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. These traditions, blending both old and new, make the holiday a magical experience filled with connection and cheer.

Spotted in Norway's stunning Van Mijenfjorden National Park, the Svalbard reindeer is a remarkable Arctic creature adapted to life in extreme cold. These short-legged and stocky animals have thick winter coats that help them brave the harsh climate. Once almost extinct due to overhunting, their numbers have rebounded to around 22,000, making them the only large grazing mammal in the European High Arctic. 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 cheer across the world.