Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse

Santa Claus delivers holiday cheer in Rio de Janeiro by feeding the sharks and swimming with the sting raise in the city's aquarium.

Santa Claus feeding the fishes in city aquarium in Rio de Janeiro

Children won't get the chance to sit on Santa's lap at theatres across Italy this year but if you ask nicely and you have been well behaved he may find the time to give you a call instead.

Pick up the phone - Santa is on the line

Hundreds of sprinting Santas take over the German town of Michendorf every year on December 6, the day of its famous Santa Claus run. But this year, runners were asked to run separately and post photos of themselves while running.

Sprinting Santas keep Santa Claus run alive despite coronavirus restrictions

Innocence is something we may fast be losing in this connected, digital world. But there is hope. Not everything has become mechanical. An 8-year-old boy in the UK, Monti, was concerned about Santa Claus contracting coronavirus. He did not just wonder, he took action and wrote a letter to UK PM Boris Johnson and urged him to take steps to ensure Santa's safety.

Here's what he has written.

'Dear Mr Johnson

I am 8 years old and was wondering if you and the government thought about Santa coming this Christmas. If we leave hand sanitiser by the cookies will he come? or will he wash his hands. I understand you are very busy but can you and the scientists please talk about this?'

<img alt="Monti Sanata Claus Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="375067ad-7c7a-4357-9b3e-193c7f238880" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/monti.jpg" />

It's easy to conjure an image of Monti truly being worried about Santa's health and writing directly to the country's premier.

Johnson gave a reply and thanked Monti for raising an 'important question'. Johnson assured him that despite coronavirus pandemic, Santa Claus will be able to deliver presents this year.

"I have put a call to the North Pole and I can tell you Father Christmas is ready and raring to go, as are Rudolph and all the other reindeer," reads Johnson's reply.

Herer is the full reply from Boris Johnson

<img alt="Boris Johnson Santa Clause reply" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac309c49-b113-4aac-8e49-3cf491f35af8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/reply.jpg" /> 
&nbsp;

Boris Johnson even tweeted this sweet exchange from his Twitter handle.

"Monti (aged 8) wrote to me asking if Father Christmas will be able to deliver presents this year Santa ClausWrapped presentChristmas tree 
&nbsp; 
I've had lots of letters about this, so I have spoken with experts and can assure you that Father Christmas will be packing his sleigh and delivering presents this Christmas!" read the tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Monti (aged 8) wrote to me asking if Father Christmas will be able to deliver presents this year 🎅🎁🎄 
 
I've had lots of letters about this, so I have spoken with experts and can assure you that Father Christmas will be packing his sleigh and delivering presents this Christmas! <a href="https://t.co/pXwcjHSxZg">pic.twitter.com/pXwcjHSxZg</a>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1331537117084856320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Innocence is something we may fast be losing in this connected, digital world. But there is hope. Not everything has become mechanical. An 8-year-old boy in the UK, Monti, was concerned about Santa Claus contracting coronavirus.

Innocence is something we may fast be losing in this connected, digital world. But there is hope. Not everything has become mechanical. An 8-year-old boy in the UK, Monti, was concerned about Santa Claus contracting coronavirus. He did not just wonder, he took action and wrote a letter to UK PM Boris Johnson and urged him to take steps to ensure Santa's safety. Here's what he has written. 'Dear Mr Johnson I am 8 years old and was wondering if you and the government thought about Santa coming this Christmas. If we leave hand sanitiser by the cookies will he come? or will he wash his hands. I understand you are very busy but can you and the scientists please talk about this?' It's easy to conjure an image of Monti truly being worried about Santa's health and writing directly to the country's premier. Johnson gave a reply and thanked Monti for raising an 'important question'. Johnson assured him that despite coronavirus pandemic, Santa Claus will be able to deliver presents this year. "I have put a call to the North Pole and I can tell you Father Christmas is ready and raring to go, as are Rudolph and all the other reindeer," reads Johnson's reply. Herer is the full reply from Boris Johnson Boris Johnson even tweeted this sweet exchange from his Twitter handle. "Monti (aged 8) wrote to me asking if Father Christmas will be able to deliver presents this year Santa ClausWrapped presentChristmas tree I've had lots of letters about this, so I have spoken with experts and can assure you that Father Christmas will be packing his sleigh and delivering presents this Christmas!" read the tweet. Monti (aged 8) wrote to me asking if Father Christmas will be able to deliver presents this year 🎅🎁🎄 I've had lots of letters about this, so I have spoken with experts and can assure you that Father Christmas will be packing his sleigh and delivering presents this Christmas! pic.twitter.com/pXwcjHSxZg — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 25, 2020 ×

Will Santa use hand sanitiser? Worried 8-year-old writes to UK PM Boris Johnson

Taste of safety: Masked Santa chocolates appear amid pandemic in Hungary

Archival tech company Storyfile has come up with an A.I. alternative, creating a website where children can ask Santa questions online instead.

Online Santa website uses A.I. to let children interact with St. Nick during covid

Santa Claus visited the Dead Sea on Sunday (November 15) ahead of the Christmas season. It was part of a campaign by Israel's Tourism Ministry to bring some Christmas cheer during a global pandemic that has kept Christian pilgrims away from the Holy Land.

Santa brings Christmas cheer, and a tree, to the Dead Sea

While kids might not be able to meet Santa in person this year an entertainment company in London has created an app so that virtual meet-ups can take place.

New app allows kids to virtually 'meet' Santa

Is Santa Claus Real? When Does He Come To Deliver Gifts?

Gravitas: Tracking Santa Claus

While the North American Aerospace Defense Command stays alert for any signs of a North Korea missile launch – what officials in Pyongyang have described as a "Christmas gift" – it is also tracking the legendary figure who delivers presents to children across the world, the command said on Monday.

Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, NORAD is a combined US&nbsp;and Canadian military command whose mission is to issue aerospace and maritime warnings and controls across North America.

For more than six decades, it has also offered real-time animated tracking of Santa Claus, also known as Kris Kringle, as his reindeer-powered sleigh traverses the globe delivering Yuletide gifts to children.

“As NORAD conducts its primary mission of defending North America from threats, we’re proud to continue our tradition of tracking Santa’s journey around the world,” NORAD said in a statement.

NORAD’s Santa tracking website www.noradsanta.org gets nearly 15 million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories across the globe, the agency said.

NORAD in recent years has been tracking North Korean long-range missile tests.

Pyongyang warned Washington earlier this month of a possible “Christmas gift”. That came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave the United States until the end of the year to propose new concessions in talks over his country’s nuclear arsenal and reducing tensions between the two long-time adversaries.

NORAD’s Santa-tracking tradition started in 1955 when a Colorado Springs department store misprinted the phone number to the North Pole in a newspaper advertisement, according to its website.

The first call came from a little girl and went to US&nbsp;Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, director of what was then known as the Continental Air Defense Command.

The colonel assured the girl that Santa was on en route, and when more children called the command center, the military added a new task to its defense mission.

Renamed NORAD three years later as a combined Canadian and U.S. agency, the Santa mission has continued uninterrupted ever since. Santa watchers can now track his whereabouts through NORAD’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.

While the North American Aerospace Defense Command stays alert for any signs of a North Korea missile launch – what officials in Pyongyang have described as a "Christmas gift" – it is also tracking the legendary figure who delivers presents to children across the world, the command said on Monday.

