London, United Kingdom: A teen, Grayson Whitaker, from Leeds in the UK, has never in his life sat down with his family to enjoy Christmas dinner as he suffers from a rare condition called 'misophonia'.
<meta>
"I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don't have those nice memories," Grayson said.
This neurological condition triggers extreme emotional reactions to every day sounds like breathing, yawning, sniffing, and chewing. These noises irk Grayson and make him angry, which makes it feel like swallowing a hard pill for him to enjoy Christmas dinner with his family.&nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-rare-disease-day-challenges-in-protect-newborns-from-rare-growth-affecting-conditions-695195">Rare Disease Day: Challenges in protecting newborns from rare growth-affecting conditions</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">A life with struggle&nbsp;</h2>
"I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don&rsquo;t have those nice memories," he told a British tabloid, The Sun. "I&rsquo;d love to be downstairs with them, but the overwhelming rage keeps me away. I don&rsquo;t want to take it out on them," he said.&nbsp;
Although he has tried many treatments, including private therapy and hypnotherapy, seeking a cure remains uncertain.&nbsp;
His parents, Alex, 51, and Dawn, 54, had let go of his reactions at times, considering it childhood frenzy.&nbsp;
"I didn&rsquo;t know how to explain my emotions back then, so they thought I was being a brat," he said. "It wasn&rsquo;t until I started scratching my legs that they realised something was wrong."
"My dad once tried to explain my condition to someone, and they accused me of making it up to get benefits," he said. "That&rsquo;s been one of the hardest things&mdash;people just don&rsquo;t understand."
Watch |&nbsp;Celebrities who've been diagnosed with rare diseases &amp; more
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe width="560" height="350" style="width: 100%; max-width: 560px;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" autoplay="autoplay" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/03/02/eclub_full-1709376009-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/eclub_full.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=1256&tags=Amy Schumer,Gigi Hadid,celebrities"></iframe></div>
<h2 dir="ltr">'Misophonia' effects&nbsp;</h2>
&gt; Sounds such as chewing, breathing, sniffing, yawning, and even repetitive noises like pen clicking or keyboard tapping are some of the triggering sounds.&nbsp;
&gt; A soft or low-volume trigger can cause emotional and physical symptoms in an individual who is affected by this.&nbsp;
&gt; The ones who are affected often have difficulty breathing, palpitations, muscle pain, or losing control. It hits in childhood or even adolescence but the extremity varies from one person to another person.&nbsp;
The main cause of this condition is unclear presently, but the researchers feel it involves the abnormal connection between the emotional and auditory processing centres of the brain.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Efforts for awareness&nbsp;</h2>
Respective of the fact that the condition is getting recognised, it is clearly not understood well, and there is no standardised treatment for it. However, the management aid is there to control it, like sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and the use of noise-cancelling devices used to reduce the triggers.&nbsp;
Grayson comes with the hope that sharing his story will bring great impact to awareness of misophonia, a condition that remains misunderstood.
"I&rsquo;d love to be able to suck it up one day and have Christmas dinner with my family and partner. That would mean everything to me," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

This neurological condition triggers extreme emotional reactions to every day sounds like breathing, yawning, sniffing, and chewing.


