The holiday season brings to mind twinkling lights, presents, and a sense of wonder. It also reminds us of beloved Christmas animals that appear on cards and decorations.
From the frigid Arctic to desert plains, animals play a central role in Yuletide celebrations and folklore around the globe. These Christmas animals are woven into stories and traditions, reminding us of the beautiful diversity of the planet.
Let’s explore the fascinating global traditions and stories behind the most iconic animals associated with Christmas, inspiring us to support wildlife conservation wherever they may roam. These holiday animals are far more than decorations; they are symbols with deep, often surprising histories.
Reindeer: The Sleigh-Pulling Christmas Animal Star
No discussion of Christmas animals is complete without the reindeer. This majestic Christmas animal is the undisputed star of Santa’s sleigh, a tradition cemented in popular culture by the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Who can forget trying to name all eight (plus Rudolph) of Santa's famous flying reindeer?
Found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, the reindeer, or caribou, is perfectly adapted to the cold. Living near the North Pole makes it one of the most beloved animals associated with Christmas and a major icon of the season.
In the wild, reindeer migrate long distances, sometimes traveling thousands of miles, so perhaps delivering presents around the world isn’t so farfetched after all!
Polar Bear: The Symbol of Winter
Majestic creatures like polar bears symbolize the winter season and are frequently used in festive decorations. These Christmas animals are powerful Arctic hunters that appear on cards and wrapping paper because of their connection to cold, wintery environments.
These incredible white winter animals remind us of the planet's vast, frozen landscapes. For gifts for polar bear lovers, a polar bear tracking bracelet or plush is a wonderful way to honor their spirit and contribute to their protection. Protecting this Christmas animal is vital as their sea ice habitat continues to disappear.
Penguins: Charming Christmas Animal of the South
Though they live in the Southern Hemisphere, penguins are popular animals at Christmas time. It’s hard to think about snow and ice without thinking about this flightless bird.
These comical and cute Christmas animals are a favorite of many. You can even get a penguin tracking bracelet or tracking plush to follow one of these amazing birds on its ocean journey.
Nativity Animals: Donkey, Ox, and Sheep
Some of the most cherished animals associated with Christmas are those tied to the story of the Nativity.
The donkey is a key figure, as Mary traditionally rode one on the journey to Bethlehem. The ox is often included in depictions of the first Christmas as a resident of the manger. Finally, sheep represent the flocks of the shepherds who came to worship. This humble group of animals is the foundation for the original Christmas animal scene.
Camel: The Animal of the Wise Men
A less common, but still important Christmas animal is the camel. This strong desert dweller is included because the Three Wise Men are traditionally said to have ridden them on their long journey to Bethlehem.
The camel connects the Christmas story to distant lands and great voyages. Historically, the region that includes Bethlehem and Jerusalem was an important stop on ancient camel trade routes, making this Christmas animal a familiar sight.
While camels travel great distances over land, let’s not forget some of the great oceanic travelers like sea turtles, whose protection is vital year-round.
Robin, Partridge, and Turtle Dove: Birds of Folklore and Song
The robin is a prominent Christmas animal in Britain, where its use as a holiday symbol dates back to Victorian times. This is believed to have started because the red coats of postmen who delivered Christmas cards reminded people of this red-breasted songbird.
The partridge and the turtle dove are immortalized in the carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas." This popular song is its own Christmas animals list and has ensured these creatures are a central part of seasonal music. These little birds remind us that the animals that represent Christmas are everywhere.
From Tradition to Action: Protecting Every Christmas Animal
The global variety of Christmas animals shows how deeply wildlife is interwoven into human culture, stories, and traditions across the planet. These inspiring creatures, from the majestic reindeer to the faithful donkey, spark wonder and highlight the importance of protecting the habitats they call home.
Animals associated with Christmas bring wonder to our lives. Yet, we are reminded of the precariousness of their future, which is why we’re so passionate about their conservation.
We are Fahlo. We partner with non-profit organizations to create bracelets and plushes that come with a real animal to track. We started this mission in 2018, and since then have been fortunate to donate millions of dollars to save wildlife.
By combining a tangible bracelet or plush with interactive tracking experiences, our goal is to educate customers about wildlife and excite them about conservation.
Every Christmas animal, from polar bears to the smallest birds, deserves to thrive. We hope you will join us in our mission to protect Christmas animals and many more of the world's most precious creatures like snow leopards, lions, red wolves, and more.
Christmas Animals FAQs
What animal is associated with Christmas?
The reindeer is perhaps the most universally recognized Christmas animal, thanks to its connection to Santa’s sleigh. Other common animals associated with Christmas include the donkey, ox, and sheep from the Nativity, as well as the robin, polar bear, and penguins.
What animals are in the Christmas story?
The main animals in the Nativity story are the donkey (which carried Mary to Bethlehem), the ox (traditionally present in the stable), and the sheep (from the shepherds' flocks). The camel is also included as the mode of transport for the Three Wise Men.
How many animals are there in “The 12 Days of Christmas?”
The traditional version of the song contains six types of animals, all birds: the partridge, turtle doves, french hens, calling birds (blackbirds), geese, and swans. The total number of animal gifts gifted by the twelfth day is 184.