Christmas

Germany’s parcel industry expects fewer deliveries this Christmas

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's parcel industry is expecting to deliver fewer packages to consumers during this year's Christmas season than the year before as inflation and rising energy costs push…

Read More Here

London’s Heathrow rules out passenger limits for Christmas

Nov 11 (Reuters) - London's Heathrow airport, one of the world's busiest, will not need to cap passenger numbers for the Christmas peak as it works to minimise the impact…

Read More Here

Britons seeking ‘affordable’ Christmas, says Tesco boss

LONDON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Britons still want to celebrate Christmas this year but a worsening cost of living crunch means they will be doing it in a more affordable…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas in Bangkok, Thailand

A young girl looks at a statue of baby Jesus at a nativity scene following a Christmas day mass at a church in Bangkok, Thailand. Although Thailand is a Buddhist…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas in Moldova

The Christmas tree pictured in front of National Opera building during preparations for Christmas celebration in Chisinau, Moldova. Traditionally, people from former countries of the Soviet Union, still celebrate Christmas…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas cheer for seriously ill children at Morozovskaya Children’s hospital in Moscow

A Russian rescuer dressed as Father Frost (or Ded Moroz, or Santa Claus) greets a young patient from outside through a window of Morozovskaya Children's hospital during a charity landing…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas in Kiev

Ukrainians walk around the main Christmas Tree in front of the Saint Sophia's Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine. The tree of 31 meters features more than ten thousand Christmas tree decorations.…

Read More Here

Photo Story: The Christmas Crib at the Basilica of Saint Anne of Kodenm in Koden, Poland

View of a Christmas Crib displayed at the Basilica of Saint Anne of Koden, in Koden village, near the Polish-Belarusian border, Poland. Via EPA-EFE/Wojtek Jargilo

Read More Here

‘Tidal wave’: Omicron could put U.S. COVID-19 surge into overdrive

Two years into the coronavirus pandemic, the United States is confronting another dark winter, with the red-hot Omicron variant threatening to worsen an already dangerous surge of cases. Hospitalizations for…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Our Lady of Expectation procession in Chennai

Christian devotees carry the idol of 'Our Lady of Expectation' in a decorated chariot to Saint Thomas Mount shrine during a procession ahead of Christmas, in Chennai, India, on Friday…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas Preparations in Chisinau, Moldova

The Christmas tree pictured in front of National Opera building during preparations for Christmas celebration in Chisinau, Moldova. Traditionally, people from former countries of the Soviet Union, still celebrate Christmas…

Read More Here

Queen Elizabeth cancels pre-Christmas lunch as COVID cases soar

LONDON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth has cancelled a pre-Christmas lunch with her family as a precaution while cases of COVID-19 soar in Britain, a Buckingham Palace source said.…

Read More Here

Greta Thunberg ‘person of the year’ in Naples Presepe

Climate activist Greta Thunberg is the person of the year in one of the most famous 'presepi' or nativity scenes in the Naples street of presepe makers, San Gregorio Armeno…

Read More Here

Italian church apologises after bishop tells children ‘Santa does not exist’

A Roman Catholic diocese in Sicily has apologised to parents after its bishop reportedly told a group of children that Santa Claus did not exist. At a religious event last…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Photo Story: Symbolic Christmas tree in Beirut

A man dressed as a Santa Clause costume poses in front of a giant Christmas tree which has been officially lit up with a design symbolizing the reconstruction of the…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Lobster Pot Christmas Tree in Connecticut

People photograph a 'Lobster Pot Christmas Tree' in Stonington, Connecticut, USA. The tree is made up of nearly 350 modern lobster pots and decorated with hand painted buoys and lights.…

Read More Here

Photo Story: UK Parliament’s Christmas tree

A handout photograph released by the UK Parliament shows parliamentary staff using a crane to unload and decorate the UK Parliament's Christmas tree, in the grounds of the Palace of…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Lima lights up for Christmas

A tree is lit up during a Christmas tree lighting by the mayor of Lima, Jorge Munoz Wells, in the main square of Lima, Peru on Friday evening. Via EPA-EFE/JOHN…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Prince Albert II of Monaco inaugurates Christmas village in Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco (R), Prince Jacques (2-R) and Princess Gabriella (2-L) during the inauguration on Friday evening of the Christmas village in Monaco. Via EPA-EFE/ERIC GAILLARD

