Christmas

Holiday originating in Christianity, usually celebrated on December 25 (in the Gregorian or Julian calendars)

Christmas ▸ Facts ▸ Comments ▸ News ▸ Videos

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night; in some traditions, Christmastide includes an octave. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many of the world's nations, is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians, and forms an integral part of the holiday season centered around it.

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Top 12 toys for Christmas revealed DreamToys in London showcases the top 12 toys ahead of Christmas as chosen byan independent committee of retailers and the Toy Retailers Association. Thetoy industry has faced challenges to adapt to.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:31Published 6 hours ago

Sturgeon addresses students' Christmas concerns First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Government’s coronavirusbriefing on Monday that she understands students will be “worried and anxious”about the prospect of being unable to return.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:51Published 2 days ago

Johnson looks to defuse Tory rebellion over free school meals Boris Johnson is reportedly planning to increase funding for the poorestfamilies over Christmas in an attempt to head off a damaging revolt over freeschool meals. The Times quoted allies of the Prime.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:06Published 2 days ago

French race to buy children's toys amid fears of pre-Christmas lockdown Credit: FRANCE 24 English Duration: 01:34Published 5 days ago

Trump: Biden will cancel Christmas U.S. President Donald Trump in Nevada Sunday (October 18) said his rival, Joe Biden, will cancel Christmas if he wins in November. Credit: Reuters Studio Duration: 00:31Published 1 week ago

UK COVID-19 restrictions could mean a smaller turkey this Christmas Restrictions on larger gatherings are leading UK turkey farmers to think small ahead of Christmas Credit: Euronews English Duration: 01:15Published 1 week ago

For Lapland, Christmas won't be canceled, but... Christmas is coming, but in Santa's home village in northern Finland, the COVID pandemic means that the flocks of tourists who usually start to make merry in Rovaniemi at this time of year are not Credit: Reuters Studio Duration: 01:15Published 2 weeks ago

Nostalgic toys and family games are top Christmas picks at Hamleys Nostalgic toys and games that get the whole family playing are at the heart ofHamleys’ top picks list this Christmas, store bosses revealed. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:49Published 2 weeks ago

Rent-a-reindeer business sees bookings crash as Christmas events cancelled The owner of a rent-a-reindeer business said coronavirus restrictions havecaused bookings to crash this Christmas. With 110 reindeer, George Richardsonhas one of England’s largest herds which he.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:52Published 2 weeks ago

Head of UK Covid-19 vaccine taskforce: Slim possibility of vaccine by Christmas There is a 'slim possibility' of one or two coronavirus vaccines beingavailable by Christmas, according to the head of the UK vaccine taskforce KateBingham. Researchers are calling for more volunteers.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:11Published 2 weeks ago

Normal Christmas 'depends on our success' getting virus under control, says Johnson Prime Minister Boris Johnson said whether a relatively normal Christmas ispossible depends on the public sticking to his coronavirus rules. He told theDowning Street press conference: “We’ll do our.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:01Published 2 weeks ago

Northern leaders call for more cash to cope with looming lockdowns Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says that accepting Chancellor RishiSunak’s latest financial support package would be to “surrender” people tohardship in the run up to Christmas. Speaking.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 00:29Published 3 weeks ago

Boris Johnson: It will be bumpy until Christmas and beyond Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it is “going to continue to be bumpy throughto Christmas, it may even be bumpy beyond”. He told the BBC’s Andrew MarrShow: “I appreciate the fatigue that.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 00:17Published 3 weeks ago

Williamson addresses students' Christmas worries Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, has addressed rumours that students won't be allowed to return home for Christmas with their loved ones. He said the government and universities are working.. Credit: ODN Duration: 01:21Published on September 29, 2020

Students may have to self-isolate to return home for Christmas Students may be required to self-isolate at the end of the current universityterm in order to safely return home to be with their families at Christmas,the Education Secretary has said. Gavin.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 02:04Published on September 29, 2020

Green calls for ‘Christmas guarantee’ for students Shadow Education Secretary, Kate Green, has said although schools and universities have put in place measures to protect children, the government needs to ‘step up to the plate’ and test more... Credit: ODN Duration: 01:08Published on September 28, 2020

