Penguins are all over the holiday. The truth is we only tie the cute, flightless bird with Christmas because they live in cold climates. Some species, like the Gentoo, chinstrap, and emperor penguin, actually live in warmer climates. Here's the irony: We link penguins and Christmas because of the North Pole. Penguins actually reside in the icy environments of Antarctica, its neighboring continents, and the South (not North) Pole. Though we almost always see them on land, penguins spend the majority of their lives in water. Do you associate penguins with Christmas?

Throughout the English winter, the robin is a treasure. Once upon a day, Victorian postmen had the nickname "robin," noted for their bright red jackets. The sight prompted a series of images of red-breasted birds delivering mail during the holidays. American robins are also familiar sights. They are often tugging at earthworms. The bird's famous for its cheery singing and brightly colored chest. The robin makes its first appearance near the end of the winter. They're noted for being the first to start the day singing and the last to stop at the day's end. Do you associate robins with Christmas?

Yes, they're out there in the desert but there is no more famous Christmas symbol than the three kings reaching Bethlehem on camels. The image is synonymous with the Christmas holiday. Interestingly, the Bible makes no mention of camels. The book speaks of wise magi bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, but not of how they made the trip. Do you associate camels with Christmas?

Until the 16th century, the golden bird for Christmas dinner was actually a goose. Today, American culture associates turkey with Thanksgiving and Christmas via settlers and natives who dined together. But Christmas turkey goes back to Henry VIII who personally made the bird a staple. It's rumored Queen Victoria reopening trade with the U.S. and importing turkeys influenced the traditional holiday dinner. Do you associate turkeys with Christmas?

Polar bears, like penguins, have become symbols of the winter holiday only because of their proximity to snow and cold. They live in the Arctic and Canada. The polar bear's white coat is a gift from Mother Nature. It allows the animals to hide in their environments, where they often are mistaken for snowdrifts. Have you seen polar bears in Coca-Cola Christmas commercials?

Partridges are not found in pear trees. They're ground birds. But thanks to that repetitious lyric in "12 Days of Christmas", these animals are one of Christmas's favorite creatures. Partridges are relatives of the pheasant and traditional game in England. It's believed the cute partridge referred to in the Christmas carol is a grey or English partridge. Do you associate partridges with Christmas?