London, United Kingdom: A teen, Grayson Whitaker, from Leeds in the UK, has never in his life sat down with his family to enjoy Christmas dinner as he suffers from a rare condition called 'misophonia'. "I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don't have those nice memories," Grayson said. This neurological condition triggers extreme emotional reactions to every day sounds like breathing, yawning, sniffing, and chewing. These noises irk Grayson and make him angry, which makes it feel like swallowing a hard pill for him to enjoy Christmas dinner with his family. Also Read: Rare Disease Day: Challenges in protecting newborns from rare growth-affecting conditions A life with struggle "I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don’t have those nice memories," he told a British tabloid, The Sun. "I’d love to be downstairs with them, but the overwhelming rage keeps me away. I don’t want to take it out on them," he said. Although he has tried many treatments, including private therapy and hypnotherapy, seeking a cure remains uncertain. His parents, Alex, 51, and Dawn, 54, had let go of his reactions at times, considering it childhood frenzy. "I didn’t know how to explain my emotions back then, so they thought I was being a brat," he said. "It wasn’t until I started scratching my legs that they realised something was wrong." "My dad once tried to explain my condition to someone, and they accused me of making it up to get benefits," he said. "That’s been one of the hardest things—people just don’t understand." Watch | Celebrities who've been diagnosed with rare diseases & more 'Misophonia' effects > Sounds such as chewing, breathing, sniffing, yawning, and even repetitive noises like pen clicking or keyboard tapping are some of the triggering sounds. > A soft or low-volume trigger can cause emotional and physical symptoms in an individual who is affected by this. > The ones who are affected often have difficulty breathing, palpitations, muscle pain, or losing control. It hits in childhood or even adolescence but the extremity varies from one person to another person. The main cause of this condition is unclear presently, but the researchers feel it involves the abnormal connection between the emotional and auditory processing centres of the brain. Efforts for awareness Respective of the fact that the condition is getting recognised, it is clearly not understood well, and there is no standardised treatment for it. However, the management aid is there to control it, like sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and the use of noise-cancelling devices used to reduce the triggers. Grayson comes with the hope that sharing his story will bring great impact to awareness of misophonia, a condition that remains misunderstood. "I’d love to be able to suck it up one day and have Christmas dinner with my family and partner. That would mean everything to me," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'I never had Christmas dinner with family', says teenager with rare condition called 'misophonia’

A teen, Grayson Whitaker, from Leeds in the UK, has never in his life sat down with his family to enjoy Christmas dinner as he suffers from a rare condition called 'misophonia.’

<meta charset="utf-8" />

"I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don't have those nice memories," Grayson said.

This neurological condition triggers extreme emotional reactions to everyday sounds like breathing, yawning, sniffing, and chewing. These noises irk Grayson and make him angry, which makes it feel like swallowing a hard pill for him to enjoy Christmas dinner with his family.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-rare-disease-day-challenges-in-protect-newborns-from-rare-growth-affecting-conditions-695195">Rare Disease Day: Challenges in protecting newborns from rare growth-affecting conditions</a>

<h2 dir="ltr">A life with struggle&nbsp;</h2>

I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don’t have those nice memories," he told a British tabloid, The Sun. "I’d love to be downstairs with them, but the overwhelming rage keeps me away. I don’t want to take it out on them," he said.&nbsp;

Although he has tried many treatments, including private therapy and hypnotherapy, seeking a cure remains uncertain.&nbsp;

His parents, Alex, 51, and Dawn, 54, had let go of his reactions at times, considering it childhood frenzy.&nbsp;

"I didn’t know how to explain my emotions back then, so they thought I was being a brat," he said. "It wasn’t until I started scratching my legs that they realised something was wrong." 
 
"My dad once tried to explain my condition to someone, and they accused me of making it up to get benefits," he said. "That’s been one of the hardest things—people just don’t understand."

Watch |&nbsp;Celebrities who've been diagnosed with rare diseases &amp; more

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/celebrities-whove-been-diagnosed-with-rare-diseases-more-695859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2 dir="ltr">'Misophonia' effects&nbsp;</h2>

&gt; Sounds such as chewing, breathing, sniffing, yawning, and even repetitive noises like pen clicking or keyboard tapping are some of the triggering sounds.&nbsp;

&gt; A soft or low-volume trigger can cause emotional and physical symptoms in an individual who is affected by this.&nbsp;

&gt; The ones who are affected often have difficulty breathing, palpitations, muscle pain, or losing control. It hits in childhood or even adolescence but the extremity varies from one person to another person.&nbsp;

The main cause of this condition is unclear presently, but the researchers feel it involves the abnormal connection between the emotional and auditory processing centers of the brain.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Efforts for awareness&nbsp;</h2>

Respective to the fact that the condition is getting recognised, it is clearly not understood well, and there is no standardised treatment for it. However, the management aid is there to control it, like sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the use of noise-canceling devices used to reduce the triggers.&nbsp;

Grayson comes with a hope that sharing his story will bring great impact to awareness of misophonia, a condition that remains misunderstood.

