Arctic protester vows to fight on after Russian case closed
A British Greenpeace protester Tuesday said he was "jubilant" after Russia closed the criminal case against him for staging a protest on an oil rig, and vowed to keep fighting for environmental issues.
Kim urges N. Korea military to bolster combat readiness
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has urged the country's military to bolster its combat readiness, saying a war could break out "without any prior notice", state media reported Wednesday.
Who shot Santa? Pellet gun hits man in red suit in Washington
A man dressed as Santa Claus was recovering after being shot in the back with a pellet gun Tuesday at a toy giveaway in Washington.
Rockets explode in Kabul as foreigners mark Christmas
Two rockets exploded in Kabul on Wednesday morning, causing no reported casualties but underlining Afghanistan's continuing security problems as many foreigners in the capital marked Christmas Day.
Pope marks first Christmas as crowds flock to Bethlehem
Pope Francis held his first Christmas Eve mass in the Vatican on Tuesday by highlighting the role played by humble shepherds in the Nativity, as thousands flocked to the historic site of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem.
Crude prices down in quiet Asian trade
Oil prices edged lower in quiet Christmas Eve trade in Asia Tuesday as dealers engaged in profit-taking, with a lack of leads to spur fresh market movement, analysts said.
Despite disasters, Philippines expects a merry Christmas
Despite several deadly disasters including a killer typhoon and a powerful earthquake, the Philippines still expects a merry Christmas this year, survey results released Tuesday said.
Santa cleared for entry to US: official
Santa Claus was officially cleared for entry into the United States on Monday as federal agriculture officials waived stringent livestock checks on his nine reindeer.
Astronauts poised for second spacewalk to repair station
Two American astronauts prepared to step out Tuesday on a rare Christmas Eve spacewalk to wrap up repairs to the cooling system at the International Space Station, NASA said.
Battle of the Christmas decorations for Hong Kong malls
In the race to extract cash from Christmas shoppers, Hong Kong's myriad shopping malls have taken to heart the maxim that you must spend money to make money when it comes to decorations this festive season.
Devastating church bombing haunts Christmas in Pakistan
For Christians in Pakistan's troubled, violent northwestern city Peshawar, Christmas this year will be dominated by absent faces.
Spaniards bet on slimmed-down 'Fat One' Christmas jackpot
Spaniards are digging into their pockets to gamble on their beloved "Fat One" Christmas lottery with the world's richest total payout, but winners will get slimmed-down prizes this year as a new austerity tax takes a bite.
Santa takes gourmet dinner to Japan nuclear evacuees
When Santa arrived at a school hosting children who fled Japan's nuclear disaster, he brought the usual presents, but he also bore something a little less ordinary -- a gourmet Christmas dinner.
'Gay' Christmas lights spark Rome row
The gay rainbow-flag theme for the Christmas lights on Rome's main shopping street that were switched on Friday have sparked an unholy row in the Eternal City.
$1mn Picasso yours for just $135
Still stumped for a Christmas present? Then what about an exquisite $1 million Picasso for the living room, yours for just $135 at an online charity raffle.
'Nairobbery' grapples with pre-Christmas crime wave
Sydney advertising executive Patrick Richer led the typical Nairobi expatriate lifestyle, living in a home in a leafy part of the city, protected by high walls and round-the-clock security.
Tamagotchi virtual pets to return to Europe, N. America
Tamagotchi, the egg-shaped virtual pet beloved of schoolchildren in the 1990s, is making a comeback and is set to hit the shelves of European shops in time for Christmas.
German union plans Christmas strike at Amazon: report
Germany's service-sector union Verdi is planning strike action at the online retail giant Amazon over the busy Christmas holiday period.
Honduras leader regrets embassy orgy
Honduran President Porfirio Lobo said Monday that a pre-Christmas party at the country's embassy in Colombia that included prostitutes was a "sad incident."
Kazakhstan to have 3 days off for Orthodox Christmas
Religious holidays Kurban-ait and Orthodox Christmas are not considered official holidays, but are days off in Kazakhstan.