Nation Dec 25 How the character and traditions of Santa Claus evolved over centuries By Stephanie Sy, Mary Fecteau
World Dec 25 Turkey detains dozens of ISIS suspects allegedly planning attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations Syrian security forces have also launched operations against IS in recent days, including two raids on the outskirts of Damascus, the Syrian capital. By Associated Press
World Dec 25 See Christmas celebrations around the world See how Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. By News Desk
World Dec 25 In his first Christmas Day message, Pope Leo XIV calls for 'justice, peace and stability' in war-torn areas Leo called for "justice, peace and stability" in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel and Syria, prayers for "the tormented people of Ukraine," and "peace and consolation" for victims of wars, injustice, political stability, religious persecution and terrorism. By Silvia Stellacci, Colleen Barry, Associated Press
World Dec 24 Watch 6:42 Palestinians mark Christmas in Bethlehem while navigating life during conflict Thousands flocked to Bethlehem's Manger Square on Christmas Eve, the spot where Christians believe Jesus was born. It's in the occupied West Bank, and celebrations were canceled over the last two years because of the Israel-Hamas war. Producer Karl Bostic… By Karl Bostic, Thomas Dallal
Dec 24 Watch 7:27 Why Christmas carols endure as popular music changes By Stephanie Sy, Sarah Clune Hartman, Jenna Bloom, Mary Fecteau From “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bells,” Christmas carols are some of the most familiar songs of the season, and some of the oldest. Stephanie Sy explores why most popular music changes with time, but many of these old tunes have… Continue watching
Dec 24 Watch 3:32 'Joy to the World' performed by U.S. armed forces musicians By Dan Sagalyn, Seth Pajak We continue with a News Hour holiday tradition in which we ask members of the armed forces to record a holiday song. For Christmas Eve, we bring you "Joy to the World." This video was produced by the Pentagon's Defense… Continue watching
Dec 24 WATCH: Trump takes part in NORAD Santa Tracker calls By Colleen Slevin, Associated Press The tradition started in 1955 when NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, was on the lookout for any sign of a possible nuclear attack from the then-Soviet Union. NORAD says a child mistakenly called the combat operations center and… Continue reading
Dec 24 Californians warned to reconsider driving through treacherous Christmas storms By Trân Nguyễn, Associated Press Millions of people are expected to travel across the state. They will likely meet hazardous, if not impossible, traveling conditions as several atmospheric rivers were forecast to make their way through the state, the National Weather Service warned. Continue reading
Dec 24 $1.7B Powerball jackpot could make a lucky winner's Christmas Eve especially merry By Olivia Diaz, Associated Press/Report for America The United States' 4th-largest jackpot on record comes after 46 consecutive draws without someone claiming to have all six numbers. Continue reading