"I’d love to be able to suck it up one day and have Christmas dinner with my family and partner. That would mean everything to me," he said. 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A teen, Grayson Whitaker, from Leeds in the UK, has never in his life sat down with his family to enjoy Christmas dinner as he suffers from a rare condition called 'misophonia.

A teen, Grayson Whitaker, from Leeds in the UK, has never in his life sat down with his family to enjoy Christmas dinner as he suffers from a rare condition called 'misophonia.’ "I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don't have those nice memories," Grayson said. This neurological condition triggers extreme emotional reactions to everyday sounds like breathing, yawning, sniffing, and chewing. These noises irk Grayson and make him angry, which makes it feel like swallowing a hard pill for him to enjoy Christmas dinner with his family. Also Read: Rare Disease Day: Challenges in protecting newborns from rare growth-affecting conditions A life with struggle I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don’t have those nice memories," he told a British tabloid, The Sun. "I’d love to be downstairs with them, but the overwhelming rage keeps me away. I don’t want to take it out on them," he said. Although he has tried many treatments, including private therapy and hypnotherapy, seeking a cure remains uncertain. His parents, Alex, 51, and Dawn, 54, had let go of his reactions at times, considering it childhood frenzy. "I didn’t know how to explain my emotions back then, so they thought I was being a brat," he said. "It wasn’t until I started scratching my legs that they realised something was wrong." "My dad once tried to explain my condition to someone, and they accused me of making it up to get benefits," he said. "That’s been one of the hardest things—people just don’t understand." Watch | Celebrities who've been diagnosed with rare diseases & more 'Misophonia' effects > Sounds such as chewing, breathing, sniffing, yawning, and even repetitive noises like pen clicking or keyboard tapping are some of the triggering sounds. > A soft or low-volume trigger can cause emotional and physical symptoms in an individual who is affected by this. > The ones who are affected often have difficulty breathing, palpitations, muscle pain, or losing control. It hits in childhood or even adolescence but the extremity varies from one person to another person. The main cause of this condition is unclear presently, but the researchers feel it involves the abnormal connection between the emotional and auditory processing centers of the brain. Efforts for awareness Respective to the fact that the condition is getting recognised, it is clearly not understood well, and there is no standardised treatment for it. However, the management aid is there to control it, like sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the use of noise-canceling devices used to reduce the triggers. Grayson comes with a hope that sharing his story will bring great impact to awareness of misophonia, a condition that remains misunderstood. "I’d love to be able to suck it up one day and have Christmas dinner with my family and partner. That would mean everything to me," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

I never had Christmas dinner with family, says a teenager with a rare condition called 'misophonia’.

German police officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that they increased security at Cologne Cathedral after there were indications of attacks planned for New Year's Eve.

The move was also taken after the government issued warnings over the rising threat of Islamist violence.

The police officials released a statement saying that they would take the help of tracker dogs to keep a check on the cathedral after evening mass and then close it off.&nbsp;

On Christmas Eve, they would carry out a security check on all visitors and recommended they get to services early.

The police further said that they could not elaborate on the details as the probe was ongoing.

Earlier, security authorities in Austria, Germany and Spain had received indications that Islamist groups were planning to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities, news agency Reuters reported citing German newspaper Bild.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/303-indians-include-11-unaccompanied-minors-as-france-continues-human-trafficking-probe-672998">11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report</a>

<h2>Rising threat of Islamist violence</h2>

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, in recent weeks, also warned of the growing threat of Islamist violence in Germany and elsewhere in Europe as the Israel-Hamas war increases the risk of radicalisation.

