08

Dec

Debate over mulled wine heats up in Germany amid pandemic lockdown

BERLIN (Reuters) - With most Christmas markets closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, open-air mulled wine stands have popped up across Germany as bars and restaurant owners try to bring…

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07

Dec

Santa was a lady once — is it time to bring her back?

Can Christmas be about gender? Apparently so, if the paucity of female Santas is anything to go by. There have, in fact, been cases of Australian women donning the secular…

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07

Dec

Greece to keep schools, restaurants shut until after Christmas

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece said on Monday that it will not re-open schools, restaurants and courts until Jan. 7, effectively extending most of the restrictions the country imposed last month…

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03

Dec

Not so Merry Christmas looms for coronavirus-hit Europe

Governments across Europe are trying to navigate between avoiding spreading the coronavirus over the Christmas holiday season and allowing people to celebrate with family and friends. Here are some measures…

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01

Dec

Malta: Irresponsible attitude will undermine all businesses’ efforts – Philip Fenech

“2020 has been a difficult year since March and if it weren’t for government assistance it would have been even harder but now we are at a time which is…

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29

Nov

Photo Story: Christmas lights in Gyor, Hungary

A series of photos of the Christmas lights in Gyor, Hungary. Christmas light painting projected onto the wall of the Blenedictine Church Saint Ignatius of Loyola in Gyor, Hungary. Christmas…

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29

Nov

Photo Story: Barcelona lights up for Christmas

Pedestrians walk past city light installations during the opening of the Christmas Lights 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Via EPA-EFE/Enric Fontcuberta

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29

Nov

Photo Story: Christmas tree put up in Milan

Workers erect a Christmas tree in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall in Milan, Italy, 29 November 2020. Via EPA-EFE/ANDREA FASANI

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29

Nov

Photo Story: Biggest Christmas candle in the world lights up in Schlitz, Germany

The Schlitzer candle lights up during the blue hour in Schlitz near Fulda, Germany, 28 November 2020. Since 1991 the Schlitzer candle lights up on all Advent weekends over the…

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28

Nov

Belgium lets shops reopen, but keeps Christmas curbs to prevent third wave

Belgium will let shops reopen from Tuesday, but keep other coronavirus curbs over the festive period, including limits on gatherings over Christmas and a ban on fireworks at New Year,…

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27

Nov

Hungary PM says to decide about Christmas COVID rules in about 10 days

Hungary's government will decide in about 8-10 days on restrictions to be applied over the Christmas holidays to curb coronavirus infections, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday.…

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26

Nov

Photo Story: Christmas decorations amid coronavirus pandemic in London

A series of photos of Christmas lights in London, Britain. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced non-essential shops in all parts of England will be allowed to reopen when lockdown…

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26

Nov

Photo Story: Christmas illumination in the Royal Treaty Street in Warsaw

Photos of the Christmas lights on the Royal Treaty Street in Warsaw, Poland. This year's installation will be more modest than in previous years. Assembly works are in progress of…

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25

Nov

Spain considers limiting Christmas celebrations to six people

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that his government was considering limiting Christmas celebrations to six people in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. "This…

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25

Nov

Maltese Editors’ Perspectives

The Times of Malta says that Roberta Abela's cabinet is like a potpourri- a mix of dry leaves with some spices that can add flavour to the cabinet. It is…

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25

Nov

Feliz Navidad? Coronavirus Christmas could limit parties in Spain

The Spanish government is to propose a "different" Christmas and New Year under coronavirus restrictions with just six people at parties, although it hopes the "soul and spirit" of the…

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24

Nov

Malta: Christmas shopping to be a ghost of its former self

Retailers will have to work harder than ever to capture a reluctant consumer spend over December as COVID-19 fears and restrictions dampen the excitement of in-store shopping, a survey shows.…

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24

Nov

German states plan to let up to 10 celebrate Christmas together

Germany's 16 federal states plan to allow gatherings of up to 10 people over Christmas and New Year, offering some relaxation of coronavirus restrictions to let families and friends celebrate…

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23

Nov

Photo Story: The Champs Elysees in Paris lights up for Christmas

The landmark Arc de Triomphe dominates the skyline as the trees lining the famous avenue Champs Elysees are lit in red lights as the Christmas illuminations were switched on, in…

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21

Nov

Robbie Williams pens Covid-19 Christmas song

The 46-year-old singer/songwriter's new track, 'Can't Stop Christmas', references the 2020 pandemic but says nothing will stop the festive celebrations this year. Lines include: "Oh what a miserable year, but…

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19

Nov

Photo Story: Rzeszow in Poland gears up for Christmas

Workers install Christmas decorations at the Market Square in Rzeszow, south-eastern Poland. Via EPA-EFE/Darek Delmanowicz

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19

Nov

Europe’s economies race to open for Xmas – should they bother?

