We try to have fun with holidays here at the sanctuary. To state the obvious, the chimps have no idea what we’re celebrating on Christmas or New Year’s or solstice. They do, however, enjoy a good party, and holidays are a great excuse for the staff and volunteers to treat the chimps to some creative food and enrichment.
I often wonder if by now some of the chimps – particularly the Cle Elum Seven, who have spent the last 13 Christmases with us – feel any sense of anticipation when the days grow short, the trees and decorations go up, and the snow begins to fall. When Jamie sees us move the potted Christmas tree from the hallway into her greenhouse on Christmas morning, does she know that she’ll soon find a new pair of boots underneath?
The chimps made the most of this particularly snowy Christmas Eve Day by scooping up snow and plucking the tomatoey eyes from Diana’s diminutive snowman.
We had a tradition in my house when I was a kid. On Christmas Eve, we’d get to open one gift, which would always contain new pajamas and a magazine. In hindsight, I realize that this may have been a way of working us kids down from our candy- and toy-fueled delirium and into bed. Nevertheless, at 44 years old I (and now Diana) still receive pajamas and a magazine from my wonderful mom. I know that Cy has no use for pajamas but I think he’ll like the other half of this tradition.
For our chimpanzee family, there’s no Santa Claus, no elves, no reindeer, and no magical snowman. But maybe, as they watch us assembling toys in the foyer and wrapping last minute gifts, they’ll go to bed knowing that tomorrow will be a special day filled with many of the things they love most.
Merry Christmas.
Judy says
Fantastic post J.B. It’s so fun to think of what wheels are turning in their heads.. maybe not sugar plum fairies but it’s great to know that the 3 and now the new 6 will be expereencing something that the 7 is certain to be anticipating. . . Merry Christmas to all.. and to all a good night… That last photo is so dreamy.
Linda C says
Thanks, JB. I’ve often wondered the same….whether or not the 7 have developed a certain “rhythm”, and know when to expect a party. Particularly with the preparations as signs: the tree, the arrival of a large pumpkin, a scarecrow on Young’s Hill, maybe the smell of pears wafting down on the wind…. Christmas party, 7 days, New Year’s party, 7 days, Burrito’s birthday. It’s a nice way to break up their long winter.
Arlene and Michael says
Lovely post J.B. Merry Christmas Eve to all of you. I’m looking forward to hearing about and seeing pictures of the wonderful celebrations at CSNW on Christmas Day. To all a good night!
tom austin says
it is 8:07 your time…..i passed that 2 hours ago……a special time of the year….they may not know what to call it, but all are better because of it…….MERRY CHRISTMAS…..!!!!!
Laurie Mowat says
It’s only thirty minutes until Christmas as I’m writing this. I’m three hours ahead here in Indiana.
If you are spending Christmas with family this year or spending the day alone I hope everyone finds one special thing that brings you joy.
Merry Christmas!
Linda C says
What a lovely sentiment, Laurie! I hope yours is wonderful, as well
Laurie Mowat says
Thank you Linda. Wishing you all the best in the new year!
Kathleen says
Oh I loved this post. This makes me think of Tatu and her signing/asking for her “sweet tree” at Christmas each year. She knows. The daily activities around her spark her memory, no need for a calendar. Now, I am certainly one to anthropomorphize when it comes to other creatures but I also believe that animals recognize certain cues in their environment or in our behavior and they remember and anticipate what’s to come. And if anyone were to remember, it would be Jamie because she’s more intelligent than most humans. Just saying….
These winter wonderland photos from today are such fun. And I enjoyed hearing about your mother’s special gift and how she keeps the tradition going. That’s what Christmas is all about. This year my beloved seven will be ready and waiting for their traditional party “filled with many of the things they love most”. Perhaps the same is true for Honey B, Mave, and Willy B. But for Cy’s group, tomorrow starts a brand new tradition. What a wonderful gift, to give them the experience of a full blown Christmas celebration CSNW style. I can’t wait!
Happy, Merry everything to all!
Caroline says
What a beautiful post J. B and im sure they do feel the antiscipation, because they are so intelligent! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful year ahead filled with love, health and many more happy new memories! Who says Angels don’t exist? Thanks to all of you Angels at Cle Elum who care for these beautiful beings, and share their new journey with us all.
Merry Christmas!
Much Love,
Caroline!
Nancy says
You guys make every day special and holidays magical for the chimps!
Jeani Goodrich says
JB you wrote the best post. I loved hearing about your tradition. we also got pajamas on Christmas Eve without the magazine. We could always count on Mom’s present in the mail with a tag that said Open Christmas Eve. I still had the excitement I had when I was a child. I see that excitement in the chimps. I just can’t imagine the chimps not remembering something merry and bright is coming each year. Their memories are very good! They just probably have their own name for it. Merry Christmas to all.