Page 4 - Latest Updates on Christmas
Zimbabwe to have dark Christmas this year amid power cuts, high prices
To brighten festive season, mayor of Zimbabwe's capital Harare recently switched on Christmas lights. But for many, it was just a reminder that they can't get electricity and a happy holiday spirit
 "Zimbabwe to have dark Christmas this year amid power cuts, high prices")
Over 2,000 flights cancelled in US due to heavy snow, freezing temperatures
Ahead of Christmas holidays, more than 2,270 US flights were cancelled on Thursday (local time) due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures
 "Over 2,000 flights cancelled in US due to heavy snow, freezing temperatures")
After 2 years of Covid lull, Delhi restaurants decked for X'mas, New Year
Business closures, slashed menus, empty seats, furloughed staff -- restaurant and cafe owners in Delhi wish to put these unpleasant memories behind them as they prepare for Christmas and New Year
 "After 2 years of Covid lull, Delhi restaurants decked for X'mas, New Year")
What does economic research tell us about festival gifting and alcohol?
The Chinese managed to wrest a large part of the $200 bn Christmas gift market but failed to make a dent in the biggest gift segment, alcohol
Arctic air likely to blast much of Southern US just before Christmas
Forecasters are warning of treacherous holiday travel and life-threatening cold for much of the nation as an arctic air mass blows into the already-frigid southern United States
 "Arctic air likely to blast much of Southern US just before Christmas")
Hotels, resorts sold out on high demand for Christmas-New Year celebrations
The domestic hospitality industry is gearing up to make the most of full-fledged Christmas and New Year celebrations this time around after two years of washout by the pandemic
 "Hotels, resorts sold out on high demand for Christmas-New Year celebrations")
No shine in Surat diamond industry this Christmas, thanks to bad US economy
Festive orders, sales in December down by 15-20% over last year
 "No shine in Surat diamond industry this Christmas, thanks to bad US economy")
Spain starts new code for manufacturers to avoid sexism in ads for toys
Spain said Wednesday it's enacting a new ethics code to discourage toy manufacturers from using sexist stereotypes such as dolls for girls and action figures for boys in advertisements
 "Spain starts new code for manufacturers to avoid sexism in ads for toys")
Year-end fares go through the roof as airlines fly on low capacity
More than 75 planes are grounded; Goa to see 11% fewer flights in December
 "Year-end fares go through the roof as airlines fly on low capacity")
Germany urges citizens to avoid Christmas lights in view of energy crisis
Germany should forgo its tradition of Christmas lighting in cities and private households this year due to the energy crisis, an environment advocacy group said
 "Germany urges citizens to avoid Christmas lights in view of energy crisis")
TikTok emerges as most downloaded app globally on Christmas 2021: Report
Popular short video-sharing platform Tiktok has topped the chart of downloads on Christmas Day this year.
 "TikTok emerges as most downloaded app globally on Christmas 2021: Report")
Spain records highest-ever 14-day incidence of Covid after Christmas break
Spain on Monday evening said that the 14-day incidence of the coronavirus rose by 294 points in the four days from December 23 to 1,206.21 cases per 100,000 people after the Christmas holiday weekend
 "Spain records highest-ever 14-day incidence of Covid after Christmas break")
Need to bring back Covid curbs in Kolkata in light of X-Mas crowds: Experts
Health experts and doctors cautioned the state government against allowing more such gatherings especially during the New Year festivities
 "Need to bring back Covid curbs in Kolkata in light of X-Mas crowds: Experts")
Bulgaria coronavirus update: 1,033 new cases reported on Christmas
733,139 are the total confirmed cases of coronavirus in Bulgaria. This is shown by data from the National Information System
 "Bulgaria coronavirus update: 1,033 new cases reported on Christmas")
US airlines scrap nearly 1,000 Christmas Day flights due to Omicron
At least one airline said that it expects hundreds more cancellations on Sunday
 "US airlines scrap nearly 1,000 Christmas Day flights due to Omicron")
Joe Bidens mark Christmas with holiday calls to service members
Biden marked his first Christmas in office by making calls to military service members stationed around the world, offering them holiday wishes and gratitude for their service and sacrifice
 "Joe Bidens mark Christmas with holiday calls to service members")
Covid eclipses Christmas celebrations in India for second year
The Christian community in the national capital celebrated with caution as fewer people reached churches
 "Covid eclipses Christmas celebrations in India for second year")
Surging Covid cases make for another subdued Christmas Day
While some countries in Asia imposed restrictions to try to contain the Omicron variant, governments in Europe and elsewhere preached common sense despite reporting record daily cases this week
 "Surging Covid cases make for another subdued Christmas Day")
On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic's end, peace dialogues
Amid a record-setting rise in COVID-19 cases in Italy this week, only a few thousand people flocked to a rain-soaked St Peter's Square for Francis' annual Urbi et Orbi Christmas address
 "On Christmas, pope prays for pandemic's end, peace dialogues")
Christmas celebrations muted in Delhi amid Omicron variant fears
On Wednesday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had directed district magistrates to ensure that no Christmas and New Year gatherings take place in the national capital