Read More Here

Photo Story: Green lanterns on Naples crib for migrants at border Poland and Belarus

Green lanterns on the Neapolitan crib of San Gregorio Armeno where the artisan Genny Di Virgilio has taken up the appeal for migrants who are experiencing a dramatic situation on…

Read More Here

Photo Story: The annual Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York

The Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree is illuminated during the 89th annual Rockefeller Centre tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Centre in New York, USA. Via EPA-EFE/JASON SZENES

Read More Here

UK retailers report strong pre-Xmas demand, biggest price rises since 1990

British retailers reported the strongest pre-Christmas demand since 2015 this month but also the biggest price rises since 1990, as fears of shortages led shoppers to buy gifts early, figures…

Read More Here

German retail suffers at start of crucial Christmas season

BERLIN, Nov 28 (Reuters) - A surge in coronavirus cases in Germany has led to a disappointing start to the Christmas season for retailers in Europe's biggest economy, the sector…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Brussels lights up for Christmas

Visitors, some wearing face masks to protect against the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, stand in front of the illuminated Christmas tree at the Winter Wonder and Christmas Market on the Grand…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas lights show in Malaga, Spain

A couple takes a selfie inside a tunnel decorated with Christmas lights as part of a lights show at the Botanical Garden La Concepcion in Malaga, Spain. Via EPA-EFE/Daniel Perez

Read More Here

Photo Story: Original Christmas decoration in Naples hotel

A musician tunes his violine in front of the sculpture 'IN CANTO' by Naples-based sculptor Lello Esposito in the lobby of the Mediterraneo hotel in Naples, Italy, where it serves…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas market amid coronavirus pandemic in Berlin

The Breitscheid square Christmas market in Berlin, Germany. Germany has reported a rising number of COVID-19 infections. Via EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER

Read More Here

Photo Story: Tokyo lights up for Christmas amid new coronavirus restrictions

A young woman wearing protective face masks touches autumn coloured leaves during a Christmas illuminations event in Tokyo, Japan, 26 November 2021. On 26 November, Japan reported 121 new cases…

Read More Here

UK risks Christmas alcohol shortage due to lack of drivers

Britain could face a shortage of alcohol this Christmas unless the government steps up its efforts to address a lack of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, the wine and spirits…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Saint Peter Square to feature a colourful crib from the Peruvian Andes

A handout photo made available by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru shows the blessing ceremony of the central pieces that will be part of the Peruvian Andes nativity…

Read More Here

Photo story: Christmas tree placed in St. Peter’s Square

A nun looks on as a crane places a Christmas tree, a spruce of 28 meters high in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. This year’s red fir (Picea abies) comes…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas Lights in Lisbon

People walking around Christmas lights and decorations in downtown Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: EPA-EFE/MANUEL DE ALMEIDA

Read More Here

Mariah Carey didn’t mean to turn Christmas into ‘her holiday’

Mariah Carey never set out to make Christmas "her holiday". The 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' hitmaker admitted while she's become synonymous with the festive season, she was…

Read More Here

Photo Story: The Christmas fair of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples reopens

Crowd of tourists, almost all wearing protective face masks, in front of the art shops of the crib of San Gregorio Armeno where on Friday evening the 150th edition of…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Festive opening of Christmas season decorations at Westfield

The festive opening of the new Christmas season at the Westfield Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam, The Netherlands. The Mall of the Netherlands officially opened in March 2021, and…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Naples lights up for Christmas

A view of a Christmas tree set up in Piazza Municipio square, near the Maschio Angioino Castle and the port in Naples, southern Italy. Walter Ricciardi, a top physician and…

Read More Here

Gadget gifting may get costly this holiday season as supply chain plays The Grinch

Shoppers could be looking at an expensive Christmas as supply chain snafus force companies to make and deliver their latest higher margin electronic gadgets to market faster, leaving fewer cheaper…

Read More Here

Photo Story: South Korea gears up for Christmas

Customers walk through a Christmas light tunnel at Lotte Department Store in central Seoul, South Korea. Via EPA-EFE/YONHAP

Read More Here

Photo Story: Christmas greetings from Jerusalem Santa

Issa Annis Kassissieh, known as Jerusalem Santa, looks over the Sea of Galilee as he takes part in a pre-Christmas greetings event for the holiday season in the Golan Heights.…