Austrian police released a statement saying that they were heightening security in churches and Christmas markets given a heightened state of alert.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-catholic-church-says-document-on-blessing-same-sex-couples-does-not-apply-673137">Ukrainian Catholic church says Vatican document on blessing same sex couples does not apply</a>

"Given that terrorist actors throughout Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around Dec. 24, the security authorities have taken the corresponding protection measures in public spaces," the police said.

Earlier this month, the Spanish Interior Ministry announced the reinforcement of security measures from Dec 18 for the Christmas holidays, with the anti-terrorism alert at level 4 or "high risk".

(With inputs from agencies)

German police officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that they increased security at Cologne Cathedral after there were indications of attacks planned for New Year's Eve.

German police officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that they increased security at Cologne Cathedral after there were indications of attacks planned for New Year's Eve. The move was also taken after the government issued warnings over the rising threat of Islamist violence. The police officials released a statement saying that they would take the help of tracker dogs to keep a check on the cathedral after evening mass and then close it off. On Christmas Eve, they would carry out a security check on all visitors and recommended they get to services early. The police further said that they could not elaborate on the details as the probe was ongoing. Earlier, security authorities in Austria, Germany and Spain had received indications that Islamist groups were planning to carry out attacks during the Christmas and New Year festivities, news agency Reuters reported citing German newspaper Bild. Also read: 11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report Rising threat of Islamist violence Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, in recent weeks, also warned of the growing threat of Islamist violence in Germany and elsewhere in Europe as the Israel-Hamas war increases the risk of radicalisation. Austrian police released a statement saying that they were heightening security in churches and Christmas markets given a heightened state of alert. Also read: Ukrainian Catholic church says Vatican document on blessing same sex couples does not apply "Given that terrorist actors throughout Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially around Dec. 24, the security authorities have taken the corresponding protection measures in public spaces," the police said. Earlier this month, the Spanish Interior Ministry announced the reinforcement of security measures from Dec 18 for the Christmas holidays, with the anti-terrorism alert at level 4 or "high risk". (With inputs from agencies)

German police increase security at Cologne Cathedral for Christmas celebrations amid attack threat

Cities around the world are ready for the Christmas season with vast decorations and twinkling lights shining bright. Keep watching to know more.

Christmas nativity scene craft kept alive in Naples

Sydney, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Kyiv and many more cities around the world are ready for the Christmas season with vast decorations and twinkling lights shining bright. Keep watching to know more.

Kyiv marks Christmas amid ongoing war, cities welcome Christmas with dazzling lights

Christmas 2022: Best destinations to celebrate Xmas this year

A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity.

The remarks of Bishop Antonio Stagliano during a recent religious festival didn’t go well with the parents, who sought an explanation from the diocese,&nbsp;news agency AP reported citing Italian media.

“First of all, on behalf of the bishop, I express my sorrow for this declaration, which has created disappointment in the little ones, and want to specify that Monsignor Stagliano’s intentions were quite different,” Rev Alessandro Paolino, the communications director for the diocese of Noto, wrote on the diocesan Facebook page on Friday.

Bishop Antonio Stagliano didn’t mean the comments, and was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas and the story of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who gave gifts to the poor and was persecuted by a Roman emperor, Paolino explained.

He emphasised that the intention of the bishop was to convey how the image of Santa Clause is being misconstrued to promote consumerism among people instead of setting a good example: the joy of sharing and generosity.

“We certainly must not demolish the imagination of children, but draw good examples from it that are positive for life,” he continued.

“So, Santa Claus is an effective image to convey the importance of giving, generosity, sharing. But when this image loses its meaning, you see Santa Claus aka consumerism, the desire to own, buy, buy and buy again, then you have to revalue it by giving it a new meaning,” he added.

