A pandemic Christmas: How people across the world celebrated December 25 holiday; in pics
Ukraine Christmas 2020
The Christmas tree in the lights is seen behind the St Sofia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine. Despite of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, a lot of Ukrainians enjoy outdoor Christmas events, often ignoring protective measures. Curfews, quarantines and even border closings complicated Christmas celebrations for countless people around the globe, but ingenuity, determination and imagination helped keep the day special for many.
Iowa Christmas 2020
Pope Francis
Lahore Christmas 2020
Indonesia Christmas 2020
Vatican Christmas 2020
Pope Francis delivered his Christmas blessing from inside the Vatican, breaking with his traditional speech from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square. But tourism in Italy has virtually vanished in the pandemic and the government's coronavirus restrictions for the holidays foiled any plans by locals to flock to the square.
New York Christmas 2020
Pope Francis on Christmas 2020
Citing a cause for optimism amid the pandemic's bleakness, Pope Francis said the invention of COVID-19 vaccines shines "lights of hope" on the world. In a passionate appeal to leaders, businesses and international organizations, he said they must ensure that the most vulnerable and needy in the pandemic be first in line to receive the vaccines.
Bogota Christmas 2020
Thailand Christmas 2020
Australia Christmas 2020
South Korea Christmas 2020
Pastors wearing face masks attend during an online Christmas service for social distancing and a precaution against the coronavirus at the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea. Churches in South Korea have ignited clusters of coronavirus infections in densely populated Seoul, along with hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and prisons. The 1,241 new daily cases reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Friday was a record for the country. Song Ju-hyeon, a resident in Paju, near Seoul, who is expecting a child in February, said home is the only place she feels safe now. "It doesn't feel like Christmas anyway, there's no carols being played on the streets," she said.