Read More Here

Britain’s M&S confident on Christmas availability -CEO

Clothing and food customers of British retailer Marks & Spencer will be able to buy what they want this Christmas despite supply chain disruption, its boss said on Wednesday. "As…

Read More Here

German retailers optimistic about Christmas sales

BERLIN, Nov 8 (Reuters) - German retailers are expecting Christmas sales to rise 2% to 111.7 billion euros ($129.06 billion) despite inflation, delivery problems and a new wave of coronavirus…

Read More Here

Photo Story: Early Christmas decorations at a commercial mall as lockdown slowly eases in Metro Manila

A giant Christmas tree adorns a central park at a commercial mall in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. As the Philippines continues to expand its COVID-19 vaccination nationwide and lockdown…

Read More Here

Maersk shipping boss: ‘Christmas will be safe’ from shortages

Christmas trading will be safe from supply chain problems, the boss of shipping firm Maersk has told the BBC - adding, "at least that's what I'm hearing from our customers".The…

Read More Here

Christmas may be difficult as COVID not over, England’s deputy medical officer says

LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Christmas may be difficult as the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, England's deputy chief medical officer warned on Wednesday, urging people to behave with caution…

Read More Here

Buy early for Christmas, Puma tells shoppers

BERLIN, Oct 27 (Reuters) - German sportswear company Puma on Wednesday advised people to shop early for Christmas as supply bottlenecks and manufacturing disruptions would mean a shortage of its…

Read More Here

UK retailers warn of pre-Christmas price rises

LONDON, Oct 27 (Reuters) - British retailers warned on Wednesday of pre-Christmas price rises after they reported the smallest year-on-year decline in the average selling price of goods in their…

Read More Here

Mattel says supply snags will not steal Christmas this year

Mattel Inc raised its 2021 sales forecast, saying it would overcome industry-wide shipping disruptions to ring in a strong holiday season steered by Barbie and Hot Wheels. The company has…

Read More Here

Biden enlists Target, Walmart to fix bottlenecks threatening holiday sales

President Joe Biden urged the private sector to help ease supply chain blockages that are threatening to disrupt the U.S. holiday season and said the White House plans a nationwide…

Read More Here

Americans may not get some Christmas treats, White House officials warn

White House officials, scrambling to relieve global supply bottlenecks choking U.S. ports, highways and railways, warn Americans may face higher prices and some empty shelves this Christmas season. The supply…

Read More Here

Britain has 10 days to save Christmas, retail sector says

LONDON, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Britain's retail industry warned the government on Friday that unless it moves to alleviate an acute shortage of truckers in the next 10 days then…

Read More Here

UK – The cost and ghost of “Christmas present” is sadly ‘lives’

The OBSERVER - "In normal times, January is the month for counting the cost of Christmas. The credit card bills arrive. New year resolutions are made. The consequences of recent…

Read More Here

Pope calls on nations to share vaccines

VATICAN CITY, Dec 25 (Reuters) - Pope Francis in his Christmas message on Friday said political and business leaders must not allow market forces and patent laws to take priority over making Covid 19 vaccines available to all, condemning…

Read More Here

Many just want a hug for Christmas this year, Queen Elizabeth says

LONDON, Dec 25 (Reuters) - All many people want for Christmas this year is a simple hug, Britain's Queen Elizabeth said in her annual festive message, saying it would be…

Read More Here

Christmas Day celebrations in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi Christians offer prayers on Christmas day at the St. Mary's Cathedral Church in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 25 December 2020. Christmas is celebrated in Bangladesh and across the world on 25…

Read More Here

A silent night … with headphones

A person wearing protective face mask listens with silent disco headphones on Christmas Eve during 'The Silent Night, Christmas in the ears' event during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at…

Read More Here

Christmas Day in Bangalore

Indian Christians light candles after attending the Christmas prayers at the Infant Jesus church in Bangalore, India, 25 December 2020. Most Christians celebrate Christmas on 25 December to commemorate the…

Read More Here

Christmas Mass in Thailand

People wearing protective masks attend a Christmas day mass at a church in Bangkok, Thailand, 25 December 2020. Although Thailand is a Buddhist country, the minority of Christians in the…

Read More Here