Bethlehem observed another quiet Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the historic birthplace of Jesus amidst the backdrop of conflict in Gaza.
The festive lights and giant tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing, as were the throngs of foreign tourists.
The usual festive spirit that fills the West Bank during Christmas week was notably absent.
Spanish ministries bring seafarers holiday cheer
Every year, over 100,000 children contact the North American Aerospace Defense Command to trace Santa’s location. This cherished tradition of tracking Santa by NORAD has continued since the Cold War era, when a Colorado newspaper mistakenly published a phone number for Santa that connected children to the joint U.S. and Canadian defense command.
The volunteers met seafarers from India, the Philippines, Turkey and elsewhere, said Ricard Rodríguez-Martos, a Catholic deacon and former merchant marine captain who leads Stella Maris in this major Mediterranean harbor.
Heavy snow hits the Balkans
A snowstorm in the Balkans stranded drivers and downed power lines Tuesday, but some saw the beauty in it.
“I’m actually glad it’s falling,” said driver Mirsad Jasarevic in Zenica, Bosnia.
“We did not have snow for Christmas for 17 years here, and now is the time for wonderful white Christmas.”
