Socially distanced visitors to Tokyo’s Sunshine Aquarium were delighted to see Santa Claus, complete with a mask and flippers and holding a Christmas wreath, gliding among banana fish and a stingray in a huge tank on December, according to Reuters. The swimming Santa, who also used a bazooka-like feeder to shoot treats to the fish, is a 20-year tradition at the aquarium. “I know it’s difficult to hold events like these because of the coronavirus situation,” said visitor Ayami Kobayashi, 35, “but I’m grateful they still held the event.”


An animal rescue worker in Adelaide, Australia, thought she was being pranked when Amanda McCormick called on Dec. 2 to report she had discovered a koala in her Christmas tree. The little marsupial didn’t come with the tree; it wandered in the house and found a cozy new home among the ornaments, 9News reported. The female koala was safely removed to its more natural habitat. “Koalas are very curious creatures, and if the opportunity presents itself, they will investigate,” the rescue team said.


Some of my favorite childhood memories involve our family’s annual trips to the local Christmas tree farm. Although we have an artificial tree at our house, my children are still able to partake in the tradition by accompanying my parents when they cut down their tree.

When I announced we would be helping them pick a tree the following weekend, I expected Ethan, my six-year-old, to be excited about the outing. Instead, he furrowed his brow, puzzled, and asked, “What did they do with the one we got them last year?”