Animals We Love At Christmas Time

Christmas is fast approaching, and as we think of this festive period, we see snowy scenes, a sparkling Christmas tree, and animals like robins with their bright red breasts, to reindeer guiding Santa's Sleigh.

Across the northern hemisphere, wildlife has long been intertwined with Christmas traditions, stories, and celebrations. Many of these creatures, real or symbolic, remind us of the connection between nature, winter, and the joy of giving.

Let’s unwrap the Christmas animals that make the season feel truly magical.

Christmas Animals

The Robin

The Robins are one of the most recognisable of all the Christmassy animals. With its bright red breast and cheerful song, it brings colour and joy to the winter months.

This species of bird was first associated with Christmas cards during the Victorian period, when the penny post began and postmen were nicknamed 'robins' because of their red uniforms. Artists began drawing Robins delivering letters, and it became a lasting image of Christmas.

In the wild, Robins are territorial birds that remain active all year round, relying on garden feeders or food during the harsh weather.

Reindeer

We all know how reindeer are associated with Christmas... thanks to the stories of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) delivering gifts with the help of the famous nine reindeer on Christmas Eve.

In reality, reindeer live in the cold climates of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. They have a thick layer of fur and even fur-covered noses to keep warm. Both males and females grow antlers, which they use to clear snow while searching for food.

The only free-ranging reindeer herd in the UK lives in the Cairngorms, where a small herd roams the mountains just like their wild cousins.

Turtle Doves

Appearing in the "twelve days of Christmas," Turtle Doves represent love, hope, and devotion.

In the Middle East, where many nativity scenes are set, turtle doves were common and often symbolised faithfulness. Sadly, this bird species is now in sharp decline in the UK and Europe, largely due to loss of habitat.

Doves, Donkeys, and the Nativity Scene

The Nativity Scene is central to many celebrations of the Festive season, and it also shows many of the animals that we love around Christmas time.

Donkeys are often shown carrying Jesus or his mother; they symbolise humility and service. Oxen, sheep, and camels (the pack animals of the Middle East) appear alongside them, while the three wise men bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Polar Bears and Penguins

Although polar bears don’t live anywhere near the penguins they’re so often pictured with on Christmas cards, both have become symbols of cold climates and snowy wonderlands.

• Polar bears, native to the Arctic, have two layers of fur and an insulating layer of fat to survive sub-zero temperatures. They are powerful swimmers and travel vast distances over sea ice.

• Penguins, meanwhile, live in the southern hemisphere, especially in South America and Antarctica. They’re excellent swimmers and perfectly adapted to icy waters.

The Partridge in a Pear Tree

Famously, the "twelve days of Christmas" lyrics mention a partridge in a pear tree. The grey partridge was once common across the UK, but numbers have fallen due to habitat changes.

This bird represents generosity and care, the first and most enduring of the “twelve gifts” in the song.

From robins in the garden to reindeer in the Arctic, the animals we love at Christmas time tell stories of resilience, hope, and togetherness. They’re part of our Christmas decorations, our cards, and our shared sense of wonder.