Christmas 2025: Global celebrations marked by fragile peace and winter storms
Christmas traditions vary significantly across the globe. In the Gaza Strip, Christmas was observed for the first time following two years of conflict, with local communities offering prayers for lasting peace.
In contrast, Australians gathered on beaches, while in India, mango trees were decorated instead of traditional firs. In Norway, an ancient legend regarding malevolent spirits prompts residents to hide brooms and fire shots into the air on Christmas Eve.
Festive lights and political rhetoric
The iconic Empire State Building in New York was illuminated in vibrant green and red. Utilizing a state-of-the-art LED system installed in 2012, the tower displayed a palette of over 16 million colors to mark the season.
In Washington, President Donald Trump hosted a festive dinner at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. Before the event, he participated in the annual NORAD Santa tracking calls, though his remarks quickly turned toward political themes.
"We are tracking Santa all over the world to make sure he is good and that no 'bad Santa' has been infiltrated into our country," Trump stated. He specifically praised Oklahoma for its electoral support, urging residents never to leave the state.
Resilience in Gaza and winds at Bondi
Palestinians in Gaza celebrated the holiday as a precarious truce entered its second month. Residents noted that this year felt different, marked by the memory of those lost during the conflict.
"It has been very difficult because we lost many people," one local woman shared. "However, we try to find joy in celebrating the birth of Christ."
At Australia’s Bondi Beach, attendance was lower than in previous years due to strong winds and recent security concerns. Despite the weather, those present enjoyed the unique experience of a "white sand" Christmas with family.
Winter alerts in the Balkans
In Bulgaria, the traditional "Koleda" was accompanied by snow and ice. Following local custom, young women prepared "Krava" bread for carolers who visited homes to exchange blessings and gifts.
Meanwhile, Romania faced severe winter conditions. The southern part of the country remains under a Yellow Alert for heavy snow, blizzards, and ice.
In Bucharest, high winds toppled trees and festive decorations, damaging dozens of vehicles. Emergency teams continue to patrol the runways at Otopeni and Baneasa airports as meteorologists predict sub-zero temperatures for the coming days.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
