REPORT: Christmas preparations around the world

Betlehem began preparing for Christmas by lighting a huge tree and decorating the roads leading to the Church of the Nativity in a celebration held in the presence of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to the beat of Christmas songs.      

In the Vatican, the Christmas tree lit in the Basilica of Saint Peter’s Square attracts more believers and tourists in anticipation of Christmas Eve.    

In Italy, Christmas celebrations continued, the last of which was an acrobatic show with the participation of a “flexible” Santa Claus and his elves. At the end of the show, children were offered candy.           

As for Mexico City, it tuned into a Christmas city with the inauguration of the ice skating rink and the shows announcing the beginning of the holiday season.         

In the Lebanese town of Rachaya el-Fekhar, the municipality lit the Christmas tree in a festive ceremony held in the presence of the region’s leaders and residents.         

As for the tallest Christmas tree (33 meters), it stands in the courtyard of Lebanon’s Maghdouche church. The ceremony organized by the Green Rabiyeh Club was concluded by the distribution of sweets to the participating children.