Page 8 - Latest Updates on Christmas
Australia central bank keeps cash rate at 0.75% despite doubt over spending
The impact is likely to be felt in the retail sector, which over the past decade has seen a weakening during the traditional busy period over Christmas.
 "Australia central bank keeps cash rate at 0.75% despite doubt over spending")
The real meaning of Christmas holiday
Londoners take their Christmas holiday seriously. It is rare to find even one restaurant open in the city's busiest districts on that day
 "The real meaning of Christmas holiday")
Here's how to lie (politely) when you receive a bad Christmas present
The giving and receiving of gifts is a human ritual full of social and cultural significance, which strengthens our bonds and relationships
 "Here's how to lie (politely) when you receive a bad Christmas present")
Bethlehem boasts largest Christmas in years as millions flock to the city
Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maaya said all Bethlehem hotels were fully booked, and the city was preparing to host an "astounding" 10,000 tourists overnight
 "Bethlehem boasts largest Christmas in years as millions flock to the city")
Pope assails 'insatiable greed', urges more 'sharing' in Christmas mass
We "must not lose our footing or slide into worldliness and consumerism", Pope Francis said
 "Pope assails 'insatiable greed', urges more 'sharing' in Christmas mass")
In pics: World rings in Christmas, from Tokyo to Patna
The Christmas festivity began with Churches decorated with nativity scenes, brightly lit X-mas trees, colourful lights and singing of carols to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
 "In pics: World rings in Christmas, from Tokyo to Patna")
Christmas story: Arrival of a sweet baby or world-changing political power
Contemporary Christians are divided between those who see their faith as inseparable from their politics and those who'd prefer to keep the two discrete
 "Christmas story: Arrival of a sweet baby or world-changing political power")
How to prepare a Christmas meal that would be light on your heart?
While it goes against the basic tenet of festivities, this Christmas make an effort to have a heart-friendly feast
 "How to prepare a Christmas meal that would be light on your heart?")
Soon, app to manage crowds at Jesus's birthplace through reservation system
Palestinian deputy tourism minister Ali Abu Srour said the app would also provide information about the church
 "Soon, app to manage crowds at Jesus's birthplace through reservation system")
Is the overt commercialisation of Christmas drowning out its true spirit?
For people brought up in a household where Christmas was primarily a religious celebration, encountering a Christmas symbol reminds them of religious meanings and values
 "Is the overt commercialisation of Christmas drowning out its true spirit?")
Santa Claus stops being real for children around the age of 8, survey finds
The study also shows the threat of being on Santa's naughty list does not work for many children
 "Santa Claus stops being real for children around the age of 8, survey finds")
Kolkata's rousing Christmas message
Few cities anywhere in the world glorify the Christian holiday with such pomp and pandemonium
Where Jesus would spend Christmas
I never understood the true meaning of Christmas - a story in which Jesus was born into a family that became refugees - until I visited the people who are now forced to call it home
 "Where Jesus would spend Christmas")
A brand new Christmas
Festival traditions are in a permanent state of slow flux, subject to the processes of evolution, cross-breeding, mergers and a myriad of social and economic currents
 "A brand new Christmas")
Limited-edition chocolates and classic puddings for Christmas
Pastry chefs are creating desserts to get you in the festive spirit
The only Christmas book
Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol just about at the time that the Victorians were inventing Christmas
Website charts Santa's journey around the globe
Every Christmas Eve since 1955, NORAD has been tracking Saint Nicholas's annual voyage
Goodies under the Christmas tree
As the last minutes of holiday-shopping season approach, Ranjita Ganesan lists some gifting ideas
 "Goodies under the Christmas tree")
'Christmas Treeplomacy' and what the Arctic can teach us about goodwill geopolitics
When most people think of Santa, the first thing that comes to mind might not be unresolved claims to continental shelves and Cold War histories
 "'Christmas Treeplomacy' and what the Arctic can teach us about goodwill geopolitics")
If you're running a business, you might as well shut up shop for Christmas now
Send everyone home for Christmas. Nobody's working anyway, says a survey
 "If you're running a business, you might as well shut up shop for Christmas now")
