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Special Christmas delivery for US troops in Syria

Troops taking part in 'Holiday Express' transported stockings stuffed with gifts to five bases in the country's east. A military band also travelled by helicopter, playing Christmas carols as the troops received their presents.

United Kingdom

Watch again: Queen delivers Christmas message after 'bumpy' 2019

Health scares, embarrassments and political turmoil - 'bumpy' may be an understatement but the Queen is also keen to celebrate the spirit of D-Day in her Christmas message to the Commonwealth.

World News

Watch: Santa Claus gets ready for Christmas 2019 in Lapland ceremony

Santa and his elves are getting ramped up for the final festive push in Finland.

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Santa Claus gets ready for his busiest time of year

At peak times, Santa Claus gets 32,000 letters every day

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United Kingdom

Chinese card-maker says Tesco forced prison labour claims 'fabricated'

A girl in London reportedly opened a card to find a message inside claiming to be from inmates at Shanghai's Qingpu Prison.

Spain

Winners cash in €400,000 in Spain's traditional Christmas lottery

This year, the incredibly popular Spanish lottery, known as El Gordo or "The Fat One", handed out a total of €2.24 billion in prizes.

Germany

Berlin Christmas market, attacked in 2016, evacuated in false alert

The report of a "possibly suspicious object" leading to the evacuation of the market was a false alert, the Berlin police said.

Europe News

2019 ends as it began, in political turmoil

We look back at the week in Europe where MEPs called on the Maltese leader to resign immediately, protests took place in the Czech Republic and Poland. A tumultuous end to a rollercoaster year in EU politics. Our journalists sum it up in their words of the year.

Green News

Die hard eco-warriors make their own Earth-friendly Christmas trees

All you need is some odd pieces of an old carpet or a dusty ladder.

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Light show brings festive cheer to New Taipei City

Christmasland sees a laser light displays on an 8,800 square-metre area of New Taipei City.

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Riccardo Muti conducts Christmas concert in Italian Senate

Christmas Concert in the Italian Senate with world-famous director Riccardo Muti conducting the Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra.

Living

Seven things you didn't know you could rent on subscription

Generation rent extends further than the housing market. Owning is out as young people attempt to ditch waste.

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Masked devils march through Czech village in pre-Christmas tradition

"The tradition is long-standing, beautiful and you can't find it anywhere else," said a villager.

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Church's nativity scene in cages to highlight plight of refugees

A reverend in California has defended the display of the nativity scene outside the church depicting Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus in cages.

USA

Electric eel lights up aquarium Christmas tree

This electric eel is named Miguel Wattson. He gives off electric shocks when he is feeding or excited.

Living

Artist saves 11,000 bits of junk to make unusual Christmas 'tree'

The inspiration came from a local petrol station.

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Germany's biggest gathering of Santa Clauses

Some 70 Santa Clauses and their helpers Krampus, Perchten and angels gathered in the southern Bavarian town of Murnau in order to parade through town in full regalia to get everybody in the mood for the Christmas season.

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Cities across world finding unique ways to celebrate Christmas

Christmas festivities officially started in Portugal's capital, Lisbon. The season to be jolly is upon us and cities across the world have turned on their festive lights.

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Celebrities open seasonal skating rink in Moscow's Red Square

As skating backdrops go, this is likely one of the better ones.

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Father Christmas performers go back to school in London

Who knew there was such training?