While several welcomed the bishop’s attempt to focus on the Catholic meaning of Christmas, others blamed Stagliano for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, and crushing the spirits of children, whose early years were disrupted by the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity.

A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity. The remarks of Bishop Antonio Stagliano during a recent religious festival didn’t go well with the parents, who sought an explanation from the diocese, news agency AP reported citing Italian media. “First of all, on behalf of the bishop, I express my sorrow for this declaration, which has created disappointment in the little ones, and want to specify that Monsignor Stagliano’s intentions were quite different,” Rev Alessandro Paolino, the communications director for the diocese of Noto, wrote on the diocesan Facebook page on Friday. Bishop Antonio Stagliano didn’t mean the comments, and was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas and the story of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who gave gifts to the poor and was persecuted by a Roman emperor, Paolino explained. He emphasised that the intention of the bishop was to convey how the image of Santa Clause is being misconstrued to promote consumerism among people instead of setting a good example: the joy of sharing and generosity. “We certainly must not demolish the imagination of children, but draw good examples from it that are positive for life,” he continued. “So, Santa Claus is an effective image to convey the importance of giving, generosity, sharing. But when this image loses its meaning, you see Santa Claus aka consumerism, the desire to own, buy, buy and buy again, then you have to revalue it by giving it a new meaning,” he added. While several welcomed the bishop’s attempt to focus on the Catholic meaning of Christmas, others blamed Stagliano for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, and crushing the spirits of children, whose early years were disrupted by the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian Bishop’s ‘Santa Claus isn’t real’ remark angers parents, church issues apology

Twenty-six care home residents in Belgium have reportedly died after contracting coronavirus, following a visit from a man dressed as Santa Claus, who has since tested positive for Covid-19. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/super-gonorrhea-on-the-rise-due-to-covid-19-who-352835">Also read | ‘Super Gonorrhea’ on the rise due to Covid-19: WHO</a> 
 
Over 80 people were infected at the nursing home earlier this month, with an outbreak emerging in the days after the Santa visit. &nbsp;

However, a Flemish health official said on Thursday it is not yet certain that it was the visitor who brought the coronavirus to the Hemelrijck home in Mol on December 5. 
 
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-four-to-six-months-could-be-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-bill-gates-349593">&nbsp;Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates</a>

But 26 residents have died since the visit, and 85 more have tested positive for the coronavirus, along with 40 staff.

The outbreak was detected a few days after the visit, and prominent virologist Marc Van Ranst reported on Twitter that most of the infections came from the same source. &nbsp;

The white-bearded, red-robed figure of Sinterklaas, the equivalent of the English-speaking world's Santa Claus, brings gifts to Belgians every December 6.

This year's festivities, however, have been clouded by the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Belgium particularly hard, especially at its retirement homes.

No inquiry has been launched in the absence of a formal complaint, regional health spokesman Joris Moonens said, and there is no suggestion the volunteer knew he was infected.

But a crisis manager has been appointed for Hemelrijck — which housed 169 people before the Covid outbreak — to help staff, residents and relatives cope "in this difficult period".

Belgium has one of the highest per capita coronavirus death tolls in the world and more than half of the deceased — 11,066 people —were retirement home residents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Twenty-six care home residents in Belgium have reportedly died after contracting coronavirus, following a visit from a man dressed as Santa Claus, who has since tested positive for Covid-19.