While the North American Aerospace Defense Command stays alert for any signs of a North Korea missile launch – what officials in Pyongyang have described as a "Christmas gift" – it is also tracking the legendary figure who delivers presents to children across the world, the command said on Monday. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, NORAD is a combined US and Canadian military command whose mission is to issue aerospace and maritime warnings and controls across North America. For more than six decades, it has also offered real-time animated tracking of Santa Claus, also known as Kris Kringle, as his reindeer-powered sleigh traverses the globe delivering Yuletide gifts to children. “As NORAD conducts its primary mission of defending North America from threats, we’re proud to continue our tradition of tracking Santa’s journey around the world,” NORAD said in a statement. NORAD’s Santa tracking website www.noradsanta.org gets nearly 15 million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories across the globe, the agency said. NORAD in recent years has been tracking North Korean long-range missile tests. Pyongyang warned Washington earlier this month of a possible “Christmas gift”. That came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave the United States until the end of the year to propose new concessions in talks over his country’s nuclear arsenal and reducing tensions between the two long-time adversaries. NORAD’s Santa-tracking tradition started in 1955 when a Colorado Springs department store misprinted the phone number to the North Pole in a newspaper advertisement, according to its website. The first call came from a little girl and went to US Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, director of what was then known as the Continental Air Defense Command. The colonel assured the girl that Santa was on en route, and when more children called the command center, the military added a new task to its defense mission. Renamed NORAD three years later as a combined Canadian and U.S. agency, the Santa mission has continued uninterrupted ever since. Santa watchers can now track his whereabouts through NORAD’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.

US-Canadian military tracker NORAD eyes Santa, 'Christmas gift' from North Korea

Christmas fever has begun to grip India ahead of the festivities of the winter holiday season. School students were joined by residents of India's southern Thiruvananthapuram city on Saturday, as they wore Christmas-themed costumes and marched with a band playing carols in a procession.

Santa Claus, carols spread Christmas cheer in India

Letters to Santa are wrongly addressed each December to an apartment on West 22nd Street in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, far from the North Pole. Watch to know more.

Far from North Pole, New York home gets avalanche of Santa letters

President Donald Trump set off a Christmas social media storm when he questioned whether a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/still-believe-in-santa-at-your-age-trump-ignites-twitter-storm-186486">seven-year-old was too long in the tooth to believe in Santa Claus</a>.

But not to worry.

The child, Collman Lloyd, from Lexington, South Carolina, told the Post and Courier newspaper she was still a believer. She and her two siblings left iced sugar cookies and milk out for Saint Nick overnight and, in the morning, the treats were gone and presents were under the tree.

Twitter had lit up after Trump, capping a week of plunging stocks, a government shutdown and the US&nbsp;defense chief's unceremonious departure, cast doubt on the cherished childhood fantasy.

"Are you still a believer in Santa?" Trump asked Collman in a phone call. "Because at seven, it's marginal, right?"

In a video her family posted on the Internet, she replied, "Yes sir," later telling the newspaper she had no idea what "marginal" meant.

Trump made the comment during a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/military-santa-tracker-norad-live-despite-us-government-shutdown-186404">holiday event with first lady Melania Trump</a>, taking calls from children calling the North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa tracker.

A Christmas tradition, the tracker delights children with "real-time" updates on his Christmas Eve journey.

"It's just too freaking fantastic that Trump spent his Christmas Eve calling seven-year-olds and telling them believing in Santa at their age is 'marginal,'" Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said on his Twitter account.

"Actually there is no heaven," tweeted Dan Amira, head writer for "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" comedy show. "When you die you just rot in the ground and get eaten by worms. Okay Merry Christmas, Timmy."

The White House had no immediate comment on the social media response to the president's Santa comments.

Stuck in Washington on Christmas morning because of the partial federal government shutdown, Trump displayed little holiday cheer to reporters after a 20-minute video conference with US&nbsp;troops serving abroad.

He assailed the Federal Reserve for raising interest rates, railed against Democrats who refuse to fund the wall he wants to build on the US-Mexico border, and blasted the investigation into his campaign's alleged ties to Russia, among other regular targets.

The president then closed with holiday wishes of sorts. "It's a disgrace, what's happening in our country," he said. "But other than that, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas."

President Donald Trump set off a Christmas social media storm when he questioned whether a seven-year-old was too long in the tooth to believe in Santa Claus. But not to worry.

President Donald Trump set off a Christmas social media storm when he questioned whether a seven-year-old was too long in the tooth to believe in Santa Claus. But not to worry. The child, Collman Lloyd, from Lexington, South Carolina, told the Post and Courier newspaper she was still a believer. She and her two siblings left iced sugar cookies and milk out for Saint Nick overnight and, in the morning, the treats were gone and presents were under the tree. Twitter had lit up after Trump, capping a week of plunging stocks, a government shutdown and the US defense chief's unceremonious departure, cast doubt on the cherished childhood fantasy. "Are you still a believer in Santa?" Trump asked Collman in a phone call. "Because at seven, it's marginal, right?" In a video her family posted on the Internet, she replied, "Yes sir," later telling the newspaper she had no idea what "marginal" meant. Trump made the comment during a holiday event with first lady Melania Trump, taking calls from children calling the North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa tracker. A Christmas tradition, the tracker delights children with "real-time" updates on his Christmas Eve journey. "It's just too freaking fantastic that Trump spent his Christmas Eve calling seven-year-olds and telling them believing in Santa at their age is 'marginal,'" Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said on his Twitter account. "Actually there is no heaven," tweeted Dan Amira, head writer for "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" comedy show. "When you die you just rot in the ground and get eaten by worms. Okay Merry Christmas, Timmy." The White House had no immediate comment on the social media response to the president's Santa comments. Stuck in Washington on Christmas morning because of the partial federal government shutdown, Trump displayed little holiday cheer to reporters after a 20-minute video conference with US troops serving abroad. He assailed the Federal Reserve for raising interest rates, railed against Democrats who refuse to fund the wall he wants to build on the US-Mexico border, and blasted the investigation into his campaign's alleged ties to Russia, among other regular targets. The president then closed with holiday wishes of sorts. "It's a disgrace, what's happening in our country," he said. "But other than that, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas."

Child says still believes in Santa after Trump's 'marginal' quip

A balloon launched by a Mexican girl and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-kids-wanted-to-meet-santa-at-north-pole-indian-woman-who-drove-through-arctic-circle-tells-wion-181402">carrying her Santa</a>&nbsp;present list floated over the US border wall and was found by an Arizona man who granted the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-christmas-track-where-all-santa-claus-is-visiting-27655">8-year-old's Christmas wishes.</a>

Randy Heiss, 60, was out walking his dog in Patagonia, Arizona, about 20 miles northeast of the border, on December 16 when he found the deflated red balloon and the present list attached with a red ribbon.

On the outside of the note was the name "Dayami," and inside were the girl's top-10 present choices written in Spanish. Top of the list was "Enchantimals" — animated human-animal figures — and a house for them, followed by painting and drawing supplies and slime.

Heiss suspected the balloon had drifted from the Mexican border city of Nogales, Sonora.

He took to social media and contacted popular Nogales radio station XENY via Facebook, according to Nogales International, a newspaper in the US city of the same name.

XENY reporter Cesar Barron began broadcasting Heiss' story on Wednesday and within an hour Dayami's family got in touch. XENY suggested Heiss and his wife meet the girl.

The couple bought most of the presents on her wish list, although the Enchantimals dollhouse was sold out, plus gifts for the girl's 4-year-old sister, Ximena, and made the 45-minute drive to Nogales, Mexico.

When they met Dayami and Ximena at the radio station, Heiss and his wife said they were "Santa's helpers" and handed over the presents, to the girls' delight, a video posted by XENY's Barron showed.

Heiss' only son died nine years ago and sharing Christmas with children was something he and his wife had been missing, he told local NBC television station KPNX in Arizona.

"There's a 20-foot-tall wall along the border, we've got concertina wire stretched across it now, but nothing is going to stop the faith of a child and her Christmas wishes," Heiss told the TV station.

On Monday, the rest of Dayami's Christmas wishes came true.

A lawyer in Los Angeles, California, sent her the Enchantimals dollhouse after he read in the Washington Post that she did not get one, Barron said in a video on Facebook showing Dayami and her latest gifts.

A balloon launched by a Mexican girl and carrying her Santa present list floated over the US border wall and was found by an Arizona man who granted the 8-year-old's Christmas wishes.

