Svalbard reindeer in Van Mijenfjorden NP, Norway

© Martin Zwick/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Image

Merry Christmas!

Deck the halls, it's Christmas time! Christmas Day is a holiday packed with joy, warmth and cherished traditions. For many, it's a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, bringing family and friends together to exchange gifts, share meals and enjoy festive décor. Beyond its spiritual roots, Christmas also lights up the season with beloved customs—decorating trees, carolling and eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival. Recognised as a state holiday in India, Christmas is celebrated as a secular occasion. For Christians, particularly Catholics, attending Midnight Mass is a key tradition. Many Christian households adorn their homes with cribs, trees and brightly lit stars symbolising the Bethlehem star. They also share sweets and cakes with neighbours. In northern and north-western regions, it's known as Bada Din (Big Day), and some communities mark the occasion by planting trees.

Spotted in Norway's stunning Van Mijenfjorden National Park, the Svalbard reindeer is a remarkable Arctic creature adapted to life in extreme cold. Their resilience adds to the natural wonder of this frozen landscape and the magic of the holiday season, where reindeer have long been represented as Santa's loyal companions, spreading festive cheers across the world.