Twenty-six care home residents in Belgium have reportedly died after contracting coronavirus, following a visit from a man dressed as Santa Claus, who has since tested positive for Covid-19. Also read | ‘Super Gonorrhea’ on the rise due to Covid-19: WHO Over 80 people were infected at the nursing home earlier this month, with an outbreak emerging in the days after the Santa visit. However, a Flemish health official said on Thursday it is not yet certain that it was the visitor who brought the coronavirus to the Hemelrijck home in Mol on December 5. Also read | Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates But 26 residents have died since the visit, and 85 more have tested positive for the coronavirus, along with 40 staff. The outbreak was detected a few days after the visit, and prominent virologist Marc Van Ranst reported on Twitter that most of the infections came from the same source. The white-bearded, red-robed figure of Sinterklaas, the equivalent of the English-speaking world's Santa Claus, brings gifts to Belgians every December 6. This year's festivities, however, have been clouded by the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Belgium particularly hard, especially at its retirement homes. No inquiry has been launched in the absence of a formal complaint, regional health spokesman Joris Moonens said, and there is no suggestion the volunteer knew he was infected. But a crisis manager has been appointed for Hemelrijck — which housed 169 people before the Covid outbreak — to help staff, residents and relatives cope "in this difficult period". Belgium has one of the highest per capita coronavirus death tolls in the world and more than half of the deceased — 11,066 people —were retirement home residents. (With inputs from agencies)

26 retirement home residents die of Covid-19 after Santa Claus visit in Belgium

What started as a Christmas celebration with the Santa soon turned out to be a coronavirus superspreader event in a care home in Belgium's Antwerp.

In Antwerp's&nbsp;Hemelrijck residential home, celebrations for Christmas started a little early and a man dressed as Santa Claus was called in to spread joy and cheer. However, several residents started feeling unwell soon after he left the celebrations.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-four-to-six-months-could-be-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-bill-gates-349593">&nbsp;Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates</a>

The man dressed as Santa tested positive for coronavirus soon after. As soon as the authorities were informed, they started testing the residents and employees of the care home and found out nearly 75 residents had tested positive for the deadly virus, including 14 employees.

This incident happened in&nbsp;Mol, whose Mayor,&nbsp;Wim Caeyers, has personally started looking into the matter and described it as an event that was "made with the best intent, but it went wrong".

Calling it a black day for the care home, he added, "It is a very great mental strain to bear for the man that played St Nicholas, as well as for the organisers and the staff."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-fungal-infection-detected-in-coronavirus-patients-349431">Rare fungal infection detected in coronavirus patients</a>

As per the local reports, the Santa was not feeling unwell before the visit&nbsp;and did not show any symptoms of the virus. The authorities of the care home had hoped his visit would bring in some cheer and lift up the firm environment that 2020 had brought in this care home.

The infected residents are showing mild to moderate symptoms. Local media has reported the man had visited several common areas of the building such as the sitting room. The authorities claim the Santa "kept his distance from the residents and wore a face covering. The residents also wore face coverings." However, videos that surfaced online show a few residents without any masks.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-trial-volunteers-who-got-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-developed-bells-palsy-348547">Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy</a>

"Initially [the care home] said that the rules had been followed, but then straight away you receive photos from the families of residents where you can see that this wasn't the case," Caeyers told local media.

The care home authorities have expressed shock at the incident, but have also assured that they will be getting the virus out of the home soon. "The team is very shocked by what happened, but that also makes them very motivated to get the virus out again,"&nbsp;Jannes Verheyen, a spokesperson for Armonea, the firm which runs the home, told a local media house.

What started as a Christmas celebration with the Santa soon turned out to be a coronavirus superspreader event in a care home in Belgium's Antwerp. In Antwerp's Hemelrijck residential home, celebrations for Christmas started a little early and a man dressed as Santa Claus was called in to spread joy and cheer.

