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Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas

In Russia, Orthodox Christians have headed to church to celebrate Christmas eve. Some worshippers consider January 6 to be the beginning of the new

United Kingdom

UK shoppers flock to stores for Boxing Day sales

Thousands of shoppers in the UK have been queuing outside stores hoping for a bargain on Boxing Day. December 26 is one of the busiest days for

United Kingdom

Queen's Christmas speech praises Ebola doctors, calls for reconciliation

The Queen has used her traditional Christmas Day broadcast to praise medical workers fighting Ebola in west Africa. She said she had been “deeply

Greece

Food banks provide free Christmas dinners in Greece as austerity cuts bite

In Athens, hundreds of people have queued up to take advantage of a free Christmas dinner organised by a food bank. Poverty levels are at an all time

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Sierra Leone

Nurses offer Christmas spirit to Ebola patients in Sierra Leone

Health workers in Sierra Leone attempt to offer the feeling of Christmas to patients being treated for Ebola.

Vatican

Pope Francis condemns persecution of minorities in Christmas Day address

Tens of thousands of people turned out to hear the Pope’s Christmas Day message in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Pope Francis spoke about Ebola

USA

Debate over brisk Christmas gun sales in US amid recent tragedies

Recent gun tragedies in the US raise the whole question of firearms ownership this Christmas.

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Elephants give Christmas joy to Thai children

Mexico

Christmas protests for 43 missing students in Mexico

Families of 43 missing students joined protesters outside the presidential palace in Mexico for a Christmas eve prayer. Holding posters of their

Egypt

Coptic Christians in Egypt on alert for attacks

Catholic Copts in Egypt are marking Christmas amid tight security after threats from Islamic extremist groups. The Christmas Eve Mass at the Coptic Catholic Church in Cairo was packed despite the aler

Iraq

Some displaced Iraqi Christians are not in the Christmas spirit

Internally displaced Iraqi Christians who fled violence in Mosul celebrated Christmas in Baghdad on Wednesday. About 80 families gathered at a

France

France tells people to enjoy Christmas, but stay vigilant

Have a relaxing Christmas, but keep personal safety in mind when out in public, say French authorities.

Russia

Father Christmases meet at Russia-Finland border

Russia’s Father Frost and Finland’s Father Christmas have had a festive meet-up on the border of the two countries. The pair exchanged festive

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Ho-ho-ho! Santa is leaving

Vatican

Pope hits out at Cardinals' 'lust for power'

In his Christmas greeting to those who run the Holy See, Pope Francis said they were "hypocritical" and had "forgotten the Lord".

France

Santa Claus goes underwater

Santa Claus took a break from wrapping presents today to drop by the Paris city aquarium and feed the fishes. Swimming underwater in a full Santa

Finland

Santa sets off for work

Santa took the opportunity today to send his Christmas greetings to everyone. He then set off from home in his sled, pulled by a single white

West Bank

Palestinians clash with Israeli forces in Bethlehem

Just two days before Christmas, dozens of Palestinians, some dressed as Santa Claus, clashed with Israeli forces at a checkpoint in Bethlehem

Denmark

Oh cloned Christmas tree, your leaves are so duplicated

Finding the perfect Christmas tree can be a chore. Tall, short, full or sparse there are trees to suit all tastes in Denmark which is the world’s

Vatican

Vatican Christmas tree lights switched on in St Peter's Square

There is less than a week until Christmas and the Vatican has switched on the lights on its tree in St. Peter’s Square. The governor of Vatican City