Whately: No one is saying students can’t go home for Xmas Helen Whately has urged students to have a ‘rich experience’ as rumours that students will be told not to return home for Christmas continue. The care minister added that no one is saying they will.. Credit: ODN Duration: 01:21Published on September 28, 2020

Government defends handling of students in lockdown Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden says students should pay fulluniversity fees, despite many being in lockdown and uncertain whether theywill be allowed to return home for Christmas,.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:15Published on September 27, 2020

Policewoman rakes in over £1,500 an hour as a Mariah Carey lookalike An ex-military policewoman is fulfilling her ‘Fantasy’ and raking in over£1,500 an hour for impersonating her idol Mariah Carey – after more than 4,000fans subscribed to her YouTube channel to.. Credit: PA - Press Association STUDIO Duration: 01:32Published on September 24, 2020

China's Christmas city loses its seasonal cheer Yiwu is the Santa's workshop of China, where some 80% of the world's Christmas goods are produced. But the health crisis has slashed demand from international buyers, leaving the city's factories and.. Credit: Reuters Studio Duration: 02:01Published on September 22, 2020

Mariah Carey disappointed classic Christmas track wasn't used in Mean Girls Mariah Carey is disappointed that Tina Fey didn't use her classic holiday tune All I Want for Christmas is You in her teen comedy Mean Girls. Credit: Cover Video STUDIO Duration: 00:58Published on September 11, 2020

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'A critical period': NSW warned about Christmas, as state records one new coronavirus case NSW Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant says the festive season will bring new challenges in controlling the spread of COVID-19 as people relax and party. SBS - Published 4 hours ago
Virus support must be wound down: Morrison A report from the McKell Institute has found planned cuts to JobKeeper wage subsidies will take almost $10 billion from the Australian economy by Christmas. SBS - Published on September 17, 2020
All states and territories, except WA, support easing coronavirus border restrictions by Christmas Western Australia was the only state at Friday's national cabinet meeting not to agree to the timeframe. SBS - Published on September 4, 2020

Scott Morrison makes plea for interstate borders to be reopened by Christmas Mr Morrison said states and territories must work together to reopen their borders by the end of the year, warning Australia cannot resign itself to being a "dislocated nation under COVID-19". SBS - Published on September 1, 2020
Government refuses to commit to permanent increase to JobSeeker payment JobSeeker recipients face a return to the previous $40-a-day amount just after Christmas. SBS - Published on July 21, 2020
Dutch PM now says 'Black Pete' tradition will disappear Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said his attitude towards "Black Pete", a figure from pre-Christmas celebrations that has been criticised as a racist caricature, had undergone "great changes" in recent.. Reuters - Published on June 5, 2020

Baby boomers won't like it but next step after lockdown is herd immunity While nobody seriously believes Australians will spend Christmas in hibernation, it is finding a way out that is proving the challenge. The Age - Published on April 15, 2020
Pope calls for world prayer to stop coronavirus, will deliver special blessing Pope Francis said on Sunday he will this week deliver an extraordinary "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing - normally given only at Christmas and Easter - and called for worldwide.. Reuters - Published on March 22, 2020
Tear gas and water cannons: Hong Kong students brave the front lines to livestream the protests It was holiday time at Hong Kong's sprawling Harbour City shopping mall, and shoppers posed for selfies next to giant presents wrapped in golden foil, while toddlers jumped into a ball pit filled with.. Reuters - Published on January 10, 2020
UK's Prince Harry and Meghan say 'thank you' to Canada after holiday Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan visited Canada House in London on Tuesday to thank the High Commissioner for the hospitality they received during their Christmas holiday. Reuters - Published on January 7, 2020