A balloon launched by a Mexican girl and carrying her Santa present list floated over the US border wall and was found by an Arizona man who granted the 8-year-old's Christmas wishes. Randy Heiss, 60, was out walking his dog in Patagonia, Arizona, about 20 miles northeast of the border, on December 16 when he found the deflated red balloon and the present list attached with a red ribbon. On the outside of the note was the name "Dayami," and inside were the girl's top-10 present choices written in Spanish. Top of the list was "Enchantimals" — animated human-animal figures — and a house for them, followed by painting and drawing supplies and slime. Heiss suspected the balloon had drifted from the Mexican border city of Nogales, Sonora. He took to social media and contacted popular Nogales radio station XENY via Facebook, according to Nogales International, a newspaper in the US city of the same name. XENY reporter Cesar Barron began broadcasting Heiss' story on Wednesday and within an hour Dayami's family got in touch. XENY suggested Heiss and his wife meet the girl. The couple bought most of the presents on her wish list, although the Enchantimals dollhouse was sold out, plus gifts for the girl's 4-year-old sister, Ximena, and made the 45-minute drive to Nogales, Mexico. When they met Dayami and Ximena at the radio station, Heiss and his wife said they were "Santa's helpers" and handed over the presents, to the girls' delight, a video posted by XENY's Barron showed. Heiss' only son died nine years ago and sharing Christmas with children was something he and his wife had been missing, he told local NBC television station KPNX in Arizona. "There's a 20-foot-tall wall along the border, we've got concertina wire stretched across it now, but nothing is going to stop the faith of a child and her Christmas wishes," Heiss told the TV station. On Monday, the rest of Dayami's Christmas wishes came true. A lawyer in Los Angeles, California, sent her the Enchantimals dollhouse after he read in the Washington Post that she did not get one, Barron said in a video on Facebook showing Dayami and her latest gifts.

US border wall no match for Mexican girl's Santa wish list

WION Dispatch: Trump asks seven-year-old kid about Santa Claus' existence

Thousands of pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-celebrities-share-heartwarming-christmas-pictures-186413">celebrate Christmas </a>at the birthplace of Jesus, which witnessed its most cheerful celebrations in many years, breaking the despondency of last year in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/military-santa-tracker-norad-live-despite-us-government-shutdown-186404">US administration</a>'s declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Manger Square, where tourists and locals generally jostle for space before the midnight mass, was abuzz with activities on a cold day as traditional march led by Palestinian boy and girl scouts kicked off Christmas celebrations on Monday.

Playing drums and bagpipes they paraded past a 16 metre giant Christmas tree in the Manger Square outside the ancient Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

All the Bethlehem hotels were fully booked and the security situation relatively calm as the city is preparing to host an "astounding" tourists overnight, the "numbers we have not seen for many years", Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Ma'ayah said.&nbsp;

"We have never received this number of tourists coming to Palestine," Ma'ayah said, adding that "In a city like Bethlehem, tourism creates waves throughout the economy."

"Hotels in the city have been booked to their full capacity for a few weeks leading into today's celebrations", said Fadi Kattan a travel agent.

The city's Hotel Association had predicted occupancy of more than 95 per cent in the build-up to the festivities this year but workers at Hotels near the Church of Nativity said that rooms were in short supply as the number of foreign visitors exceeded their expectations this year.&nbsp;

"We are fully booked during the Christmas season," Wissam Salsa, Manager of the Walled Off Hotel, said jubilantly.&nbsp;

Security was tight in the city as paramilitary Palestinian police armed with assault rifles patrolled the cobblestone streets.

Israel also eased security restrictions and made all possible efforts to make tourists feel safe.&nbsp;

With a relative lull in violence, the region has seen an increase in the number of tourists coming to Israel and the West Bank city of Bethlehem, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority (PA).&nbsp;

Ma'ayah noted that Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank, was preparing to host an "astounding" 10,000 tourists overnight, "numbers we haven't seen for many years", and that the total&nbsp;number of visitors would exceed 3 million this year.

Last year, US President Donald Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital incensed the Palestinians and ignited clashes in the region and worldwide protests that kept the pilgrims away from visiting the holy land.&nbsp;

The decision had taken the joy out of Christmas for the people in the holy land who witnessed a low key celebration with thousands of tourists choosing to stay away from festivities.

The boom in Bethlehem's tourism comes as Israel also enjoys a record number of tourists. Israel's Tourism Ministry is projecting that more than four million visitors will visit the holy land in 2018.&nbsp;

Some 3.8 million tourists visited Israel in the first 11 months of the year, 14 per cent more than in the corresponding period last year.&nbsp; 
Coffee vendors and gift stores in Bethlehem also seemed to have come alive this year.

"We hope this revival is not short-lived and tourism continues to grow. The city is heavily dependent on tourists", Khaled, a gift shop owner, said adding, "our lives are intertwined with every small political development in the region. Our smiles can fade instantly with just some violent spark erupting around".&nbsp;

The Christmas festivities traditionally bring a boost of holiday cheer to Christians in the holy land, whose numbers have shrunk over the decades relative to the general population and now make up just a minority in Jesus' birthplace.

The city today has a strong Muslim majority of at least 70 per cent, with only 30 per cent Christians. It was once a Christian dominated city but emigration arising out of a wave of violence and economic hardships has seen its Christian residents moving to several countries across the world.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the holy land, entered Bethlehem on Monday crossing an Israeli military checkpoint that divides Jerusalem from Bethlehem.

The top cleric later addressed a packed house of worshippers and dignitaries at the Church of Nativity that included Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.

Visitors this year were able to view the Church of the Nativity's newly restored mosaics dating to the Crusader era after they were recently cleaned and repaired in a major project.&nbsp;

Pizzaballa said the recent restoration of the church was a metaphor for recent events in the region.

"The mosaics were splendid, but covered by a layer of dirt", he said during his traditional address.

"This last year was terrible", the cleric said referring to upsurge in violence, "so we all tend to think that all is dirty. But if you remove this layer of dirt we see how wonderful the mosaics are".

"Since it's Christmas, we have to be positive," the archbishop stressed.

Thousands of pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas at the birthplace of Jesus, which witnessed its most cheerful celebrations in many years, breaking the despondency of last year in the wake of US administration's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Thousands of pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas at the birthplace of Jesus, which witnessed its most cheerful celebrations in many years, breaking the despondency of last year in the wake of US administration's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Manger Square, where tourists and locals generally jostle for space before the midnight mass, was abuzz with activities on a cold day as traditional march led by Palestinian boy and girl scouts kicked off Christmas celebrations on Monday. Playing drums and bagpipes they paraded past a 16 metre giant Christmas tree in the Manger Square outside the ancient Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus. All the Bethlehem hotels were fully booked and the security situation relatively calm as the city is preparing to host an "astounding" tourists overnight, the "numbers we have not seen for many years", Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Ma'ayah said. "We have never received this number of tourists coming to Palestine," Ma'ayah said, adding that "In a city like Bethlehem, tourism creates waves throughout the economy." "Hotels in the city have been booked to their full capacity for a few weeks leading into today's celebrations", said Fadi Kattan a travel agent. The city's Hotel Association had predicted occupancy of more than 95 per cent in the build-up to the festivities this year but workers at Hotels near the Church of Nativity said that rooms were in short supply as the number of foreign visitors exceeded their expectations this year. "We are fully booked during the Christmas season," Wissam Salsa, Manager of the Walled Off Hotel, said jubilantly. Security was tight in the city as paramilitary Palestinian police armed with assault rifles patrolled the cobblestone streets. Israel also eased security restrictions and made all possible efforts to make tourists feel safe. With a relative lull in violence, the region has seen an increase in the number of tourists coming to Israel and the West Bank city of Bethlehem, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Ma'ayah noted that Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank, was preparing to host an "astounding" 10,000 tourists overnight, "numbers we haven't seen for many years", and that the total number of visitors would exceed 3 million this year. Last year, US President Donald Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital incensed the Palestinians and ignited clashes in the region and worldwide protests that kept the pilgrims away from visiting the holy land. The decision had taken the joy out of Christmas for the people in the holy land who witnessed a low key celebration with thousands of tourists choosing to stay away from festivities. The boom in Bethlehem's tourism comes as Israel also enjoys a record number of tourists. Israel's Tourism Ministry is projecting that more than four million visitors will visit the holy land in 2018. Some 3.8 million tourists visited Israel in the first 11 months of the year, 14 per cent more than in the corresponding period last year. Coffee vendors and gift stores in Bethlehem also seemed to have come alive this year. "We hope this revival is not short-lived and tourism continues to grow. The city is heavily dependent on tourists", Khaled, a gift shop owner, said adding, "our lives are intertwined with every small political development in the region. Our smiles can fade instantly with just some violent spark erupting around". The Christmas festivities traditionally bring a boost of holiday cheer to Christians in the holy land, whose numbers have shrunk over the decades relative to the general population and now make up just a minority in Jesus' birthplace. The city today has a strong Muslim majority of at least 70 per cent, with only 30 per cent Christians. It was once a Christian dominated city but emigration arising out of a wave of violence and economic hardships has seen its Christian residents moving to several countries across the world. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the holy land, entered Bethlehem on Monday crossing an Israeli military checkpoint that divides Jerusalem from Bethlehem. The top cleric later addressed a packed house of worshippers and dignitaries at the Church of Nativity that included Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. Visitors this year were able to view the Church of the Nativity's newly restored mosaics dating to the Crusader era after they were recently cleaned and repaired in a major project. Pizzaballa said the recent restoration of the church was a metaphor for recent events in the region. "The mosaics were splendid, but covered by a layer of dirt", he said during his traditional address. "This last year was terrible", the cleric said referring to upsurge in violence, "so we all tend to think that all is dirty. But if you remove this layer of dirt we see how wonderful the mosaics are". "Since it's Christmas, we have to be positive," the archbishop stressed.

