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THE NATURE OF CHRISTMAS by the RSPB
WHEN PUTTING UP YOUR DECORATIONS OR WRITING YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS , HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY WE ASSOCIATE ROBINS WITH CHRISTMAS ? MAYBE YOU ’ VE ALWAYS CONTEMPLATED WHERE THE HOLLY AND THE IVY CAME FROM , OR IF PARTRIDGES REALLY DO ROOST IN A PEAR TREE . IN THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS , THE RSPB ARE TAKING A LOOK AT FESTIVE FOLKLORE AND TRADITION IN AN ATTEMPT TO ANSWER : WHAT IS THE NATURE OF CHRISTMAS ?
Robins aren ’ t just for Christmas
Crowned Britain ’ s National Bird , the robin is a firm favourite amongst the country ’ s feathered friends , especially at Christmas time .
Associated with Christmas since the 1900s , the relationship between robins and the festive season is inspired by the bright red uniforms of Victorian postmen . As Christmas cards arrived through the post , the link was made between the familiar little bird and the spreading of Christmas cheer , which has led to them featuring on many Christmas cards ever since .
As a familiar garden bird to many , robins may be seen all year round , but they are most in need of your help during the winter months when natural food supplies run low , according to the RSPB .
The charity , who have been monitoring trends in garden bird numbers for over 40 years , report that robin numbers are in decline by 32 % since 1979 , as well as many other of the country ’ s garden favourites . Therefore , the RSPB is urging the public to keep their feeders stocked and clean and water baths topped up as our feathered friends head to gardens in search of food and drink .
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