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World

Spaniards look for more meaningful gifts this Christmas due to COVID

In Spain, Christmas presents might take a different shape this year. After months of economic hardship and social distancing, some people will be looking for gifts which have a more sentimental value.

Green News

Is a fake Christmas tree better for the environment than a real one?

The answer is a lot more complicated than you might think.

Europe News

Coronavirus: Saving lives comes before Christmas celebrations, says EU

Brussels has made a festive warning and called on EU countries to remain vigilant against coronavirus until a vaccine is widely available.

Green News

5 affordable Christmas presents for the climate-conscious

Five unique Christmas gifts for the environmentally minded.

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Germany

Europe's famous Christmas markets fall victim to COVID-19

In Germany, France, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, Christmas markets have been an iconic part of the festive season. Then COVID-19 hit.

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Visits to Father Christmas go virtual amid COVID-19 pandemic

Santa’s Grotto Live went live in November and has already received more than 500 bookings.

World News

We will waive COVID travel restrictions for Santa, EU confirms

"We agreed with the religious leaders that this being an issue of trans-border movement — Saint Nicholas, Pere Noel, Babbo Natale, Reyes Magos, Agios Vassilis — they will all be able to deliver the gifts," the EU's Margaritis Schinas said on Friday.

France

Coronavirus: French businesses fear low-key Christmas season

Christmas cheer is thin on the ground this year with the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on traditional celebrations.

World News

Black Friday: Are buying habits across Europe different this year?

As retail stores remain closed throughout Europe and many people are housebound, consumer trends have shifted this Black Friday.

Germany

Black Friday: Amazon workers in Germany go on strike

Around 2,500 Amazon workers across the country are predicted to take part in walkouts, according to the union Ver.di.

United Kingdom

Santa's Grottos are going virtual in the UK this year

As the UK emerges from a nationwide lockdown next week, Father Christmas performers are being trained to use video conferencing.

World

French shops to open; Spain's rule of six and Germany's mini-amnesty

President Emmanuel Macron has said France will start to ease its strict national lockdown with the reopening of shops. In Spain government is to propose a somewhat different Christmas and New Year celebrations. According to draft proposals authorties plan to limit gatherings to six people in total.

Travel News

British Airways sells off collectibles from its retired 747 fleet

Travel enthusiasts who are missing being able to jet across the world can recreate the inflight dining experience at home this Christmas

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Brussels decorates its Christmas tree as famous Paris avenue is lit up

The countdown to Christmas is underway in European capitals Brussels and Paris.

France

Paris switches Christmas lights on amid tight lockdown restrictions

The lights are set to stay until January 6, but far fewer people will be there to enjoy them this year.

World

Playstation 5: Retailers across Europe struggle with demand

A new report by Oxford University explores the impact gaming has on people's wellbeing.

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Shop windows all dressed up for Christmas with no-one to impress

The lights are on, but no-one is home.

Travel News

Even Santa’s helpers are at risk of redundancy this year

It's feared that some of Santa's helpers in Lapland might lose their jobs due to visitor numbers plummeting during the pandemic.

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Artist brings masks & social distancing to traditional nativity scene

Genny Di Virgilio is known in Italy for peppering the traditional manger scene with current events. So, of course, this year, COVID-19 took centre stage.

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Oxford Street’s Christmas lights go on display early in London

They are normally switched on by a celebrity in front of huge crowds but social distancing restrictions forced organisers to shelve the event this year, as the coronavirus pandemic rages in the United Kingdom.