Christmas 2025 passed over continents with familiarity yet with experiences uniquely influenced by local conditions. While there were prayerful feasts in historic churches around the world, there were also people taking invigorating swims in cold seas to enjoy their Christmas.
While there was dedication to commitments over Christmas for some people, for most individuals across the world, Christmas presented an opportunity for respite in a world dealing with conflict and transformation.
How Vatican Celebrated Christmas 2025
At the very center of the Catholic world, Pope Leo XIV gave his Urbi et Orbi blessing to thousands of believers assembled in St Peter’s Square. Tradition and the desire for peace were mixed together in his message, with bells ringing out and believers watching on from below the basilica’s balcony.
How Syria Celebrated Christmas 2025
In Damascus, Christmas music could be heard in the narrow streets of the Old City. Scouts with instruments were seen, and shops featured humble Christmas decorations. Christmas for Syria has also meant something special for the Christian minority, who have shown resilience during the years of rebuilding after upheaval in the nation.
How Turkey Celebrated Christmas 2025
Meanwhile, in Antakya, believers assembled at the ancient Church of Saint Peter. Families climbed towards the rocky cave to what was believed to be an early Christian venue, making Christmas Eve a connection between the origin of the faith and its current existence.
How Iraq Celebrated Christmas 2025
The Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad was packed with devotees led by Bishop Youssef Anna. The religious ceremony took on an even deeper significance in view of the instabilities that had haunted the Iraqi nation for decades.
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How India Celebrated Christmas 2025
Churches in Amritsar opened their doors for prayer sessions. The focus was on prayers as the community came together in silence to observe the day.
How China Celebrated Christmas 2025
In Beijing, Christmas Eve Catholic masses were held at Xishiku Church. The mass was organized and solemn, reflecting a devotion that was observed correctly yet honestly.
How United States Celebrated Christmas 2025
In New York, St Patrick’s Cathedral conducted a Christmas Eve mass as faithfuls occupied the benches with towering spires in attendance.
How France Celebrated Christmas 2025
In Chartres, the Gothic arches of the cathedral provided a traditional backdrop for the midnight mass. The light of the candles and the hymned praises created a meditative ambiance while paying homage to the ancient traditions of Christmas celebration in Europe.
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How West Bank Celebrated Christmas 2025
In Taybeh, a largely Christian community, believers attended a mass to celebrate the Christian faith, as services took place calmly despite the conditions created by the occupation.
How England Celebrated Christmas 2025
In Brighton, festive-swim participants dashed into the cold water of the beach. Laughter and charity raised this event to be a festive experience in spite of the cold swim.
How Australia Celebrated Christmas 2025
In Bondi Beach, Christmas came in with the sunny weather. Holiday-goers took pictures in front of a tree erected from sand, a perfect mix of Christmas spirit with the typical Aussie summer vibe.
How Jerusalem Celebrated Christmas 2025
In Bethlehem, there was renewed warmth over Christmas after two years of hardship. A Mass at the Church of Nativity carried particular significance since it happened with the threat of war now behind them.
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