Dec 02 WATCH: First Lady Jill Biden unveils White House Christmas decorations By Darlene Superville, Associated Press More than 300 volunteers spent the past week decorating the interior and exterior of the White House and its 83 Christmas trees. They used nearly 10,000 feet of ribbon, more than 28,000 ornaments, over 2,200 paper doves and some 165,000… Continue reading
Dec 25 Ukraine celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25 for first time, in effort to distance itself from Russia By Associated Press The change, enacted in legislation signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July, reflects both Ukrainians' dismay with the 22-month-old Russian invasion and their assertion of a national identity. Continue reading
Dec 25 Ukraine says it shot down 2 Russian fighter jets, along with missiles and drones By Associated Press Ukraine also observed Christmas on Monday, the first time the country has officially marked the holiday on Dec. 25 rather than the Jan. 7 date followed by some Orthodox countries, including Russia. Continue reading
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