Page 7 - Latest Updates on Christmas
US airlines scrap nearly 1,000 Christmas Day flights due to Omicron
At least one airline said that it expects hundreds more cancellations on Sunday
 "US airlines scrap nearly 1,000 Christmas Day flights due to Omicron")
Joe Bidens mark Christmas with holiday calls to service members
Biden marked his first Christmas in office by making calls to military service members stationed around the world, offering them holiday wishes and gratitude for their service and sacrifice
 "Joe Bidens mark Christmas with holiday calls to service members")
Covid eclipses Christmas celebrations in India for second year
The Christian community in the national capital celebrated with caution as fewer people reached churches
 "Covid eclipses Christmas celebrations in India for second year")
Surging Covid cases make for another subdued Christmas Day
While some countries in Asia imposed restrictions to try to contain the Omicron variant, governments in Europe and elsewhere preached common sense despite reporting record daily cases this week
 "Surging Covid cases make for another subdued Christmas Day")
On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic's end, peace dialogues
Amid a record-setting rise in COVID-19 cases in Italy this week, only a few thousand people flocked to a rain-soaked St Peter's Square for Francis' annual Urbi et Orbi Christmas address
 "On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic's end, peace dialogues")
Christmas celebrations muted in Delhi amid Omicron variant fears
On Wednesday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had directed district magistrates to ensure that no Christmas and New Year gatherings take place in the national capital
Coronavirus puts a damper on Christmas Eve again around the world
From Bethlehem and Frankfurt to London and Boston, the surging coronavirus put a damper on Christmas Eve for a second year, forcing churches to cancel or scale back services
 "Coronavirus puts a damper on Christmas Eve again around the world")
Joe Biden, first lady Jill visit hospitalised kids on Christmas Eve
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden brought some Christmas Eve cheer to hospitalised children who aren't well enough to go home for the holidays.
 "Joe Biden, first lady Jill visit hospitalised kids on Christmas Eve")
Biden's first Christmas in White House made sombre by Covid pandemic
Beyond the impact on Biden's first Christmas in office, the virus and its variants largely put the kibosh on the entire White House social scene for 2021
 "Biden's first Christmas in White House made sombre by Covid pandemic")
Recall noble teachings of Jesus Christ: PM Modi extends wishes on Christmas
Extending his greetings to the citizens on the occasion of Christmas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday recalled the life and teachings of Jesus Christ
 "Recall noble teachings of Jesus Christ: PM Modi extends wishes on Christmas")
Many US churches cancel in-person Christmas services as Covid cases surge
Amid the surge of coronavirus cases across the U.S., numerous churches have cancelled in-person Christmas services, disappointing pastors and churchgoers who consider them an annual highlight.
 "Many US churches cancel in-person Christmas services as Covid cases surge")
Omicron surge: United and Delta cancel hundreds of Christmas flights
Delta said its cancellations were due to a combination of reasons, including potential inclement weather in some places and the impact of omicron
Omicron effect: Lufthansa, Delta, United report cancellations over X-Mas
Germany-based Lufthansa said Friday that it was cancelling a dozen long-haul transatlantic flights over the Christmas holiday period because of a massive rise in sick leave among pilots
 "Omicron effect: Lufthansa, Delta, United report cancellations over X-Mas")
UK PM Johnson uses Christmas message to push Covid-19 boosters
In his video message, Johnson said a coronavirus booster jab would be a "wonderful" Christmas gift and also linked it to the teachings of Jesus Christ
 "UK PM Johnson uses Christmas message to push Covid-19 boosters")
Odisha govt imposes restrictions for Christmas, New Year celebrations
As per the order, Christmas celebrations will be limited to the churches with participation of a maximum of 50 persons
Yes, there is a Santa Claus. And no, Covid-19 won't stop him
That's the word from the joint U.S.-Canadian military operation that for 66 years has been tracking Jolly Old St. Nicholas on his global mission
 "Yes, there is a Santa Claus. And no, Covid-19 won't stop him")
Omicron variant dampens festive spirit, worries hospitality sector
A restaurant owner in Khan Market, the buzzing shopping and eating destination in the heart of the city, said this is their turnaround moment but it may not happen.
 "Omicron variant dampens festive spirit, worries hospitality sector")
Mizoram prepares for 150th year of Christmas celebration
People in Christian-majority Mizoram are preparing for the 150th year of Christmas celebration in the tiny northeastern state.
 "Mizoram prepares for 150th year of Christmas celebration")
Religious places in Delhi to remain open on Christmas, New Year's Eve: DDMA
The DDMA also directed the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential Covid-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year
No new Covid restrictions before Christmas in UK: PM Boris Johnson
PM Johnson has confirmed that he will not introduce any further Covid restrictions in the UK before Christmas, but warned that the situation remains "finely balanced" ahead of the new year
 "No new Covid restrictions before Christmas in UK: PM Boris Johnson")