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British PM Keir Starmers Christmas message, suggesting people might head to the pub, backfired amidst pub closures and tax hikes. Since 2020, over 2,000 pubs have closed, with 412 in 2024 alone. The Labour governments budgets, including a 3.66% alcohol duty rise and employers national insurance hike, have squeezed small businesses. Online reactions were furious, accusing the government of economic illiteracy and causing job losses in hospitality. Pub landlords face minimum wage increases and loss of business rate relief, adding to their struggles.

NORAD tracks Santas Christmas Eve journey, using satellites and radar to monitor his route. Kids can follow along live on their website, with Santa usually arriving between 9pm and midnight. The tradition started by accident in the 1950s, but NORAD loves keeping it alive. Santa visits every home where kids believe in him, making it all happen in what feels like twenty-four hours.

Violence marred Londons Winter Wonderland on Christmas Eve, as a group of rowdy yobs engaged in a wild brawl, leaving a teenage boy injured and terrified families scrambling for safety. The incident, following a similar fight a week prior, has sparked criticism and raised concerns about security at the popular event, which organizers insist is generally safe and contributes significantly to Londons economy.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared a heartwarming glimpse into their familys Christmas celebrations, featuring dim sum, games, and a new family portrait. They also announced their Archewell Foundations expansion to Archewell Philanthropies, focusing on global efforts and giving back as a family.

In June 1983, Sue Warner, a 19-year-old from Pembrokeshire, Wales, stumbled upon an international cannabis smuggling operation led by Robin Boswell. Tailing a suspicious stranger, she unwittingly helped police apprehend Boswell and his gang, who planned to smuggle three tonnes of cannabis worth seven million pounds onto the coast. The communitys vigilance led to the discovery of a secret bunker and the arrest of key members, thwarting the massive haul.

King Charles III delivered his Christmas message from Westminster Abbey, marking a historic moment. Princess Dianas daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her mother shared a heartwarming piano duet at the royal carol concert. Sir Keir Starmer highlighted holiday struggles due to rising living costs. Flu hospital admissions are declining, but caution is advised. New Epstein case files reveal an email about inappropriate friends. Christmas travelers face disruptions, and Martha Stewart has bought a stake in Swansea City Football Club. The year ended with wild weather extremes, and these stories will continue into the new year.

Londons Luxury Looting: Thieves Steal Millions in Watches, Handbags, and Jewelry Thieves have stolen over five million pounds worth of high-end items in London in just nineteen months, with Westminster being the biggest hotspot. Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci bags were prime targets. Celebrities and stars have also fallen victim. Gangs from Algeria and Bulgaria are behind the heists, with low recovery rates. The Met Police is cracking down, but residents are urged to stay alert and trust their instincts to avoid becoming victims.

A controversial billboard in Times Square declares Jesus as Palestinian, sparking debates on history and faith. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee aims to tie Jesus to modern Middle East debates, but the display has drawn criticism for its timing and message. The ADC defends the billboard, highlighting shared roots between American Christians and Arab or Muslim communities. Meanwhile, Bethlehem celebrates its first joyful Christmas in years, and Pope Leo the Fourteenth mourns Gazas strife in his holiday message.