Christmas is a time we associate with family, friends, food… and animals! Animals have played key roles in Christmas from the nativity, through to carols, and movies! RSPB Scotland’s Molly Martin has rounded up our most iconic Christmas animal characters, what do you think of our list? Let us know if we missed your favourite in the comments!
Iconic Christmas characters inspired by wildlife
Reindeer
It’s not a list of Christmas animals unless it features Rudolph. The most famous of all the reindeer, the story of his glowing nose is familiar to everyone. A true beacon of Christmas spirit.
A more recent reindeer superstar is Sven from Frozen. This film exploded into popularity like nothing else. Find me someone who doesn’t know at least some of the words to ‘Let it go’, and I’ll fly you out to Arendelle all expenses paid! Part of what makes this such a good movie is the loveable character of Sven, I think he could really give Rudolph a run for his money on favourite reindeer
Reindeer used to be found in the UK, and a few herds have been reintroduced to Scotland. Our Cairngorms Mountain range has the colder winter weather that makes a great habitat for reindeer.
Partridge (in a pear tree)
A carol everyone looks forward to singing, until you get half way through and realise there’s still so much to do, and can you really remember which order the swans, ladies, pipers and drummers come in?
Grey partridges are native to the UK, but tend to stay on the ground, so you’re unlikely to see one in a pear tree in the wild! You might also come across red legged partridge in the UK, which were introduced here from continental Europe.
Owls
Settling down to watch (marathon) a Harry Potter film (or eight) has become as traditional as Christmas pudding for many people over the holidays. The image of Hedwig the snowy owl flying across a wintery Hogwarts delivering Christmas cards therefore goes hand-in-hand with the season.
Snowy owls are occasionally seen in the UK, but only when they get a bit lost on their winter migration south. Back in 2003, a snowy owl appeared in the Outer Hebrides, and made more visits in the years following. On a couple of occasions hopes were raised that the owl would find a wandering bird to breed with, but it seemed it was not to be. The last snowy owl known to breed in the UK was back in the 70s in Shetland.
Penguins
Monty the penguin stands out amongst the many cute and festive animals featured in Christmas ads. How could you not feel for this penguin and his heart-warming friendship with a young boy? It turns out all Monty was looking for was love... and cute penguin cuddling scenes under a Christmas tree ensued, all to the crooning of Tom Odell. Dreamy.
Sadly, there is a notable lack of penguins here in the UK. While some of our auks, such as guillemots and razorbills, do somewhat resemble penguins given their posture and colouring, the only penguin found in the Northern Hemisphere is the Galapagos penguin.
A mouse
This character is most famous for not actually doing anything! “Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”. Thanks little mouse for your non-contribution to a Christmas classic!
Of course, unless this poem refers to a dormouse, it’s unusual for the mouse not to be stirring midwinter, as no true mice species hibernate. Interestingly, dormice have longer life expectancies than other mice species found in the UK – maybe the naps help?
Octopus
To me, Christmas starts when Love Actually is on the telly. And although its full of nice stories about couples and families and friends coming together and overcoming tough times to celebrate, well, love (actually)… the hero of this film is the kid dressed in an INCREDIBLE octopus costume, stuffed into the back of taxi, ready to star in an unconventional nativity.
Octopuses are found across all the world’s oceans and they are pretty amazing (just like the costume). They are the most intelligent of all invertebrates!
Puffins and Polar bears
From another advert that signals Christmas is nearly upon us, in 2017 the polar bear theme returned, but this time had a desperately thirsty puffin who couldn’t open a bottle. The polar bears helped the puffin by suggesting it could use its beak to open the cap, and the unlikely friends sit and enjoy their drinks together in a picturesque icy landscape. Let’s ignore the facts that polar bears would be more interested in eating the puffin, and that there is barely enough ice left to pop a cube in your coke, let alone support a family of five bears.
You can help us learn more about what actually makes up a puffins diet by taking part in Project Puffin: www.rspb.org.uk/projectpuffinuk
Honourable mention: Dogs
They don’t exactly fit the definition of ‘wildlife’ but there are so many iconic Christmas dogs we can’t help but give them a mention!
Max from ‘The Grinch’
A beautiful story of opening your heart to people who are different, forgiveness, and enjoying Christmas for the feeling of togetherness rather than presents, The Grinch is a festive staple for a lot of people, and where would the grumpy green guy be without his trusty sidekick Max?
Lady from ‘Lady and the Tramp’
Lady is given as a Christmas gift, which is not something we advocate at all. However, you can’t deny her popping out of a box complete with oversized bow is pretty cute.
Pluto from ‘Pluto’s Christmas Tree’
Don’t tell anyone, but I haven’t seen this film. But when it got round the office that I was writing this blog there was outrage that I wasn’t going to include Pluto. Apparently a feel-good and funny Mick Mouse short film.
Cracker the dog from ‘Nativity!’
This is my all-time favourite Christmas film. It’s funny. It’s lovely. And features a scruffy dog called Cracker. Cracker plays a key role in the film and is a vital part of getting the lead couple back together. Also some of the best eyebrow acting I’ve seen.
How did we do, are you outraged by what we did or didn’t include? We’d love to hear your favourite Christmas animal character!