Thousands flock to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas at Jesus's birthplace

The US government shutdown may have temporarily dimmed Washington's National Christmas Tree but never fear, Santa Claus still came to town —with the military tracking his path across the globe.

Just as it has since the 1950s the Canadian and American defence agency NORAD delivered live updates on the man in the red suit's international gift delivery route.

NORAD eased the fears of good little boys and girls concerned the tracker might be down, after US lawmakers failed to agree on a budget, triggering a partial shutdown of federal services, including the maintenance of the Christmas tree outside the White House.

"In the event of a government shutdown, NORAD will continue with its 63-year tradition of NORAD Tracks Santa on December 24," the agency tweeted of the tracker, the Pentagon's largest public outreach program.

"Military personnel who conduct NORAD Tracks Santa are supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers who make the program possible each and every year."

A 3-D interactive website showed Santa on his delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way.

Shortly before 1100 GMT, Father Christmas's reindeer-powered sleigh was heading home to the North Pole, having delivered more than 7.2 billion gifts.

In addition to tracking St Nick, volunteers donning military garb and Santa hats also respond to tens of thousands of calls and emails from eager children hoping to probe for details including their Christmas wish lists.

Do you believe in Santa?&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/on-christmas-eve-trump-tells-a-child-belief-in-santa-is-marginal-186296">The Trumps</a>, who cancelled their holiday trip to Mar a Lago, their residence and club in Florida, in light of the shutdown, took turn fielding calls from the White House on Monday evening.

"Hello, is this Coleman? Merry Christmas. How are you? How old are you?" Trump said when answering one call.

But he went on to raise doubts about Santa's existence, asking: "Are you still a believer in Santa Claus? 'Cuz at seven it's marginal, right?"

Melania apparently managed to skirt the sensitive issue in calls she answered.

"I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you. Nice talking to you," she told one caller.

The couple later attended a Christmas Eve service at the Washington National Cathedral.

The Santa tracker presented by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) dates to 1955 when a Colorado newspaper advertisement misprinted a phone number to connect children with Santa and mistakenly directed them to the military nerve centre hotline.

To avoid disappointing the eager children, NORAD's director of operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, ordered his staff to check the radar to see where Santa might be and update the children on his location.

Decades later volunteers are armed with a 14-page playbook with talking points to respond to queries from excited children.

The Defense Department is able to follow Santa's journey thanks to satellites that pick up heat from lead reindeer Rudolph's bright red nose, which "gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch," according to Politico magazine.

And for those kids sceptical of Santa's existence?

"Historical data and more than 60 years of NORAD tracking information lead us to believe Santa Claus is alive and well in the hearts of people throughout the world," the Pentagon's handbook reads.

The US government shutdown may have temporarily dimmed Washington's National Christmas Tree but never fear, Santa Claus still came to town —with the military tracking his path across the globe.

The US government shutdown may have temporarily dimmed Washington's National Christmas Tree but never fear, Santa Claus still came to town —with the military tracking his path across the globe. Just as it has since the 1950s the Canadian and American defence agency NORAD delivered live updates on the man in the red suit's international gift delivery route. NORAD eased the fears of good little boys and girls concerned the tracker might be down, after US lawmakers failed to agree on a budget, triggering a partial shutdown of federal services, including the maintenance of the Christmas tree outside the White House. "In the event of a government shutdown, NORAD will continue with its 63-year tradition of NORAD Tracks Santa on December 24," the agency tweeted of the tracker, the Pentagon's largest public outreach program. "Military personnel who conduct NORAD Tracks Santa are supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers who make the program possible each and every year." A 3-D interactive website showed Santa on his delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way. Shortly before 1100 GMT, Father Christmas's reindeer-powered sleigh was heading home to the North Pole, having delivered more than 7.2 billion gifts. In addition to tracking St Nick, volunteers donning military garb and Santa hats also respond to tens of thousands of calls and emails from eager children hoping to probe for details including their Christmas wish lists. Do you believe in Santa? The Trumps, who cancelled their holiday trip to Mar a Lago, their residence and club in Florida, in light of the shutdown, took turn fielding calls from the White House on Monday evening. "Hello, is this Coleman? Merry Christmas. How are you? How old are you?" Trump said when answering one call. But he went on to raise doubts about Santa's existence, asking: "Are you still a believer in Santa Claus? 'Cuz at seven it's marginal, right?" Melania apparently managed to skirt the sensitive issue in calls she answered. "I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you. Nice talking to you," she told one caller. The couple later attended a Christmas Eve service at the Washington National Cathedral. The Santa tracker presented by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) dates to 1955 when a Colorado newspaper advertisement misprinted a phone number to connect children with Santa and mistakenly directed them to the military nerve centre hotline. To avoid disappointing the eager children, NORAD's director of operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, ordered his staff to check the radar to see where Santa might be and update the children on his location. Decades later volunteers are armed with a 14-page playbook with talking points to respond to queries from excited children. The Defense Department is able to follow Santa's journey thanks to satellites that pick up heat from lead reindeer Rudolph's bright red nose, which "gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch," according to Politico magazine. And for those kids sceptical of Santa's existence? "Historical data and more than 60 years of NORAD tracking information lead us to believe Santa Claus is alive and well in the hearts of people throughout the world," the Pentagon's handbook reads.

Military Santa tracker 'NORAD' live despite US government shutdown

World's biggest Santa Claus made with 10,000 plastic bottles in Odisha

Trump was on Christmas bashed on social media after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-border-wall-no-match-for-mexican-girls-santa-wish-list-186288">he asked a seven-year-old whether he still believed in Santa</a>.&nbsp;

Trump and his wife Melania were answering calls for NORAD, the US defence agency which "tracks"&nbsp;Santa's Christmas eve movements. The answering of calls by the president is a Christmas tradition.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Helping children across the country track <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Santa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Santa</a> is becoming one of my favorite traditions! <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Potus</a> and I enjoyed working with <a href="https://twitter.com/NoradSanta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NORADSanta</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristmasEve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristmasEve</a> <a href="https://t.co/CYNkARbFaI">pic.twitter.com/CYNkARbFaI</a>
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1077371798705111041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Hello, is this Coleman? Merry Christmas. How are you? How old are you?" the US president asked the child.&nbsp;

And then followed it up with:&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are you still a believer in Santa Claus? 'Cuz at seven it's marginal, right?"&nbsp;&nbsp;

Expectedly, the blowback on social media was severe:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I don't think I've ever seen a REAL smile on trump's face before. 
 
But here he is, spending Christmas Eve, asking a 7-year-old if he still believes in Santa "because at 7, it's marginal, right?" Dream-crushing gets him smiling. 
 
