An unusual Christmas surprise

Holiday decorations in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Sometimes, you never know what you'll find when you get home. Amanda McCormick knows that all too well.

Halfway around the world, near Adelaide, Australia, McCormick arrived home recently and found a furry friend passing the time in her Christmas tree. It was a cute little koala which had let itself into her home — which happens only occasionally, according to the CNN report. The koala rescue group McCormick contacted initially thought it was a prank call, but the organization responded and had the easy job of simply letting the animal out of the house, so it happened. It just wandered into the front yard, and, well, couldn't quite let go of McCormick's property. It was still in the same (outdoor) tree a day later, probably because it enjoyed sleeping there. Still, it probably didn’t compare to that comfy Christmas tree.

This story brightened up my rainy Saturday — it's just that kind of article. If you're ready to experience cuteness, I invite you to visit that link above: What better way to enliven your holiday spirit than to see a koala hanging out in a Christmas tree? Ever a fan of the facts, and after being constantly tempted to write "bear" after "koala", I should note that bears, koalas are not. Though they've got that endearing, furry look, that's pretty much where the similarities end, as the latter is a marsupial with a very different origin story.

In the coming weeks, if I see other fun animal stories, I'll let you see them, too. They were made for sharing, and for adding some joy to this world. We can always use one more laugh.

— Gareth Henderson