The crèche created by the House of Fontanini in Bagni di Lucca in the Tuscany Region of Italy graces an entire room each year in the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary , Queen of the Universe , in Orlando , Florida . In the background is the blue Universe Window by architectural glass artist Ken vonRoenn . Photo courtesy of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary , Queen of the Universe
Where horses are less prevalent , other animals are brought into the festivities . Denmark ’ s gift-giver , the Christmas Man , travels in a reindeer-drawn sleigh like in our Santa Claus story . And in Australia , where it is summer in late December , kangaroos are used to transport Santa .
Christians ’ observance of the birth of Jesus associates animals with the winter holidays . The issue of certain animals depicted in traditional nativity scenes , interestingly , was addressed by Pope Benedict XVI : “ In the gospels , there is no mention of animals ” at Jesus ’ birth , Pope Benedict stated in his book entitled : Jesus of Nazareth : The Infancy Narratives . The Pope noted the ox and donkey may have made their way into the Christmas story because of their “ being referenced ” in other parts of the Bible . Pope Benedict stated , however , that « no nativity scene will give up its ox and donkey ,” so the tradition “ probably ” is here to stay .
Sheep often are also displayed in nativity scenes because shepherds play a role in the Bethlehem story . Because of the Three Wise Men , some nativity scenes have camels — the most accommodating animal for long distance journeys on the Middle East trade routes .
I have seen many crèches here in America and in other countries with some including the use of live animals . However , one of the most beautifully artistic nativity scenes I have seen anywhere is right here in Orlando in a church built exclusively by donations from tourists from around the world — the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary , Queen of the Universe .
The crèche displayed each year in the huge Basilica fills the Day Chapel where weekday Masses are normally held . A resting camel and other pieces of animal statuary are included — a lamb , an ox , a donkey , a peacock , other birds , a rooster , a duck , some small animals like squirrels and rabbits — with LOTS of straw .
Whether the depiction of animals of all kinds are used in religious displays like Christian nativity scenes , or whether in celebrations involving holiday gift-givers like Santa Claus , animals play a centrally key part in people ’ s festive activities held around the world each year . People the world round appreciate the value of animals in their lives and honor them in their various holiday celebrations .
As for myself , during the December holidays , I most love the imagery of horses pulling sleighs and bells jingling in the chilled wintery air ... even if only in my imagination … as I happily sing “ Jingle Bells ” with sheer joy … here in sunny warm Central Florida .
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