By Mark John (Reuters) Is the Christmas economy worth salvaging? Unless you're in retail, the answer is: Possibly not. Across Europe, governments have imposed lockdowns through November into early December…

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18

Nov

British minister says “too early” to plan for Christmas

The UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma has said it is too early to set out Covid rules for Christmas, following several newspaper reports that the government has plans to let…

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16

Nov

Photo story: Taiwan kickstarts Christmas celebrations

People walk through the Maple Leaf Tunnel in New Taipei City, Taiwan, on Sunday 15 November 2020. The New Taipei City Government has kickstarted Christmas celebrations by installing a Christmas…

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15

Nov

Photo Story: Taiwan lights up 3D Christmas tree

A 3D Christmas tree shines in Banciao, New Taipei City, Taiwan.  The 36-meter tree will light up every evening until the end of the year with a 3D projection being…

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14

Nov

Coronavirus times: Santa Claus in a restrictive bubble

Photo: Santa Claus in a life size snow ball made of plastic as a safety measure against coronavirus in Aalborg zoo, 13 November 2020. Christmas decorations and lightings have adorned…

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13

Nov

Challenge begins for UK farmer to get Xmas turkeys on tables

Turkey farmer Tom Copas says he faces a challenge to bring over the seasonal staff he needs this Christmas to process his turkeys and then to meet a surge in…

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13

Nov

Photo Story: Christmas preparations in Madrid

A huge Menina figure made of Christmas lights decorates Colon square in downtown Madrid, central Spain, as part of the preparations for upcoming Christmas. Via EPA-EFE/Ballesteros

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12

Nov

Photo Story: Johannesburg lights up for Christmas

People next to a recently erected Christmas Lights at the annual lights festival at the Melrose Arch shopping mall in Johannesburg, South Africa. The lights are a tourist attraction as…

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11

Nov

Maltese Editors’ Perspectives

The Times of Malta says the education system is facing a challenging time. It says the quick shift to online learning caused by the pandemic has affected the education process.…

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27

Oct

Malta: “Big family gatherings should be avoided this Christmas ” – Minister Fearne

Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne reaffirmed that the maximum number of people who can gather outside is 6, and stressed that what cannot be done outside should…

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26

Oct

Photo Story: Santa Claus Village in Arctic Circle almost deserted due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Only a few visitors stroll the snow covered but almost empty streets in the Santa Claus village at the Arctic Circle, near Rovaniemi, Finland. Santa Claus village on the Arctic…

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03

Jan

Photo Story: Russia prepares for the Russian Orthodox Christmas

People attend festival 'Journey to Christmas' in Moscow, Russia. Russians celebrated New Year's Eve on 31 December but will be celebrating Christmas on the 07 January, according to the Russian…

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31

Dec

EPA’s Eye in the Sky: Chekka, Lebanon

A picture taken with a drone shows a view of the 29-meter-high Christmas tree, made of discarded plastic water bottles in the northern coastal town of Chekka, Lebanon. The Christmas…

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29

Dec

EPA’s Eye in the Sky: Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria

A picture taken with a drone shows illuminated Christmas decoration at the so-called 'Christmas House' estate of the Gollnhuber family in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria. The Gollnhuber family since 2010 installs…

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26

Dec

Photo Story: Christmas in Berlin

A general view of Pariser Platz square with a Christmas tree in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany on the evening of the 25 December 2019.   Photo:…

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25

Dec

Former Chernobyl residents visit their hometown for Christmas

Eighteen former residents of Pripyat who had not been in their hometown for many years decorated the Cristmass tree with their family photos taken in Pripyat when the city was…

