How ‘real reindeers’ make their trek

December 24, 2022
by RJ Hamster

Saturday, December 24, 2022

In today’s newsletter, we follow an 800-mile sleigh ride in Siberia, learn how Jesus’ parents got together, discover where Santas blow off steam … and learn how not to eat like Mr. Claus.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY EVGENIA ARBUGAEVA

The tales of Santa’s sleigh make it sound like a sweet Christmas Eve ride—powered seamlessly by knowing reindeer.

For Siberia’s reindeer, however, the annual 800-mile migration to and from the Arctic has become more complicated. Just ask the herders who follow the animals on their trek. Record heat, drought, and Russian energy development have challenged both reindeer and these herders, members of the historically resilient Nenets Indigenous group.

These photos by Nat Geo Explorer Evgenia Arbugaeva (pictured above, a 5-year-old urging his mother to go faster on the sleigh) help explain their deep connection to the reindeer and the land.

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Wildlife crossing: The Russian oil giant Gazprom created this “white carpet” for reindeer bulls pulling sleighs across the road at this Siberian oil field. Pictured above, sisters Vera and Sophia Khudi (walking) made the crossing.

Northward ho! In spring, when snow and frozen rivers favor sledding, the herds push rapidly north.

The family chum: That’s the name for the teepee-like tent that protects 80-year-old Nina Khudi (shown above) from blowing snow and biting cold.

Probably not ‘Rudolph’: Huddled under reindeer coats and blankets, the Puiko brothers watch a bootlegged movie on a laptop powered by a generator chugging outside the chum. Almost every tent has a few cherished movies—gifts from visitors or acquired on a rare visit to a village or trading post. Read more.

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Don’t snack like Santa: How to stay healthy these holidays

How Christmas has evolved over the centuries

What archaeology tells us about the real Jesus

How did Jesus’ parents become a couple? Here’s what biblical scholars say.

Bubbles trapped in Alaska ice are a mesmerizing, terrifying warning

Who were the three kings in the Christmas story?

How Kwanzaa came to be

The disputed history of Boxing Day

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

PHOTOGRAPH BY DINA LITOVSKY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Too. Many. Santas! No, it’s not the North Pole. And yes, even Santa needs some time away from the elves. Ergo, the annual summertime “World’s Largest Santa Convention” (above). It comes complete with dinner, dancing, a show, and a massive “Santa jingle.” Where is it? Click here to find out.

Santa survey says: The beard is real

WHERE ARE THOSE SANTAS?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GÉRARD BLOT/RMN-GRAND PALAIS

The Christmas Eve plot: If monarchist rebels had had their way, French leader Napoleon Bonaparte would have been blown apart by a bomb outside an opera house on the night before Christmas in 1800. Bonaparte escaped unhurt from the barrel bomb, entered the opera house for a Haydn premiere, and asked for the book of the oratorio. He wasn’t so laissez-faire about the culprits, Nat Geo reports.

LAST GLIMPSE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBERT FOSBURY

One last reindeer story: Do you know the eyes of reindeer can change color? It depends on the light, Nat Geo reports. (Upper image, the mirror-like layer at the back of a reindeer’s eye with winter coloring; lower image, with summer coloring.)Regretfully, we have no similar report about the color of reindeer noses.

SEEING IN ARCTIC DARKNESS

Today’s Soundtrack: ¿Dónde Está Santa Claus? — Los Lobos

This newsletter has been curated and edited by David Beard, Jen Tse, and Sydney Combs. Amanda Williams-Bryant, Alec Egamov, Rita Spinks, and Jeremy Brandt-Vorel also contributed this week. Have an idea? We’d love to hear from you at david.beard@natgeo.com. Happy holidays to those celebrating!

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The Weekend Sun: On Christmas Eve, a Sad Story Is Emerging in Bethlehem

Hamsters

RJ Hamster

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How ‘real reindeers’ make their trek

How ‘real reindeers’ make their trek

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