Muslim women spread Christmas cheer in Gaza Muslim women in the Palestinian Gaza Strip have been hand-crafting gifts for the approaching Orthodox Christmas as part of a project to empower a traditional community. Reuters - Published on December 30, 2019
Hong Kong to end year with multiple protests, kick off 2020 with big march Hong Kong will end 2019 with multiple protests planned for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day aimed at disrupting festivities and shopping in the Asian financial hub, which has seen a rise in clashes.. Reuters - Published on December 30, 2019
Hong Kong to end 2019 with multiple protests; big march planned for Jan. 1 Hong Kong will end 2019 with multiple protests planned for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day aimed at disrupting festivities and shopping in the Asian financial hub, which has seen a rise in clashes.. Reuters - Published on December 30, 2019	Barnaby's video rant: it's Joyce, it's different, it's unusual If your Christmas was as wild as mine, then you too received a pair of slippers and a luggage tag. But the greatest gift of all came from Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce. The Age - Published on December 28, 2019
Shelter set up for pets left homeless by Chilean wildfire A fire that swept through a poor community of the Chilean seaside city of Valparaiso on Christmas Eve has left not only people but hundreds of pets without homes. Reuters - Published on December 27, 2019	Wider image: Mexico Mormon family has tearful Christmas after cartel murders Surrounded by dozens of his descendants, Adrian LeBaron gave thanks to God as he prepared to celebrate Christmas for the first time since suspected Mexican drug cartel hitmen murdered his daughter and.. Reuters - Published on December 27, 2019
George Michael's sister Melanie died on Christmas Day, family says George Michael's sister Melanie Panayiotou died on Christmas Day, the third anniversary of the pop singer's death, her family said on Friday. Reuters - Published on December 27, 2019	Can Christian faith be independent of politics? The first Christmas had political implications and heralded a life which taught us to reject tribalism. But has that lesson carried into the modern-day politics of Trump and Morrison? The Age - Published on December 27, 2019
Death toll reaches 28 as Philippines recovers from Christmas typhoon The death toll from a Christmas typhoon that tore through the central Philippines rose to 28 on Friday, with 12 people missing, the disaster agency said, as authorities moved to restore power and.. Reuters - Published on December 27, 2019	Police probing deaths of four in New Mexico home as murder-suicide Police in New Mexico are investigating the Christmas Day shooting deaths of four family members in a suburban Albuquerque home as a triple murder and suicide, authorities said on Thursday. Reuters - Published on December 27, 2019
Wildfire in Chilean port city of Valparaiso leaves 700 homeless More than 245 homes have been destroyed and 700 people left destitute after a forest fire tore through a low-income area of the Chilean seaside city of Valparaiso on Christmas Eve. Reuters - Published on December 26, 2019	Hong Kong marchers target malls in third day of Christmas protests Hundreds of protesters marched through festive Hong Kong shopping malls on Thursday, aiming to disrupt business in the Asian financial hub for a third day over the Christmas holidays, with riot police.. Reuters - Published on December 26, 2019
Three dead in horror Christmas Day crash in Northern Territory Police say the crash happened after one of the vehicles tried to evade officers who were alerted the car was unregistered. SBS - Published on December 26, 2019	Christmas typhoon kills at least 13 in Philippines A typhoon that struck the central Philippines over Christmas has killed at least 13 people, disaster agency officials said on Thursday. Reuters - Published on December 26, 2019
'We're all family now': Protesters gather for free Christmas dinner in Hong Kong Hundreds of anti-government protesters and their supporters gathered outside a tiny restaurant in Hong Kong for an unconventional Christmas dinner, sharing paper plates piled high with food under neon.. Reuters - Published on December 26, 2019	Sydney woman charged with stealing Christmas donations for volunteer firefighters A woman has been accused of stealing food and drink donations meant for volunteer firefighters in a break-in at a Sydney supermarket on Christmas Day. SBS - Published on December 25, 2019
How ex-PM Malcolm Turnbull brought some Christmas cheer to Wayside Chapel Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull paid tribute to firefighters and helped serve free meals during Christmas celebrations at Sydney's Wayside Chapel. SBS - Published on December 25, 2019	Britain's Queen struck by youth climate activism Britain's Queen Elizabeth said in her Christmas message on Wednesday that she was impressed by young people's dynamism towards fighting environmental destruction. Reuters - Published on December 25, 2019
Britain's Prince Andrew skips Christmas Day walk after royals' 'bumpy' year Britain's Prince Andrew skipped the royals' traditional Christmas Day walk to church after what his mother Queen Elizabeth said in her seasonal address had been a "bumpy" year. Reuters - Published on December 25, 2019	Kylie Minogue tells Brits to 'call on your friends in Australia' in star-studded tourism campaign The Australian singer issued a Christmas invitation to British television viewers as part of a $15 million tourism campaign. The Age - Published on December 25, 2019