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25

Dec

Politician’s and leaders messages on Christmas

World leaders and other public figures have joined Queen Elizabeth II in putting out their messages of goodwill this Christmas Day. The Queen said the last year had been "bumpy",…

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25

Dec

Princess Charlotte and Prince George greet well wishers in Royal Family Christmas celebrations

Members of the royal family celebrated Christmas on Wednesday from Queen Elizabeth II’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, a couple hours northeast of her London residence. William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine,…

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25

Dec

Pope Francis Urbi et Orbi 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.…

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25

Dec

Majority of Germans support ditching Christmas lights

A majority of Germans say they would consider scaling down their Christmas lights to protect the climate, a survey released on Sunday said. A total of 57% of those surveyed…

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25

Dec

Wet Christmas – Berlin

Members of the 'Berliner Seehunde' (lit. Berlin Seals) swimming club take part in the traditional Christmas winter swim at Orankesee lake in Berlin, Germany, 25 December 2019.

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25

Dec

Peaceful Christmas – Srinagar

A person dressed as Santa Claus offers sweets to female Indian paramilitary soldiers during Christmas celebrations at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Srinagar, Indian Kashmir, 25 December 2019. EPA-EFE/FAROOQ…

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25

Dec

Photo Story: Christmas market in Vienna

Photos from the Christmas market at Rathausplatz in central Vienna, Austria, on the evening of Sunday 15th December 2019, on the third Sunday of Advent. Photos: EPA-EFE/ZOLTAN BALOGH Click on…

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25

Dec

‘Damascus is the capital of Christmas’ event in the Syrian capital

A scene of the entry of Mary and Jesus to a cave in al-Abassyeen square in Damascus, Syria. This was part of an event held by the Syriac Church in…

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25

Dec

Irish Catholic priest makes memorable exit from Christmas Eve Mass on scooter

An Irish Catholic priest made a memorable exit from Christmas Eve Mass when he went rolling down the aisle on a scooter. Father Peter O'Connor told the children in attendance that…

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25

Dec

Top 20 Christmas movies

Whether it’s because you’ve eaten so much you’re temporarily unable to move from the sofa, or you just need a break from having the same awkward conversations with your relatives,…

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25

Dec

Photo Story: Christmas cribs exhibition in Rzeszow, Poland

A series of photos of the Christmas exhibits presented during the exhibition at the Ethnographic Museum in Rzeszow, Poland over the weekend. The exhibition presents items from the collections of…

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25

Dec

Christmas – The Other Side

Crowds of people congregate on Bondi Beach on Christmas Day in Sydney, Australia, 25 December 2019, while elsewhere a mural by artist Scott Marsh, depicting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison…

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25

Dec

“Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us” – Pope Francis

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. Francis celebrated…

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25

Dec

An alternative Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania

People attend a lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree at the Alternative Christmas Yard in the former Lukiskes prison yard in Vilnius, Lithuania, that was held a few days ago.…

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25

Dec

Santa Claus of Jerusalem

Issa Kassissieh, dressed as Santa Claus, welcomes people in his Santa's House at the Christian Quarter in Old City, Jerusalem. Kassissieh, a Christian Arab, has played Santa Claus in Jerusalem…

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25

Dec

Christmas Holiness – Vatican City

Pope Francis kisses Holy Jesus statue as he leads the Christmas Holy Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, 24 December 2019. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO PERI

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24

Dec

Christmas crib – Bangalore

Vendors offer decorative items on the eve of the Christmas holiday, in Bangalore, India, 24 December 2019. Christmas is celebrated in India and across the world on 25 December to…

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24

Dec

Christmas Mass – Betlehem

Clergymen arrive for a mass at the Church of the Nativity on Christmas eve in leading to the Church of the Nativity, the traditionally accepted birthplace of Jesus Christ, on…

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24

Dec

Christmas gifts – Hungary

Nuns of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis give Christmas presents to a needy family in the family's home in Arlo, Hungary, 24 December 2019. EPA-EFE/Peter Komka HUNGARY OUT

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24

Dec

Christmas Protest – Lebanon

A protester dressed in a Santa Claus costume takes part in protest against the nomination of Hassan Diab as Prime Minister, outside his house in Beirut, Lebanon, 24 December 2019.…

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