The Australian Reptile Park knows this well. And it loves getting into the spirit of Christmas, as you can see from these photos.

The animals apparently love Christmas almost as much as humans.

Head keeper Daniel Rumsey said the park closes on Christmas Day, but "a few keepers still come to work to ensure the animals are fed and enjoying Christmas just like everyone else".

"It's just as important to us that we spend our Christmas with these guys, as well as our human families," Daniel said.

Here's a poem we created with Hunter bush poet, Bob "Minmi Magster" Skelton:

'Tis Christmas in the Hunter

With COVID in our midst

The virus gives this festive season

Quite a wistful twist.

Some will gather outside, where the air does flow

They'll have a toast to living life

And steer away from woe.

The church bells will still ring

Despite this COVID spell

It's still a time of giving

And we hope you all stay well.

'Tis Christmas in the Hunter

This big valley we hold dear

We're all facing this nasty virus

But let's not live in total fear.

To the west old Sugarloaf stands

Her flora oh so pretty

The plants and birds give relief

From COVID's nitty-gritty.

Some will be with family and friends

While others keep things small

The Christmas spirit can be felt

No matter how the cards may fall.

The storm clouds they gather

The sunsets are so fine

As the kookaburras cackle

Some will sip their wine.

The bees are buzzing in the trees

With blossom and with bloom

Their hidden hives in hollow limbs

Will be stacked with honey soon.

The frogs are croaking in the dams

Many full and running over

While cattle graze through summer days

In lush paddocks of grass and clover.

Our valley is looking lush and green

Good recent rain the reason

Let's hope and pray it stays that way

For the long summer season.

It's Christmas again in the Hunter

From the Barrington to the coast

It's Christmas in the Hunter, this valley we love most.

Our Southern Cross it gleams

Over this valley we hold dear

Now have a joyful happy Christmas

And a COVID-free new year.

Did you hear about the silly turkey? It was looking forward to Christmas.

What do you call a koala on a Port Stephens beach at Christmas? Sandy Claws.

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