The content highlights various Christmas celebrations and traditions from around the world on December 24 and 25, 2024. Isabella Colarossi is surprised by her mother dressed as a Christmas tree at Newark Liberty International Airport. In Virginia, people watch the annual Christmas Eve performance by the “Waterskiing Santa” along the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. In Nairobi, worshippers of the Legio Maria African Church Mission attend a Christmas Eve vigil mass. In Cocoa Beach, Florida, hundreds of Surfing Santas hit the waves to raise money for charity.
In Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, ballet dancers perform “Swan Lake” at Donbass Opera. In Salisbury, Maryland, Santa hands out gifts at a Christmas Toy Drive. In London, a traditional Christmas Eve meat auction takes place at Smithfield meat market. In New Taipei City, visitors enjoy Christmas lights at the 2024 New Taipei Christmasland.
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainians in Lviv participate in a Christmas Eve procession, carrying ‘didukh,’ symbolizing sacrifice. In Kyiv, believers pray near icons during a Christmas service at St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral. In Chad, a girl carries offerings during the Christmas mass at Notre Dame de la Paix Cathedral. In Phoenix, volunteers prepare for the St. Mary’s Food Bank Christmas food distribution.
Overall, the content showcases the diverse ways in which people around the world celebrate Christmas, from festive performances to charitable acts and traditional religious services.
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