Pope defends migrants, calls for peace in Christmas message Pope Francis urged the world to let the light of Christmas pierce the "darkness in human hearts" that leads to religious persecution, social injustice, armed conflicts and fear of migrants. Reuters - Published on December 25, 2019	Hong Kong pro-democracy activists keep up protests on Christmas Day Hong Kong anti-government protesters marched through several shopping malls chanting pro-democracy slogans on Wednesday, a day after violent clashes with the police left a prime tourist district.. Reuters - Published on December 25, 2019
'Fires don't discriminate': South Australian firefighters battle through the day South Australian Country Fire Service crews continued to battle the Adelaide Hills bushfire on Christmas Day in an effort to finally bring it under control. SBS - Published on December 25, 2019	Pope, religious leaders, send South Sudan rivals Christmas peace appeal Pope Francis and two other religious leaders sent out an extraordinary Christmas appeal on Wednesday to the leaders of South Sudan to keep their promise to form at least a transitional unity government.. Reuters - Published on December 25, 2019
Christmas proves a slog for NSW firefighters despite cooler weather More than 1700 firefighters were in the field on Christmas Day, managing bushfire containment lines before conditions are set to deteriorate over the weekend. SBS - Published on December 25, 2019	Philippine typhoon Phanfone ruins Christmas for travelers, evacuees Christmas turned to chaos for many holiday observers in the central Philippines as a typhoon with strong winds and heavy rains destroyed homes, cut off power and stranded travelers, disaster officials.. Reuters - Published on December 25, 2019
Conditions right for 'offensive firefighting' on Christmas Day Firefighters have had their first chance to conduct a "direct attack on fires" as a result of damp conditions in parts of the state on Christmas Day. The Age - Published on December 25, 2019	Colorado bank robber throws cash in air, shouting ‘Merry Christmas’ A man with a white beard was being held on $10,000 bond for allegedly robbing a Colorado bank and throwing the stolen cash into the air while shouting, “Merry Christmas” to passersby, police and.. Reuters - Published on December 25, 2019
Don't let Church failings distance you from God, Pope says on Christmas Eve Pope Francis led the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics into Christmas on Tuesday, urging them not to let the Church's failings lead them away from accepting God's love. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019	Christmas Day battle for SA firefighters South Australian Country Fire Service crews will continue to battle the Adelaide Hills bushfire on Christmas Day in an effort to finally bring it under control. SBS - Published on December 24, 2019
Australia's wildlife carers set to work around the clock over Christmas Wildlife carers in Australia are ready to work around the clock over Christmas, preparing for more admissions particularly for baby animals stressed by hot weather, bushfires and drought. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019	'I'll be back' within a year, ousted Bolivian leader Morales vows Ousted Bolivian leader Evo Morales told Reuters he plans to return to his home country by next Christmas, after going into exile in neighboring Argentina following a disputed election. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019
Hong Kong police fire tear gas to break up Christmas Eve protest chaos Hong Kong riot police fired rounds of tear gas at thousands of protesters, many wearing masks and reindeer horns, after scuffles in shopping malls and in a prime tourist district as pro-democracy.. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019	Gaza Christians say few Israeli permits granted for Christmas travel Fewer than half of Christians from Gaza who sought Israeli permits to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas have so far had their applications granted, members of the small.. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019
Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth's husband, leaves hospital in time for Christmas Britain's Prince Philip, the 98-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, was released from a London hospital on Tuesday and joined other members of the royal family for their Christmas celebrations. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019	Barnaby Joyce talks climate, God in 'truly embarrassing' Christmas message The former leader of the National Party has tweeted his Christmas message to Australia - and it's created a stir on social media. SBS - Published on December 24, 2019
UK's Queen Elizabeth stresses reconciliation after 'quite bumpy' 2019 Queen Elizabeth will stress the value of harmony and reconciliation in her Christmas message this year, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday, after a "quite bumpy" year for her own family and for Britain.. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019	Scott Morrison uses Christmas message to commend 'amazing' firefighters Prime Minister Scott Morrison is encouraging Australians to look forward to 2020 and praised those who served their communities in a year of natural disasters. SBS - Published on December 24, 2019
Five in hospital after balloon drop sparks stampede at Australian shopping center Five people were hospitalized after Christmas shoppers were crushed in a midnight balloon drop of gift vouchers at a Sydney suburban shopping center. Reuters - Published on December 24, 2019	Five people taken to hospital after Christmas shopping stunt goes wrong Several people have been crushed during a stunt at a Westfield shopping centre in western Sydney when people rushed for prize-filled balloons. SBS - Published on December 24, 2019