What a nasty, grinchy crumb bum. <a href="https://t.co/oE8XClS8jv">pic.twitter.com/oE8XClS8jv</a>
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmpadellan/status/1077396376785510400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Per pool, Trump to the first child who called in tonight to talk to Santa: “Are you still a believer in Santa?"
— Dafna Linzer (@DafnaLinzer) <a href="https://twitter.com/DafnaLinzer/status/1077364540105523200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Donald Trump, the lyingest liar of all the liars who ever lied, couldn't bring himself to lie about Santa.
— David M. Perry (@Lollardfish) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lollardfish/status/1077383788571910145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It is not known how Coleman answered Trump.&nbsp;

Trump was on Christmas bashed on social media after he asked a seven-year-old whether he still believed in Santa. Trump and his wife Melania were answering calls for NORAD, the US defence agency which "tracks" Santa's Christmas eve movements.

Trump was on Christmas bashed on social media after he asked a seven-year-old whether he still believed in Santa. Trump and his wife Melania were answering calls for NORAD, the US defence agency which "tracks" Santa's Christmas eve movements. The answering of calls by the president is a Christmas tradition. Helping children across the country track #Santa is becoming one of my favorite traditions! @Potus and I enjoyed working with @NORADSanta - #ChristmasEve pic.twitter.com/CYNkARbFaI — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 25, 2018 × "Hello, is this Coleman? Merry Christmas. How are you? How old are you?" the US president asked the child. And then followed it up with: "Are you still a believer in Santa Claus? 'Cuz at seven it's marginal, right?" Expectedly, the blowback on social media was severe: I don't think I've ever seen a REAL smile on trump's face before. But here he is, spending Christmas Eve, asking a 7-year-old if he still believes in Santa "because at 7, it's marginal, right?" Dream-crushing gets him smiling. What a nasty, grinchy crumb bum. pic.twitter.com/oE8XClS8jv — BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) December 25, 2018 × Per pool, Trump to the first child who called in tonight to talk to Santa: “Are you still a believer in Santa?" — Dafna Linzer (@DafnaLinzer) December 25, 2018 × Donald Trump, the lyingest liar of all the liars who ever lied, couldn't bring himself to lie about Santa. — David M. Perry (@Lollardfish) December 25, 2018 × It is not known how Coleman answered Trump.

Trump to 7-year-old: Do you still believe in Santa?

Barack Obama makes surprise visit to children's hospital as Santa Claus

A "state-of-the-art" robot that appeared in a report on Russia's main TV news channel was revealed by internet users on Wednesday to be a man in a costume.

The Rossiya 24 rolling news channel on Tuesday broadcast footage of what it presented as a dancing, singing robot at a technology forum for school pupils.&nbsp;

"At the forum there's the opportunity to see state-of-the-art robots," the presenter said as the apparent automaton danced on stage.

But images shared online from backstage at the event clearly showed a human inside a robot outfit, through a gap between a bodysuit and a headpiece.

"I'm good at maths but now I want to study art and musical composition," the robot said in a metallic voice as lights on its face flash different colours, the report showed.

"Boris the Robot has already learned to dance, and not badly at that," the reporter said.

Bloggers found the Robot Show website where the "Alyosha Robot" suit, identical to that shown in the news clip, can be purchased.

Late Wednesday, after the clip went viral, Rossiya 24 broadcast an interview with the journalist who made the original report.

"I was absolutely sure everyone would realise it was a costume, like Santa Claus, that this was a project created for children," he said.

A "state-of-the-art" robot that appeared in a report on Russia's main TV news channel was revealed by internet users on Wednesday to be a man in a costume. The Rossiya 24 rolling news channel on Tuesday broadcast footage of what it presented as a dancing, singing robot at a technology forum for school pupils.

A "state-of-the-art" robot that appeared in a report on Russia's main TV news channel was revealed by internet users on Wednesday to be a man in a costume. The Rossiya 24 rolling news channel on Tuesday broadcast footage of what it presented as a dancing, singing robot at a technology forum for school pupils. "At the forum there's the opportunity to see state-of-the-art robots," the presenter said as the apparent automaton danced on stage. But images shared online from backstage at the event clearly showed a human inside a robot outfit, through a gap between a bodysuit and a headpiece. "I'm good at maths but now I want to study art and musical composition," the robot said in a metallic voice as lights on its face flash different colours, the report showed. "Boris the Robot has already learned to dance, and not badly at that," the reporter said. Bloggers found the Robot Show website where the "Alyosha Robot" suit, identical to that shown in the news clip, can be purchased. Late Wednesday, after the clip went viral, Rossiya 24 broadcast an interview with the journalist who made the original report. "I was absolutely sure everyone would realise it was a costume, like Santa Claus, that this was a project created for children," he said.

Robot shown on Russian TV revealed to be man in costume

Enter Bohri Bazar through the middle street across the Nimco shop in Saddar and you will see a multitude of people trying to strike deals with shopkeepers for a reasonably priced and sized Christmas tree. In these shops, you will also find everything needed for decorating trees and homes ahead of Christmas day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Over the years, Saddar became home to many Goan Catholic community members. In Saddar is situated the St. Patrick&rsquo;s Cathedral, other community affiliations, including the Karachi Goan Association, Goan Union Hall and the now lesser well-known Portuguese Club. The locality had some of the city&rsquo;s oldest and well-known Goan bakeries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

These days between December 10th -20th, many Christian families avail the free baking service offered by United Bakery. The freshly mixed batter is taken to the bakery and customers are informed about pick-up times. United Bakery and J.C. Misquita Bakery also sell a range of traditional Christmas sweets from almond and walnut toffees to marzipan and Goan traditional sweets, such as neuris (semonlina and coconut filled pastries) and kulkuls (curled and fried snacks). &nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is no doubt that these can ever be compared to those made in a Goan Catholic home where each participating family member are assigned roles. They cut bits of dried fruits for the rum-infused cake, kneading cheese straw dough or constantly stir toffee on the stove top to maintain its right consistency and never leaving the deep frying heated wok empty without the next round of rose de coque. Crispo and J.C. Misquita bakeries have crowds queuing to take home dozens of hot cross buns during the Holy Week. Likewise, the demand for Christmas cakes and sweets is placed ahead of time before orders close.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For many Christian families in Karachi, Christmas begins with the season of the Advent, and preparation for the birth of Christ is encouraged spiritually. The season also kicks in with Christmas plays at local charities and churches along with parties for children and Carol nights for all.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Midnight mass services across the city these days have heightened security. In the past, very many Catholics would be spotted with their non-Christian friends at a bi-lingual midnight mass. &ldquo;We don&rsquo;t keep out anyone, all we do is request ahead of time that everybody carry their CNICs. It just helps with identification and we already get people to pass through security checks,&rdquo; says one of the security personnel at a church located in Cantt. The uncertain security situation gives rise to different policies applied by different churches.

&nbsp;

A few others on Christmas Day can be seen at the Gora Qabaristan (Christian cemetery) to visit deceased loved-ones. However, traditional family lunches and dinners continue in homes, and many restaurants, upscale hotels and eateries offer Christmas specials. Agha&rsquo;s, a high-end store located in the Clifton area, annually sells uncooked turkey. While most families opt for cozy home-cooked meals, the Goan community members are often seen picking the best cuts from their butchers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A must-have at most Goan homes is sorpotel. This dish consisting usually of finely chopped beef along with liver and a selection of organ meats is cooked in a spicy gravy with vinegar. If you are lucky to have a Goan friend still around in Karachi then grab a bite of the divine vindalo. Cooked with cumin, ginger, garlic, and chillies as essential ingredients make for the scrumptious red masala (spiced curry) with pieces of any choice of meat and significant amounts of vinegar. In Konkani dialect spoken by the Goan community, &lsquo;vin&rsquo; means vinegar and &lsquo;alo&rsquo; means garlic.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But the real treat it to witness a Konkani theater play at the Karachi Goan Association or hear some of its actors sing hymns in Konkani.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In post-independent Karachi, a host of multiple apartments was purchased by Christian families where traditions of Christmas parties, dances, winter bonfires, and food fairs continued within their navigable compounds. To this date, some of these apartments including the cooperative housing societies in Saddar and Doli Khatta are beautifully decorated with Christmas festive lights, a huge star or two, and the nativity scene. The popularity of these buildings for their decorations through the 1980s until the mid-1990s was an open invite for just about anybody with a camera or a child when building security rules were loosened.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For adolescent carol singers in the 1990s, these buildings felt like 777 winnings and a bonus feature for a cutely dressed Santa as they went knocking door to door. Even marginalised members of Karachi&rsquo;s transgender community were then spotted inside these buildings eager to celebrate Christmas cheer. They developed a taste for what they referred to as papri but were Goan Christmas treats of voras (deep fried savory flour crispies) and neuris (deep fried sweet coconut dumplings).

