Page 9 - Christmas

Pope decries extremist attacks on Christians in Africa in Christmas message

The pope prayed for those "who suffer because of violence, natural disasters or outbreaks of disease" as well as migrants undertaking a perilous and potentially deadly sea crossing to Europe.

Heavy hearts as burnt Notre-Dame misses Xmas mass for first time since 1803

Notre-Dame, part of a UNESCO world heritage site on the banks of the River Seine lost its gothic spire, roof and many precious artefacts in the fire

Top events today: Christmas celebrations, anti-CAA rally in Bhopal, & more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow

In pictures: The world gets wrapped in some Christmas spirit

The Christmas festivity began with Churches decorated with nativity scenes, brightly lit X-mas trees, colourful lights and singing of carols to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ

Myntra eyes 18 mn festive-sale users, prepared for 12,000 orders per minute

To cater to the growing demand, Myntra has doubled its inventory over December last year

Australia central bank keeps cash rate at 0.75% despite doubt over spending

The impact is likely to be felt in the retail sector, which over the past decade has seen a weakening during the traditional busy period over Christmas.

The real meaning of Christmas holiday

Londoners take their Christmas holiday seriously. It is rare to find even one restaurant open in the city's busiest districts on that day

Here's how to lie (politely) when you receive a bad Christmas present

The giving and receiving of gifts is a human ritual full of social and cultural significance, which strengthens our bonds and relationships

Pope assails 'insatiable greed', urges more 'sharing' in Christmas mass

We "must not lose our footing or slide into worldliness and consumerism", Pope Francis said

Bethlehem boasts largest Christmas in years as millions flock to the city

Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maaya said all Bethlehem hotels were fully booked, and the city was preparing to host an "astounding" 10,000 tourists overnight

In pics: World rings in Christmas, from Tokyo to Patna

The Christmas festivity began with Churches decorated with nativity scenes, brightly lit X-mas trees, colourful lights and singing of carols to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas story: Arrival of a sweet baby or world-changing political power

Contemporary Christians are divided between those who see their faith as inseparable from their politics and those who'd prefer to keep the two discrete

How to prepare a Christmas meal that would be light on your heart?

While it goes against the basic tenet of festivities, this Christmas make an effort to have a heart-friendly feast

Soon, app to manage crowds at Jesus's birthplace through reservation system

Palestinian deputy tourism minister Ali Abu Srour said the app would also provide information about the church

Is the overt commercialisation of Christmas drowning out its true spirit?

For people brought up in a household where Christmas was primarily a religious celebration, encountering a Christmas symbol reminds them of religious meanings and values

Santa Claus stops being real for children around the age of 8, survey finds

The study also shows the threat of being on Santa's naughty list does not work for many children

Kolkata's rousing Christmas message

Few cities anywhere in the world glorify the Christian holiday with such pomp and pandemonium

Where Jesus would spend Christmas

I never understood the true meaning of Christmas - a story in which Jesus was born into a family that became refugees - until I visited the people who are now forced to call it home

A brand new Christmas

Festival traditions are in a permanent state of slow flux, subject to the processes of evolution, cross-breeding, mergers and a myriad of social and economic currents

Limited-edition chocolates and classic puddings for Christmas

Pastry chefs are creating desserts to get you in the festive spirit