REPORT: The world prepares for Christmas amid cheers, joy and last minute shopping

Since the early morning hours, Palestinians and tourists from all over the world arrived to Bethlehem to participate in the Christmas Eve prayers.                        

This year, the celebration will bear a difference taste following the elevation of Palestine to an observer status at the UN and the UNESCO recognizing Bethlehem and the Church of Nativity as world heritage sites.                  

In the UK, Britain's Queen Elizabeth will use her traditional Christmas Day message, filmed in 3D for the first time, to pay tribute to the world's athletes for delivering "a splendid summer of sport" at the London Olympics.          

The Queen had marked 60 years on the throne with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The first Christmas broadcast was given by Queen Elizabeth's grandfather George V in 1932.                        

In Mexico, the aquarium team at Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico decided to surprise young visitors on Sunday with an unusual sight - a scuba diving Santa Claus. The biologist in charge of the zoo's aquarium will remain dressed in St Nick's attire until Christmas Day.                 

In New Delhi, shopping malls and restaurants are dolling out deals to tap the huge holiday market. The Christmas shopping bug has found its way to India along with the holiday's festive cheer. From clothes to accessories and from wines to gifts, Christmas has given locals a reason to shop.                 

In Berlin, thousands of supporters of Berlin's second division football club, Union Berlin, packed into a crowded stadium on Sunday to sing Christmas carols for 90 minutes - the duration of a football match.           

The flood lights were turned off, and the 22,500 fans of all ages held candles and sang Christmas carols.             

They also sang a range of Union Berlin club songs and the team anthem.                 

In the US, the citizens rushed to the shopping malls and shops.                

According to a survey, more than 130,000,000 had left their Christmas gift shopping until the last minute.