&nbsp;

Karachi is experiencing a dramatic transformation in the number of Goan Catholic families. Konkani is now rarely heard in the markets of Saddar among folks buying the catch of the day. This large loss of cultural diversity for Karachi is no hidden shame. It is well-known by the country&rsquo;s consistent shrinking space for minorities and, especially, that felt by the Christians after Governor Salmaan Taseer&rsquo;s murder. It now may seem strange that this vibrant community, driven by self-interest, opted to move to Karachi which was the greener pastures of the 1800s.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I tried giving this deep thought by recalling why hope reigned even in the 1940s and 1950s for Goan Catholics migrating to the port city. But I failed, as Christian values and self-interest appear at odds. For I know that Goan Catholics will always cherish service and societal contributions even if their fellow countrymen have reaped gains in education, hospitals, music, and other avenues with only too few acknowledging it. However, it does leaves me wondering whether the present bits of existence will be able to revive the richness of Goan culture as I recall the voice of legendary musician and a dear friend of my parents, (late) Allan Goveas&rsquo; song, &ldquo;Pakistan Forever&rdquo;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At the same time, I hope this reveals an opportunity for the government to work together in preserving the value and contributions of this once vibrant community. I wish a peaceful Christmas in Pakistan and that more of my non-Christian friends&rsquo; palates knew of Lawerence bakery&rsquo;s prawn patties, P.F. Pereira&rsquo;s hang out for bunking Sunday service, and dances on the floors of Paradise Hotel.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

Karachi is experiencing a dramatic transformation in the number of Goan Catholic families, but still the city dress-up and celebrates amidst tight security.

Enter Bohri Bazar through the middle street across the Nimco shop in Saddar and you will see a multitude of people trying to strike deals with shopkeepers for a reasonably priced and sized Christmas tree. In these shops, you will also find everything needed for decorating trees and homes ahead of Christmas day. Over the years, Saddar became home to many Goan Catholic community members. In Saddar is situated the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, other community affiliations, including the Karachi Goan Association, Goan Union Hall and the now lesser well-known Portuguese Club. The locality had some of the city’s oldest and well-known Goan bakeries. These days between December 10th -20th, many Christian families avail the free baking service offered by United Bakery. The freshly mixed batter is taken to the bakery and customers are informed about pick-up times. United Bakery and J.C. Misquita Bakery also sell a range of traditional Christmas sweets from almond and walnut toffees to marzipan and Goan traditional sweets, such as neuris (semonlina and coconut filled pastries) and kulkuls (curled and fried snacks). There is no doubt that these can ever be compared to those made in a Goan Catholic home where each participating family member are assigned roles. They cut bits of dried fruits for the rum-infused cake, kneading cheese straw dough or constantly stir toffee on the stove top to maintain its right consistency and never leaving the deep frying heated wok empty without the next round of rose de coque. Crispo and J.C. Misquita bakeries have crowds queuing to take home dozens of hot cross buns during the Holy Week. Likewise, the demand for Christmas cakes and sweets is placed ahead of time before orders close. For many Christian families in Karachi, Christmas begins with the season of the Advent, and preparation for the birth of Christ is encouraged spiritually. The season also kicks in with Christmas plays at local charities and churches along with parties for children and Carol nights for all. Midnight mass services across the city these days have heightened security. In the past, very many Catholics would be spotted with their non-Christian friends at a bi-lingual midnight mass. “We don’t keep out anyone, all we do is request ahead of time that everybody carry their CNICs. It just helps with identification and we already get people to pass through security checks,” says one of the security personnel at a church located in Cantt. The uncertain security situation gives rise to different policies applied by different churches. A few others on Christmas Day can be seen at the Gora Qabaristan (Christian cemetery) to visit deceased loved-ones. However, traditional family lunches and dinners continue in homes, and many restaurants, upscale hotels and eateries offer Christmas specials. Agha’s, a high-end store located in the Clifton area, annually sells uncooked turkey. While most families opt for cozy home-cooked meals, the Goan community members are often seen picking the best cuts from their butchers. A must-have at most Goan homes is sorpotel. This dish consisting usually of finely chopped beef along with liver and a selection of organ meats is cooked in a spicy gravy with vinegar. If you are lucky to have a Goan friend still around in Karachi then grab a bite of the divine vindalo. Cooked with cumin, ginger, garlic, and chillies as essential ingredients make for the scrumptious red masala (spiced curry) with pieces of any choice of meat and significant amounts of vinegar. In Konkani dialect spoken by the Goan community, ‘vin’ means vinegar and ‘alo’ means garlic. But the real treat it to witness a Konkani theater play at the Karachi Goan Association or hear some of its actors sing hymns in Konkani. In post-independent Karachi, a host of multiple apartments was purchased by Christian families where traditions of Christmas parties, dances, winter bonfires, and food fairs continued within their navigable compounds. To this date, some of these apartments including the cooperative housing societies in Saddar and Doli Khatta are beautifully decorated with Christmas festive lights, a huge star or two, and the nativity scene. The popularity of these buildings for their decorations through the 1980s until the mid-1990s was an open invite for just about anybody with a camera or a child when building security rules were loosened. For adolescent carol singers in the 1990s, these buildings felt like 777 winnings and a bonus feature for a cutely dressed Santa as they went knocking door to door. Even marginalised members of Karachi’s transgender community were then spotted inside these buildings eager to celebrate Christmas cheer. They developed a taste for what they referred to as papri but were Goan Christmas treats of voras (deep fried savory flour crispies) and neuris (deep fried sweet coconut dumplings). Karachi is experiencing a dramatic transformation in the number of Goan Catholic families. Konkani is now rarely heard in the markets of Saddar among folks buying the catch of the day. This large loss of cultural diversity for Karachi is no hidden shame. It is well-known by the country’s consistent shrinking space for minorities and, especially, that felt by the Christians after Governor Salmaan Taseer’s murder. It now may seem strange that this vibrant community, driven by self-interest, opted to move to Karachi which was the greener pastures of the 1800s. I tried giving this deep thought by recalling why hope reigned even in the 1940s and 1950s for Goan Catholics migrating to the port city. But I failed, as Christian values and self-interest appear at odds. For I know that Goan Catholics will always cherish service and societal contributions even if their fellow countrymen have reaped gains in education, hospitals, music, and other avenues with only too few acknowledging it. However, it does leaves me wondering whether the present bits of existence will be able to revive the richness of Goan culture as I recall the voice of legendary musician and a dear friend of my parents, (late) Allan Goveas’ song, “Pakistan Forever”. At the same time, I hope this reveals an opportunity for the government to work together in preserving the value and contributions of this once vibrant community. I wish a peaceful Christmas in Pakistan and that more of my non-Christian friends’ palates knew of Lawerence bakery’s prawn patties, P.F. Pereira’s hang out for bunking Sunday service, and dances on the floors of Paradise Hotel. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Christmas, Santa Claus and Goan Christians in Pakistan

Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people&#39;s pockets.

&quot;All over the world at this time an old man with a white beard creeps in your house through chimney and puts money in your socks In India an old man with a white beard crept into your house through TV removed money from your pockets,cupboards,lockers&amp; left you only in your socks (sic),&quot; Tewari said in his tweet.