Christmas

Holiday originating in Christianity, usually celebrated on December 25 (in the Gregorian or Julian calendars)

Christmas ▸ Facts ▸ Comments ▸ News ▸ Videos

You Might Like

'A critical period': NSW warned about Christmas, as state records one new coronavirus case

Virus support must be wound down: Morrison

All states and territories, except WA, support easing coronavirus border restrictions by Christmas

Scott Morrison makes plea for interstate borders to be reopened by Christmas

Government refuses to commit to permanent increase to JobSeeker payment

Dutch PM now says 'Black Pete' tradition will disappear

Baby boomers won't like it but next step after lockdown is herd immunity

Pope calls for world prayer to stop coronavirus, will deliver special blessing

Tear gas and water cannons: Hong Kong students brave the front lines to livestream the protests

UK's Prince Harry and Meghan say 'thank you' to Canada after holiday

Muslim women spread Christmas cheer in Gaza

Hong Kong to end year with multiple protests, kick off 2020 with big march

Hong Kong to end 2019 with multiple protests; big march planned for Jan. 1

Barnaby's video rant: it's Joyce, it's different, it's unusual

Shelter set up for pets left homeless by Chilean wildfire

Wider image: Mexico Mormon family has tearful Christmas after cartel murders

George Michael's sister Melanie died on Christmas Day, family says

Can Christian faith be independent of politics?

Death toll reaches 28 as Philippines recovers from Christmas typhoon

Police probing deaths of four in New Mexico home as murder-suicide

Wildfire in Chilean port city of Valparaiso leaves 700 homeless

Hong Kong marchers target malls in third day of Christmas protests

Three dead in horror Christmas Day crash in Northern Territory

Christmas typhoon kills at least 13 in Philippines

'We're all family now': Protesters gather for free Christmas dinner in Hong Kong

Sydney woman charged with stealing Christmas donations for volunteer firefighters

How ex-PM Malcolm Turnbull brought some Christmas cheer to Wayside Chapel

Britain's Queen struck by youth climate activism

Britain's Prince Andrew skips Christmas Day walk after royals' 'bumpy' year

Kylie Minogue tells Brits to 'call on your friends in Australia' in star-studded tourism campaign

Pope defends migrants, calls for peace in Christmas message

Hong Kong pro-democracy activists keep up protests on Christmas Day

'Fires don't discriminate': South Australian firefighters battle through the day

Pope, religious leaders, send South Sudan rivals Christmas peace appeal

Christmas proves a slog for NSW firefighters despite cooler weather

Philippine typhoon Phanfone ruins Christmas for travelers, evacuees

Conditions right for 'offensive firefighting' on Christmas Day

Colorado bank robber throws cash in air, shouting ‘Merry Christmas’

Don't let Church failings distance you from God, Pope says on Christmas Eve

Christmas Day battle for SA firefighters

Australia's wildlife carers set to work around the clock over Christmas

'I'll be back' within a year, ousted Bolivian leader Morales vows

Hong Kong police fire tear gas to break up Christmas Eve protest chaos

Gaza Christians say few Israeli permits granted for Christmas travel

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth's husband, leaves hospital in time for Christmas

Barnaby Joyce talks climate, God in 'truly embarrassing' Christmas message

UK's Queen Elizabeth stresses reconciliation after 'quite bumpy' 2019

Scott Morrison uses Christmas message to commend 'amazing' firefighters

Five in hospital after balloon drop sparks stampede at Australian shopping center

Five people taken to hospital after Christmas shopping stunt goes wrong