Dec 25 Amid Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis calls for worldwide peace on Christmas By Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to the throngs of people below, Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel on Oct. 7 and called for the release of hostages. Continue reading
Dec 24 ‘Our hearts are in Bethlehem’: Pope calls attention to victims of war at Christmas Eve Mass By Associated Press Recalling Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem, Pope Francis in a Christmas Eve homily said that “the clash of arms even today" prevents Jesus “from finding room in the world.”… Continue reading
Dec 24 Watch 5:53 The business of Christmas music and why some songs become classics By John Yang, Claire Mufson Christmas music is a big part of the music industry. John Yang speaks with Nate Sloan, an assistant professor of musicology at the USC Thornton School of Music and co-host of the podcast Switched On Pop, about what makes Christmas… Continue watching
Dec 24 Bethlehem resembles a ghost town on Christmas Eve, with celebrations halted due to Israel-Hamas war By Melanie Lidman, Associated Press The normally bustling biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town on Sunday, as Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war. Continue reading
Dec 22 Palestinian Christians prepare for a somber Christmas amid war as many grieve By Mariam Fam, Associated Press Some are mourning loved ones, lobbying for the war to end, scrambling to get relatives to safety or seeking comfort in the Christmas message of hope. Continue reading
Dec 21 Holiday rush begins as estimated 115 million travelers take to the skies and roads By David Koenig, Associated Press Holiday travel is expected to hit its peak right around now. Airlines are confident they can handle the crowds, but it could come down to the weather. Continue reading
Dec 20 Watch 2:50 TubaChristmas concert celebrates booming instrument’s role the season’s favorite songs By Tim McPhillips A special concert is celebrating the holiday season and the tuba. NewsHour's Tim McPhillips reports on the role of this versatile booming brass instrument in the music we all love. Continue watching
Jan 05 Putin orders weekend truce for Orthodox Christmas holiday, Ukraine won’t take part By Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his armed forces to observe a 36-hour unilateral cease-fire in Ukraine this weekend for the Orthodox Christmas holiday. Kyiv indicated it won't follow suit. Continue reading
Dec 25 Ukrainians move up their traditional Christmas celebration in break with Russia By Renata Brito, Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press BOBRYTSIA, Ukraine — Ukrainians usually celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, as do the Russians. But not this year, or at least not all of them. Some Orthodox Ukrainians have decided to observe Christmas on Dec. 25, like many Christians around… Continue reading
Dec 24 Watch 8:25 Wine and spirit recommendations for the holiday season By PBS NewsHour Weekend Most Americans spend more on wine and spirits during the holidays than at any other time of the year. Whether you are giving a gift or looking for the perfect drink to pair with your holiday feast, Brian Freedman —… Continue watching