But the Twitterati gave it back to Tewari by highlighting the scams during Congress-led UPA government&#39;s tenure.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Yes you are right Tewari Satab. This old man with white beard used to rob our money in form of Coal Scam, 2G, CWG and NH scam &amp; left us with only socks. <a href="https://t.co/u53AyTVfAj">pic.twitter.com/u53AyTVfAj</a>
&mdash; Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) <a href="https://twitter.com/me_ganesh14/status/945596246563024896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManishTewari</a> is talking about this man with white beard <a href="https://t.co/6DT8SV7Duj">pic.twitter.com/6DT8SV7Duj</a>
&mdash; Pavan Takkalaki (@TakkalakiPavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TakkalakiPavan/status/945644491876306947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManishTewari</a> ji, close your eyes for five minutes and think what you speak. PM is the santa of masses, who has revived pride, honesty &amp; patriotism long dead/comatose in this nation
&mdash; @mitbadyal (@amitbadyal96) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitbadyal96/status/945645296104509441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Tewari is the latest from Congress to face the flak for attack on PM Modi. During the campaigning for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-both-congress-and-i-want-mani-shankar-aiyar-to-apologise-says-rahul-gandhi-26147">called the PM &#39;neech&#39;</a> in response to PM&#39;s remarks against Congress leaders.

Aiyar later clarified: &quot;I meant low level when I said &#39;neech&#39;, I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue.&quot; But the clarification came too late as Congress president Rahul Gandhi had by that time <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-neech-jibe-on-pm-modi-congress-suspends-mani-shankar-aiyar-26159">suspended Aiyar from the party</a>.

In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people's pockets.

Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for demonetisation and introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Tewari, in a reference to Christmas, said while the Santa Claus gives people gifts during this time, in India an old man removed money from people's pockets. "All over the world at this time an old man with a white beard creeps in your house through chimney and puts money in your socks In India an old man with a white beard crept into your house through TV removed money from your pockets,cupboards,lockers& left you only in your socks (sic)," Tewari said in his tweet. But the Twitterati gave it back to Tewari by highlighting the scams during Congress-led UPA government's tenure. Yes you are right Tewari Satab. This old man with white beard used to rob our money in form of Coal Scam, 2G, CWG and NH scam & left us with only socks. pic.twitter.com/u53AyTVfAj — Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) December 26, 2017 × @ManishTewari is talking about this man with white beard pic.twitter.com/6DT8SV7Duj — Pavan Takkalaki (@TakkalakiPavan) December 26, 2017 × @ManishTewari ji, close your eyes for five minutes and think what you speak. PM is the santa of masses, who has revived pride, honesty & patriotism long dead/comatose in this nation — @mitbadyal (@amitbadyal96) December 26, 2017 × Tewari is the latest from Congress to face the flak for attack on PM Modi. During the campaigning for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar had called the PM 'neech' in response to PM's remarks against Congress leaders. Aiyar later clarified: "I meant low level when I said 'neech', I think in English when I speak in Hindi as Hindi is not my mother tongue." But the clarification came too late as Congress president Rahul Gandhi had by that time suspended Aiyar from the party.

Manish Tewari 'man in a white beard' jibe targets PM Modi, Twitterati thinks it's Manmohan

It`s the question every good little girl and boy asks on Christmas Eve: When is Santa coming?&nbsp; 
 
As it has done every year since 1955, a Canadian and American defense agency is tracking the jolly old man`s path around the globe in his reindeer-powered sleigh. 
 
A 3-D, interactive website at www.noradsanta.org shows Santa on his delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way. 
 
The Santa tracker presented by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) dates to 1955, when a Colorado newspaper advertisement printed a phone number to connect children with St Nick but mistakenly directed them to the hotline for the military nerve center. 
 
To avoid disappointing the little ones, NORAD`s director of operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, ordered his staff to check the radar to see where Santa might be and update the children on his location. 
 
President Donald Trump joined in the NORAD tradition on Sunday, answering the phone from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. 
 
&quot;What would you like more than anything?&quot; the president asked one child. 
 
&quot;Building blocks, that`s what I`ve always liked too. I always loved building blocks,&quot; Trump said after the child responded. 
 
Another asked help for his hospitalized grandmother. 
 
&quot;So you want your grandma to get out of the hospital? That`s what your wish is? That`s great. That`s better than asking for some toy or something,&quot; Trump said. 
 
&quot;Your grandma`s gonna be good, okay, she`s gonna be good.&quot;First Lady Melania Trump also took calls: &quot;How are you? Merry Christmas. Are you tracking Santa? Do you know where he is right now?&quot; she asked. 
&quot;As soon as you go to sleep, Santa will be there.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
When not spreading holiday cheer, NORAD conducts aerospace and maritime control and warning operations -- including monitoring for missile launches from North Korea, something that may have been on Santa`s mind as he passed over the country`s capital of Pyongyang.

&quot;NORAD radars have sensed movement near the North Pole. It appears that the elves have finished loading Santa`s sleigh and Santa has lifted off! Even loaded with all the gifts and goodies, Santa`s sleigh seems to be moving lightning fast,&quot; the website said in a video clip at the launch of Santa`s global journey. 
 
As of 0715 GMT, Santa was making his way through the western US state of Colorado, having already left more than 6.1 billion gifts in his wake.

Volunteers manning the NORAD phone line included military members in uniform. One soldier completed his look with a camouflage Santa hat, according to photos on the website`s Twitter account.

The Santa tracker &quot;has become a magical tradition for generations of families everywhere,&quot; General Lori Robinson, commander of the US Northern Command and NORAD, told Politico.&nbsp;

&quot;While certainly a reminder that we have the watch defending North America, our ultimate goal is to provide goodwill and cheer during the holiday season.&quot;

Volunteers are armed with a 14-page handbook detailing the &quot;tracking operation,&quot; Politico reported.

&quot;When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat is produced -- enough for the satellites to see them,&quot; it says. &quot;Rudolph`s nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. The satellites detect Rudolph`s bright red nose with no problem.&quot;

A 3-D, interactive website shows Santa on his delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way.

It`s the question every good little girl and boy asks on Christmas Eve: When is Santa coming? As it has done every year since 1955, a Canadian and American defense agency is tracking the jolly old man`s path around the globe in his reindeer-powered sleigh. A 3-D, interactive website at www.noradsanta.org shows Santa on his delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way. The Santa tracker presented by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) dates to 1955, when a Colorado newspaper advertisement printed a phone number to connect children with St Nick but mistakenly directed them to the hotline for the military nerve center. To avoid disappointing the little ones, NORAD`s director of operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, ordered his staff to check the radar to see where Santa might be and update the children on his location. President Donald Trump joined in the NORAD tradition on Sunday, answering the phone from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "What would you like more than anything?" the president asked one child. "Building blocks, that`s what I`ve always liked too. I always loved building blocks," Trump said after the child responded. Another asked help for his hospitalized grandmother. "So you want your grandma to get out of the hospital? That`s what your wish is? That`s great. That`s better than asking for some toy or something," Trump said. "Your grandma`s gonna be good, okay, she`s gonna be good."First Lady Melania Trump also took calls: "How are you? Merry Christmas. Are you tracking Santa? Do you know where he is right now?" she asked. "As soon as you go to sleep, Santa will be there." When not spreading holiday cheer, NORAD conducts aerospace and maritime control and warning operations -- including monitoring for missile launches from North Korea, something that may have been on Santa`s mind as he passed over the country`s capital of Pyongyang. "NORAD radars have sensed movement near the North Pole. It appears that the elves have finished loading Santa`s sleigh and Santa has lifted off! Even loaded with all the gifts and goodies, Santa`s sleigh seems to be moving lightning fast," the website said in a video clip at the launch of Santa`s global journey. As of 0715 GMT, Santa was making his way through the western US state of Colorado, having already left more than 6.1 billion gifts in his wake. Volunteers manning the NORAD phone line included military members in uniform. One soldier completed his look with a camouflage Santa hat, according to photos on the website`s Twitter account. The Santa tracker "has become a magical tradition for generations of families everywhere," General Lori Robinson, commander of the US Northern Command and NORAD, told Politico. "While certainly a reminder that we have the watch defending North America, our ultimate goal is to provide goodwill and cheer during the holiday season." Volunteers are armed with a 14-page handbook detailing the "tracking operation," Politico reported. "When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat is produced -- enough for the satellites to see them," it says. "Rudolph`s nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. The satellites detect Rudolph`s bright red nose with no problem."

