It’s true that animals are sometimes ‘almost human’. But when it comes to certain things, they can be far more sensitive than us, as recent events in a large forest clearing go to show. Illustrator Steffy Merz was a secret onlooker and has immortalized four of the story’s protagonists on four beautiful Christmas stamps.
Christmas was again drawing near. All too near, in fact, despite all the good resolutions to start festive season preparations early for once. Things had got off to a great start, but then the Central Animal Council got into a lively debate about the essence of Christmas and what lies at its heart … The delegates of the various animal species crowded into the circle of the wide forest clearing became embroiled in fierce arguments. Some of them had travelled long distances especially, while others had snuck away from their barns and stables to contribute their take on the most important aspect to the debate. And this diversity was represented in the breadth and complexity of the views expressed.
The following is a short extract from the minutes:
“It’s a no-brainer. Roast goose”, barked out
Foxy, the smart fox. “What would Christmas be without a juicy roast goose?” Fortunately, the goose representative had been unable to attend so did not hear this remark. “Snow”, countered the polar bear.
“Lots of snow like at the Arctic Circle – in recent years, deliveries didn’t always arrive punctually.” And he went into raptures about Christmas in the Arctic night.
“Please don’t forget the Christmas tree”, pleaded Bambi, the gentle fawn. “It just isn’t Christmas without a little tree and decorations”. “But let’s not have so many candles on it this time”, piped up Emma, usually the wisest of owls. “For a muted, cosy effect – atmosphere, children, is key t to a night like this.” “But I want my new w suit to shine and be clearly visible”, put in the peacock fanning out its tail. “If I don’t get a new outfit, there’s nothing for me to celebrate.” “And jewellery!” rasped the magpie. “Every year, I find a surprise on Christmas Day – served up on a plate, so to speak – a ring, bracelet, brooch or chain – that’s the best thing about Christmas for me.
“Be sure not to forget the Christmas “Stollen”, growled the brown bear. “Preferably with loads and loads of honey in it…” “And nuts from our store”, chimed in Jerry, the busy squirrel. “If there’s no Stollen and no other sweet things, I can easily do without Christmas,” continued the brown bear. “Just do what I do”, the badger advised. “Sleep, sleep, sleep – have a really long lie. That’s the essential thing about Christmas for me.”
“And plenty to drink”, put in the ox. “To re-ally wet your whistle – and then some shut-eye.” Suddenly he bellowed “Ouch!” as the donkey gave him a mighty kick on the shin…
“What about the Baby Jesus, you ox you!” Sheepishly, the ox bowed its head in shame and said: “Ah yes, the baby in the manger …”. “The Child is the most important thing at Christmas”, confirmed Emma, the wise owl.
And Bambi, the fawn, asked timidly: “Yes, but do humans really know that?”
In the meantime, night had long since fallen. The moon was up, the sky was re-splendent with golden stars, and a delicate white mist was rising from the meadow. Owie, the bunny, laughed in sheer delight.
Source: WOPA
published November 17th, 2013
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