As Christmas approaches, people start to decorate and prepare for the holidays. While human communities are bustling with festive preparations, the birds are also busy. Many are beginning their winter migration, seeking warm habitats, or enjoying winter seeds in fields or at backyard bird feeders. In fact, birds hold a unique place in Christmas culture. From religious legends and folk customs to holiday literature and art, many birds have been given special symbolic meanings.

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a beloved "Christmas redbird" in North America. Against the bleak, gray backdrop of winter, its bright red feathers are particularly striking. Since the 20th century, Northern Cardinals have frequently been featured as a theme element on Christmas cards and holiday decorations in North America. The reason is not hard to explain: the cardinal is native to North America and is a non-migratory bird. It stays in its home territory all year round, and can often be seen even in icy and snowy weather. Their "fearless of winter" characteristic is also seen as a manifestation of the Christmas spirit.

Moreover, on a religious level, red symbolizes the precious blood of Jesus in Christianity, signifying sacrificial love and redemption. Therefore, the appearance of a cardinal during the Christmas season often evokes thoughts of divine presence and hope. Furthermore, there is a proverb in the United States: "When a cardinal appears, an angel is near." Many believe that seeing a cardinal at Christmas is a sign that a deceased loved one has come to visit as an angel, bringing comfort and blessings from heaven. Therefore, during Christmas, a time for remembering loved ones, the sight of a cardinal often conveys the message, "You are not alone, we are always together."

The white dove has always been a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit, and this symbol is equally important in Christmas culture and Christian tradition. The New Testament records that when Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16). Therefore, the dove is widely used to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit and divine blessing. In a lot of Christian art, the image of a dove appears alongside sacred scenes, such as in some Christmas carols and artworks, where a white dove symbolizes God's gift of peace to humanity.

Christmas emphasizes "on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14), and the white dove is a universally symbol of peace. This symbolism dates back to the story of Noah's Ark in the Book of Genesis: after the flood, Noah released a dove to scout for receding waters, and the dove returned with a fresh olive leaf, signifying the reappearance of land and the salvation of humanity. Since then, the image of a dove carrying an olive branch has been considered a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and hope. Christmas celebrates precisely this reconciliation between God and humanity—the birth of Jesus, who is called the "Prince of Peace," coming into the world. Therefore, white doves often appear on Christmas cards and decorations, symbolizing peace, purity, and new beginnings.

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is considered one of the classic Christmas symbols in European countries. With its bright orange-red breast feathers, it is very striking and endearing against the snowy winter . As early as the Victorian era in the 19th century, the robin became inextricably linked with Christmas. At that time, Christmas cards became popular, and British postmen wore bright red uniforms, which leading to them being nicknamed "Robins." Inspired by this, artisits often depicted a robin carrying a letter on Christmas cards, symbolizing the postman delivering holiday greetings. Over time, the robin became a star on Christmas cards, often appearing in charming poses, as if it were personally delivering Christmas blessings.

Besides the postman anecdote, there are many ancient folk legends in Britain about the robin that give it a Christmas meaning. One widely circulated story tells of a small brown bird that flew into the stable in Bethlehem on the night of Jesus' birth, when the weather was cold. As Mary and Joseph were weary, the little bird flapped its wings to fan the fire, keeping it burning and warming the infant Jesus. The Virgin Mary, touched by the bird's kindness, bestowed upon it a bright red breast as a reward. Thus, the robin became one of the symbols of Christmas.

Not only the specific birds mentioned above, some Christmas songs and legends also feature other birds and endow them with special meanings. The most famous of these is the traditional English carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Each verse of this song lists gifts, and the gifts in the first few days are all birds: the first day "a partridge in a pear tree", the second day "two turtle doves", the third day "three French hens", and so on. Whether it's a partridge sacrificing itself to protect its chicks, or a pair of turtle doves, these birds have become integrated into the narrative and symbolism of Christmas. They accompany the carols sung through generations, spreading their beautiful meanings to everyone celebrating Christmas.

Throughout North American and European Christmas traditions, people use these Christmas birds to express their longing for hope, peace, love, and new life. It can be said that the symbolism of birds in Christmas culture reflects the core spirit of the holiday through the most beautiful creatures of nature. When we open a Christmas card with a picture of a bird on it in the morning, we might smile and realize that these lovely creatures have long been integrated into Christmas, conveying our heartfelt wishes.