This Christmas, track where all Santa Claus is visiting

Scientists have created the world&#39;s smallest Christmas card - measuring just 15 micrometres wide - that could fit over 200 million cards in a single postage stamp.

The 15x20 micrometres card requires a powerful microscope just to see it, let alone read the festive message inside.

Created by researchers at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the UK, it features a whimsical, jolly snowman and the words &#39;Season&#39;s Greetings&#39;.

The card is made from platinum-coated silicon nitride, usually used in electronics, and both the design on the front and the message inside were carved out by a focused ion beam ? a jet of charged particles.

The tools used to make the card are being used to develop cutting-edge techniques for understanding materials on a tiny scale, helping to further the miniaturisation of electronics, and the development of new battery materials.

&quot;While the card is a fun way to mark the festive season, it also showcases the progress being made in materials research on this scale,&quot; said David Cox, Research Fellow at NPL, who created the card with his colleague Ken Mingard.

&quot;We are using the tools that created the card to accurately measure the thickness of extremely small features in materials, helping to unlock new battery and semiconductor technologies,&quot; Cox said.

&quot;It&#39;s a genuinely exciting development that could help to make new technologies and techniques a reality,&quot; he said. 
NPL&#39;s card is 10 times smaller than the previous record-holder.

The 15x20 micrometres card requires a powerful microscope just to see it, let alone read the festive message inside.

Scientists have created the world's smallest Christmas card - measuring just 15 micrometres wide - that could fit over 200 million cards in a single postage stamp. The 15x20 micrometres card requires a powerful microscope just to see it, let alone read the festive message inside. Created by researchers at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the UK, it features a whimsical, jolly snowman and the words 'Season's Greetings'. The card is made from platinum-coated silicon nitride, usually used in electronics, and both the design on the front and the message inside were carved out by a focused ion beam ? a jet of charged particles. The tools used to make the card are being used to develop cutting-edge techniques for understanding materials on a tiny scale, helping to further the miniaturisation of electronics, and the development of new battery materials. "While the card is a fun way to mark the festive season, it also showcases the progress being made in materials research on this scale," said David Cox, Research Fellow at NPL, who created the card with his colleague Ken Mingard. "We are using the tools that created the card to accurately measure the thickness of extremely small features in materials, helping to unlock new battery and semiconductor technologies," Cox said. "It's a genuinely exciting development that could help to make new technologies and techniques a reality," he said. NPL's card is 10 times smaller than the previous record-holder.

Scientists create world's smallest Christmas card

Archaeologists have unearthed a tomb beneath the ruins of an ancient church in Turkey which they believe&nbsp;contains the remains of Saint Nicholas, popularly known as Santa Claus.&nbsp;

According to Newsweek, the tomb contains an undamaged grave at a site in the St&nbsp;Nicholas Church located in&nbsp;Turkey&rsquo;s southern Antalya province.&nbsp;

The church is in the Demre district of Turkey which is known to be the Christian saint&#39;s birthplace.&nbsp;

As reported by Newsweek, the head of&nbsp;Antalya&rsquo;s Monument Authority, Cemil Karabayram, told the Turkish press the shrine was discovered during electronic surveys that showed gaps beneath the church.

He said,&nbsp;&ldquo;We believe this shrine has not been damaged at all, but it is quite difficult to get to it as there are mosaics on the floor.&rdquo;

Archaeologists currently working on the excavation process will have to&nbsp;loosen each tile from the mosaics and remove them together in a mould.

There are various stories behind the Saint&#39;s 1674-year-old remains, some even tracing his place of rest to as far away as Italy and Ireland.&nbsp;

At the time of his death in 343 A.D., Saint Nicholas was interred at the Church in Demre, formerly known as Myra, where he lay undisturbed until the 11th century. According to reports from Italy, his remains were&nbsp;taken during the crusades to either Venice or Bari, Italy.&nbsp;

As per the report, most Catholic and Orthodox Christians accept that the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, is the final resting place of Santa Claus&rsquo;s remains. However, Turkish experts are now claiming the wrong bones were removed and those taken abroad belong to an anonymous priest.

Talking about the excavation,&nbsp;Karabayram&nbsp;said that he is very optimistic about uncovering Saint Nicholas&rsquo;s remains -- with researchers from eight differing fields of study&nbsp;involved in the process of uncovering the grave.

Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas became a figure associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas in the 16th century. He became popular in Europe when he became Father Christmas, known for giving presents to young children.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

St Nicholas's church is in Turkey's Demre district, which is known to be the Christian saint's birthplace

Archaeologists have unearthed a tomb beneath the ruins of an ancient church in Turkey which they believe contains the remains of Saint Nicholas, popularly known as Santa Claus. According to Newsweek, the tomb contains an undamaged grave at a site in the St Nicholas Church located in Turkey’s southern Antalya province. The church is in the Demre district of Turkey which is known to be the Christian saint's birthplace. As reported by Newsweek, the head of Antalya’s Monument Authority, Cemil Karabayram, told the Turkish press the shrine was discovered during electronic surveys that showed gaps beneath the church. He said, “We believe this shrine has not been damaged at all, but it is quite difficult to get to it as there are mosaics on the floor.” Archaeologists currently working on the excavation process will have to loosen each tile from the mosaics and remove them together in a mould. There are various stories behind the Saint's 1674-year-old remains, some even tracing his place of rest to as far away as Italy and Ireland. At the time of his death in 343 A.D., Saint Nicholas was interred at the Church in Demre, formerly known as Myra, where he lay undisturbed until the 11th century. According to reports from Italy, his remains were taken during the crusades to either Venice or Bari, Italy. As per the report, most Catholic and Orthodox Christians accept that the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, is the final resting place of Santa Claus’s remains. However, Turkish experts are now claiming the wrong bones were removed and those taken abroad belong to an anonymous priest. Talking about the excavation, Karabayram said that he is very optimistic about uncovering Saint Nicholas’s remains -- with researchers from eight differing fields of study involved in the process of uncovering the grave. Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas became a figure associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas in the 16th century. He became popular in Europe when he became Father Christmas, known for giving presents to young children.

Archaeologists find Santa Claus's tomb, in ancient Turkish church

santa-claus

Santa Claus, News on Santa Claus, stories on Santa Claus, articles on Santa Claus, Santa Claus stories at Wion, Santa Claus news, Santa Claus latest news

santa claus

Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse

Santa Claus feeding the fishes in city aquarium in Rio de Janeiro

Pick up the phone - Santa is on the line

Sprinting Santas keep Santa Claus run alive despite coronavirus restrictions

Will Santa use hand sanitiser? Worried 8-year-old writes to UK PM Boris Johnson

Taste of safety: Masked Santa chocolates appear amid pandemic in Hungary

Online Santa website uses A.I. to let children interact with St. Nick during covid

Santa brings Christmas cheer, and a tree, to the Dead Sea

New app allows kids to virtually 'meet' Santa

New app allows kids to virtually 'meet' Santa

Gravitas: Tracking Santa Claus

US-Canadian military tracker NORAD eyes Santa, 'Christmas gift' from North Korea

Santa Claus, carols spread Christmas cheer in India

Far from North Pole, New York home gets avalanche of Santa letters

Child says still believes in Santa after Trump's 'marginal' quip

US border wall no match for Mexican girl's Santa wish list

WION Dispatch: Trump asks seven-year-old kid about Santa Claus' existence

Thousands flock to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas at Jesus's birthplace

Military Santa tracker 'NORAD' live despite US government shutdown

World's biggest Santa Claus made with 10,000 plastic bottles in Odisha

Trump to 7-year-old: Do you still believe in Santa?

Barack Obama makes surprise visit to children's hospital as Santa Claus

Robot shown on Russian TV revealed to be man in costume

Opinion: Christmas, Santa Claus and Goan Christians in Pakistan