Bears are a popular part of the holiday season. They are a common feature of greeting cards, ornaments, story books and even television advertising. http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/heritage/cokelore_polarbears.html Toy bears, including teddy bears, have enjoyed a long history within the United States and internationally. http://www.teddybearandfriends.com/archive/articles/history.html In fact, teddies are considered to be "by far the best-selling plush toy of all time." http://www.history.com/content/toys/toys-games/teddy-bears The wide variety and availability of these furry friends makes them a particularly suitable option when it comes to Christmas decorating and gift-giving.

Those who enjoy the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as their start to the Christmas season might recall the appearances of Smokey Bear in 1966, Yogi Bear in 1983, Snuggle Bear in 1987and the Care Bears Winter Fun-Derland in 2007.http://www.altiusdirectory.com/Society/thanksgiving-day-parade.html In 2002, a Build-a-Bear Workshop float told "the story of the teddy bear and its historical roots with colorful, animated teddy bear characters."http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2002/10/07/daily20.html

For the 2009 parade, Santa's big scene included "ice sculptures of a Walrus and a Polar Bear."http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-83rd-annual-macys-thanksgiving-day-parader-is-set-to-debut-new-giant-character-balloons-amazing-floats-and-new-parade-route-this-november-68531387.html The Care Bears Winter Fun-Derland and Cele-bear-ate Hugs Worldwide were also part of the event.http://www.holidayhacks.com/2009/11/03/2009-macy%e2%80%99s-thanksgiving-day-parade-line-up-and-details/