With Thanksgiving behind us, December 13th is just around the corner—the perfect time for families to kick off their 12-day countdown to Christmas Eve!
Some families mark the days with an Advent calendar, opening a tiny door each night to reveal a treat. Others create a simple paper chain, tearing off a ring daily as Christmas gets closer. No matter the tradition, counting down adds to the excitement of the season.
At The Creature Teacher, we believe Christmas wouldn’t be the same without animals! From camels and donkeys in Bethlehem nativity scenes to Santa’s trusty reindeer, animals have long been part of holiday traditions around the world. We’ve got some fun and festive ways to bring a little wildlife magic into your countdown this year!
Birdseed ornament
During winter, food becomes scarce for birds that don’t migrate. With fewer insects and less vegetation, they rely more on seeds and must eat plenty during the day to stay warm. One simple way to help is by making birdseed ornaments—an easy and fun project that also adds a festive touch to your yard.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp (or two packets) of unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 cups wild birdseed mix
- Christmas-shaped cookie cutters
- Twine or ribbon
Instructions
- Pour the boiling water into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add the birdseed and mix well until evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper and fill the cookie cutters halfway with the mixture.
- Place a loop of twine or ribbon in the center of each ornament.
- Fill the cookie cutters to the top and press firmly to compact the mix.
- Let them dry at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight.
- Once fully set, carefully remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters.
Hang them around your yard with colorful ribbons, and watch as cardinals, robins, and other winter birds enjoy their feast—bringing a little extra life and song to the season!
Books
Books are a great way to spark the imagination, set a festive mood, and teach kids about animals—especially during the holiday season. This winter, explore stories about Arctic creatures and hibernation to learn how animals adapt to the cold.
Here are 12 animal-themed Christmas books to check out at your local library or purchase online:
- Santa and the Sugar Glider – Alexa Moses & Anil Tortop
- Merry Christmas, Old Armadillo – Larry Dane Brimner
- Wombat Divine – Mem Fox
- Little Porcupine’s Christmas – Joseph Slate
- A Loud Winter’s Nap – Katy Hudson
- Merry Christmas, Blue Kangaroo – Emma Chichester Clark
- The Christmas Chameleon – Anne Boykin
- One Christmas Night – M. Christina Butler
- The Christmas Skunk and the Very Stinky Christmas – Jane Carey
- Extraordinary Noorah – Chanda A. Bell
- How to Catch a Reindeer – Alice Walstead
- A Christmas Spider’s Miracle – Trinka Hakes Noble
For extra fun, search YouTube for read-aloud versions and enjoy these festive animal tales together!
Movies
Cozy up with your loved ones (including your furry friends!), grab a warm blanket, and enjoy a movie night with a fresh batch of popcorn. Turn off the lights and settle in for these three fun, animal-themed holiday films:
- A Reindeer’s Journey – Follow the incredible story of Ailo, a newborn reindeer, as he embarks on a challenging journey across the frozen landscapes of Northern Finland with his mother. This breathtaking documentary offers a glimpse into the wild world of reindeer.
- Snow Buddies – A group of adventurous golden retriever puppies finds themselves in Alaska, taking on the snow-covered wilderness in a heartwarming, fun-filled family adventure.
- Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer – When one of Santa’s reindeer retires, a small but determined miniature horse named Elliot—alongside his spirited goat friend Hazel—sets out to prove that no dream is too big.
Craft and Give
At The Creature Teacher, we’re more than just educators—we’re ambassadors for animals, sharing not only fun facts but also the importance of understanding and caring for all creatures. Just like animals, every person plays a vital role in our world. This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving—whether through gifts, kind words, or simple acts of love.
One unique way to spread joy is by gifting a beautiful poinsettia. This vibrant plant was introduced to the U.S. by Joel Robert Poinsett, the nation’s first ambassador to Mexico. According to an old Aztec legend, a young girl named Pepita, too poor to afford a gift for baby Jesus, gathered weeds from the roadside and placed them at the church altar. Miraculously, the weeds bloomed into stunning red flowers, now known as “Flores de Noche Buena” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”
To make your gift even more special, create a fun, animal-inspired flower pot using recycled materials!
You’ll need:
- A recycled plastic milk jug or soda bottle
- Scissors
- A hot glue gun
- Craft paint & paintbrushes
- Googly eyes
- Potting soil
- A drill (to make drainage holes in the bottom)
With a little creativity, your handcrafted pot will add an extra personal touch to this meaningful holiday tradition.
Places to visit
The holiday season is a wonderful time to create lasting memories with family and friends. Here are some festive ideas to make your celebrations special:
Enjoy Festive Outings with Your Pets
Dress your pets in adorable holiday attire and take them for a stroll to admire your neighborhood’s Christmas decorations. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the season’s lights and spread cheer.
Visit Local Zoos for Holiday Celebrations
Many zoos transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season, featuring twinkling light displays, festive crafts, and visits from Santa. It’s an excellent opportunity for family fun and to learn more about your favorite animals.
Explore Library Events
Check your local library’s event calendar for special December programs. Libraries often host holiday-themed activities, storytelling sessions, and educational events suitable for all ages.
Host an Animal-Themed Holiday Gathering
Consider organizing an animal-themed party to bring wildlife education and fun to your family and friends. Interactive experiences with fascinating creatures can make your celebration truly unforgettable.
Embrace these activities to fill your holiday season with joy, learning, and cherished moments.
Merry Christmas
Why Choose The Creature Teacher?
At The Creature Teacher, we specialize in delivering engaging, hands-on Wildlife Education Company experiences that inspire curiosity and foster a deep respect for animals among learners of all ages. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Interactive Learning: We provide hands-on animal experiences that make education engaging and memorable for children.
- Experienced Educators: Our team comprises professionals with teaching backgrounds who ensure high-quality educational content.
- Diverse Animal Encounters: We offer opportunities to learn about a wide variety of animals, fostering curiosity and respect for wildlife.
- Customized Programs: Our activities are tailored to align with educational standards and the interests of our audience.
- Commitment to Conservation: We aim to instill a sense of responsibility towards wildlife and the environment in young learners.
FAQs for 12 Days of Christmas – Fun Animal Education for Kids
Contact The Creature Teacher
For more information or to schedule one of our engaging wildlife education programs, please reach out to us through the following channels. We also offer Christmas animal education activities that bring festive and fun learning experiences to kids and families!
