christmas

Queen recalls ‘familiar laugh missing’ in Christmas speech

By Danica Kirka, Associated Press

Saying she understood the difficulty of spending the holiday season “with one familiar laugh missing,” the monarch delivered her address beside a framed photograph of her arm-in-arm with Prince Philip, who died in April at age 99.

Surging COVID cases, ‘jingle jabs’ make for somber Christmas

By Nicole Winfield, Peter Smith, Associated Press

In the United States, many churches canceled in-person services, but for those that did have in-person worship, clerics reported smaller but significant attendance.

How Asian Americans in holiday movies can challenge ‘the white fantasy of Christmas’

By Frances Kai-Hwa Wang

As the demographics of the United States change, representations of the country’s diversity seen in film and television have been slower.

WATCH: Bidens greet families for Christmas during NORAD call

By Associated Press

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden spent part of Christmas Eve helping to answer calls to NORAD's Santa hotline.

The Capitol made out of gingerbread? You butter believe it

By Dan Cooney

2021 marks the fifth edition of the gingerbread model and the first time it's been back within the walls of the Capitol since 2019.

WATCH: SpaceX launches rocket with cargo of Christmas presents, supplies to station

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

SpaceX launched Christmas gifts, goodies and supplies to the International Space Station on Tuesday and got a present in return: the company’s 100th successful rocket landing.

Low-income shoppers face inflation squeeze for holiday budgets

By Anne D'Innocenzio

Retailers expect record-breaking sales for the holiday shopping season, but low-income customers are struggling as they bear the brunt of the highest inflation in 39 years.

Can you safely enjoy the holidays? Experts offer COVID tips

By Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press

The delta and omicron variants of the coronavirus are trying to spoil the holiday spirit, but there still are ways to enjoy the festivities.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ actors look back at the ‘pick-me-up’ classic

By Mark Kennedy, Associated Press

“It’s a Wonderful Life” has become a beloved holiday tradition and marks its 75th anniversary this year. “It’s a good impetus to really keep us going in a positive direction,” former child actor Karolyn Grimes said of the classic film.