Fears that the real meaning of Christmas has been lost might not be far off, as a new survey reveals some interesting takes on the nativity story.
Research undertaken by London shopping centre Brent Cross shows that ten per cent of 1,000 five to 12-year-olds polled thought that Rudolf the Reindeer was present at the birth of Jesus.
This makes some sense, given that over half believed Christmas Day to mark Father Christmas' birthday, rather than the coming of Jesus.
More than one in ten of those asked thought the Three Kings brought gifts of a wand, wings and tiara instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and 25 per cent thought Google maps was probably the Shepherd's best bet for finding the stable.
Perhaps best of all, though, is that one in five believed Jesus to play for Chelsea Football Club – though perhaps they were thinking of Jesus Navas, Man City's right winger.
The results of the survey follow research released by parenting website NetMums earlier this month, which found that just one third of UK infant schools stage a full traditional nativity.
According to the study, one in fourteen parents said that their children's school held secular events such as a "Winter Celebration" or "Seasonal Play", while one in eight said modern alternative 'nativities' without any reference to religion were the norm.
Take a look here to see some of the weirdest nativity plays Christian Today could find, including a story about a disgruntled snowman and even one about some festive fleas...