What started as a Christmas celebration with the Santa soon turned out to be a coronavirus superspreader event in a care home in Belgium's Antwerp. In Antwerp's Hemelrijck residential home, celebrations for Christmas started a little early and a man dressed as Santa Claus was called in to spread joy and cheer. However, several residents started feeling unwell soon after he left the celebrations. Also read| Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates The man dressed as Santa tested positive for coronavirus soon after. As soon as the authorities were informed, they started testing the residents and employees of the care home and found out nearly 75 residents had tested positive for the deadly virus, including 14 employees. This incident happened in Mol, whose Mayor, Wim Caeyers, has personally started looking into the matter and described it as an event that was "made with the best intent, but it went wrong". Calling it a black day for the care home, he added, "It is a very great mental strain to bear for the man that played St Nicholas, as well as for the organisers and the staff." Also read| Rare fungal infection detected in coronavirus patients As per the local reports, the Santa was not feeling unwell before the visit and did not show any symptoms of the virus. The authorities of the care home had hoped his visit would bring in some cheer and lift up the firm environment that 2020 had brought in this care home. The infected residents are showing mild to moderate symptoms. Local media has reported the man had visited several common areas of the building such as the sitting room. The authorities claim the Santa "kept his distance from the residents and wore a face covering. The residents also wore face coverings." However, videos that surfaced online show a few residents without any masks. Also read| Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy "Initially [the care home] said that the rules had been followed, but then straight away you receive photos from the families of residents where you can see that this wasn't the case," Caeyers told local media. The care home authorities have expressed shock at the incident, but have also assured that they will be getting the virus out of the home soon. "The team is very shocked by what happened, but that also makes them very motivated to get the virus out again," Jannes Verheyen, a spokesperson for Armonea, the firm which runs the home, told a local media house.

Superspreader Santa infects more than 75 people with COVID-19 at care home in Belgium

From Vatican City in Rome to Manger Square in Palestinian and across the globe, Christmas is being celebrated in high spirits of cheer and love! Here, we bring to you an exclusive gallery-tour of Christmas being celebrated around the world in different customary traditions and culture.

The world is lit! Christmas celebrations across the globe

In pictures: Christmas celebrations around the globe

Deepika attended her first midnight mass, while Varun Dhawan spread some joy among street children

'Tis the season to be merry! And Bollywood celebrities are making most of the holiday season. While some of them have flown out of the country to ring in the New year, there are others who are in India and brought in Christmas with friends. And a lot of them took to their Social Media page to spread some Christmas cheer among fans. Deepika Padukone attended her fist midnight mass. The actress, who is currently holidaying outside India, shared a stunning picture of the masss. from my 1st ever midnight mass...Merry Christmas everyone!?? A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on Dec 24, 2017 at 5:12pm PST × Deepika's beau, Ranveer Singh, meanwhile is living it up in London. The actor wished his fans on Christmas and shared this photograph. ?? #holidays #merrychristmas A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Dec 24, 2017 at 4:09pm PST × Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, who are currently holidaying in South Africa with their kids, shared this funny video of 'dancing around a tree'. When Mr K convinces me to dance around trees again:) Merry Christmas folks! #Jingleballe A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna) on Dec 24, 2017 at 12:40pm PST × Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif attended Karan Johar's Christmas party and posed for photos together. Both the actresses shared the same photo. While Kat captioned it as 'Merry Christmasss', Alia wrote, "merry with katy". merry with katy ?? A post shared by Alia ??? (@aliaabhatt) on Dec 24, 2017 at 11:09am PST × Basking in the success of his recent release Tiger Zinda Hai, Salman Khan along with the film's director Ali Abbas Zafar and leading lady Katrina Kaif wished fans 'Merry Christmas'. Merry Xmas from Tiger and Zoya ... A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) on Dec 24, 2017 at 10:31am PST × Kaif also shared photos of the shoot. Merrrrrryyyyyyy christmasssss from...... ????and ??..........have a ?????????????????day A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) on Dec 24, 2017 at 9:49pm PST × Varun Dhawan spent a day before Christmas with underprivileged children. The actor took to Instagram to share adorable photos with the kids. Merry Christmas ?? A post shared by Varun Dhawan (@varundvn) on Dec 24, 2017 at 10:49am PST × Karan Johar, meanhwile, posted an adorable photo of his twins- Yash and Roohi- dressed as Santa and he wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Merry Xmas from me and mine!!!!?????????? A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) on Dec 24, 2017 at 9:48pm PST ×

Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt: Here's how Bollywood stars rang in Christmas