CHRISTMAS was celebrated across the globe on Wednesday, bringing together faith, tradition and local culture in powerful and sometimes deeply emotional ways. From quiet prayers at sacred sites to colourful street scenes and acts of kindness, the holiday reflected both its Christian roots and the lived realities of different communities.
In Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ, Christian scouts marched through Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity. This marked the city’s first relatively festive Christmas in more than two years. Previous celebrations had been muted as the region lived under the shadow of the Gaza genocide that escalated in October 2023. This year’s gathering carried a sense of resilience, hope and cautious renewal.
In the United States, a nativity scene in Dedham, Massachusetts, drew attention for a striking reason: the figure of baby Jesus was missing. In its place stood a sign reading “ICE was here,” a protest highlighting immigration crackdowns and mass deportations under the Trump administration. The display questioned the irony of rejecting migrants while celebrating a faith centred on a child born to displaced parents.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV used his Christmas Eve sermon to deliver a clear moral message. Speaking at St Peter’s Basilica, he reminded worshippers that Jesus was born in a stable because no one offered shelter. He said turning away the poor and strangers today is, in essence, a rejection of God’s message of compassion and mercy.
In India, Christmas took on a joyful and inclusive spirit. Santa Claus delighted visitors at an underwater aquarium in Chennai, while in Bengaluru, he arrived on a motorcycle during a special rally organised for children with disabilities, spreading smiles and laughter.
In Syria, celebrations were quieter and more guarded. Security was visibly tightened in Damascus, with soldiers patrolling Christian neighbourhoods to ensure safety during the festivities.
In Brazil, Christmas reached even the most remote corners. Santa Claus travelled through the Amazon rainforest to deliver gifts to children in isolated river communities, turning the season into a moment of connection and care.
In Guatemala, a firefighter transformed into Santa for the day, going the extra mile to distribute presents to children in the capital, blending public service with festive generosity.
In Cuba, Christmas looked very different from the traditional snowy scenes. Havana glowed with sunshine, inflatable snowmen and reindeer, creating a warm and colourful holiday atmosphere.
In South Africa, residents of Johannesburg expressed festive cheer in creative ways, decorating not only trees but also their cars, showing how joy can take shape beyond tradition.
Meanwhile, Finland’s Rovaniemi, just south of the Arctic Circle, offered a classic Christmas picture snow covered landscapes, reindeer and glowing lights capturing the timeless charm of a winter holiday.
Together, these images tell a global story of Christmas: a day shaped by faith, culture, struggle and hope, reminding the world that the spirit of the season is expressed differently, but felt everywhere.
