America is the only segment of the world where the reindeer has a different name – Caribou. In most deer species, only males have antlers. Reindeer have antlers in both sexes. Deer are nomads, rarely stay in one place for a long time. They have multi-layer coats that keep them cozy in the coldest temperatures.
# 3 Christmas animals from around the world: donkeys
There is no mention of Mary making the 80-mile trek to Bethlehem, but most likely it was on the back of a donkey. Donkeys often appear in manger scenes, which reinforces the idea. These pack mules were the usual means of transport for the poor. Camels were for the elite. Horses were either fighting animals or used by the wealthy.
Donkeys are everywhere, and they are members of a family that includes zebras and horses. The donkey has flexible long ears and is more likely to be stocky. You have feral, wild and domestic donkeys.
# 2 Christmas animals from around the world: kangaroo
In Australia, legend has it that Santa’s sleigh is pulled by a kangaroo, not a reindeer. On land, marsupials can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. They also have the ability to jump 25 feet into the air. So if they could fly, it would be impressive.
These animals travel in groups, which we call mobs. The size varies with the season and the availability of water and food. And, of course, the kangaroo has a famous handbag. Given how fast these animals move (20 feet in one jump; up to 50 miles each; 9 feet high), the passenger is about to take a sharp ride.
Their jumps are not always accurate. A kangaroo is caught trying to jump over a fence when he is not jumping straight.
# 1 Christmas animals from around the world: dogs
The dog is undoubtedly the most popular animal in the world, and if they have a social temperament, dogs thrive in the festivities and chaos of Christmas.
Where the connection between dogs and Christmas started doesn’t seem to be a true origin story, but there’s no doubt that we love the idea of cute dogs and Christmas. There are more Christmas movies about dogs than you can shake a dog’s tail. Families love to dress their dogs in holiday outfits and include them in holiday photos. One of the most popular gifts for the winter holidays is puppies.
It’s also a risky season. Many of the foods we eat can pose a threat to the health of dogs. While your beloved pet may be eating turkey and cheese, keep them away from chocolate, nuts, onions, raisins, and Christmas pudding.
Your dog is a great friend and companion, and much of its joy comes from the owners. They feed on your senses, which is probably why dogs love to share Christmas with you!
Next: discover the oldest sharks of all time (one of them is over 500 years old!)