From Bethlehem to D.C.: Christmas Around the World

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By Megan Hess2013-12-25 18:16:46 UTC

On Christmas Eve, two American astronauts spent the day in space, working to fix the cooling system on the International Space Station.

Down here on Earth, though, the celebrations are mostly confined to land and sea. From soldiers sharing a special meal in Afghanistan to Santa waterskiing in Maryland, people and cultures around the world observe Christmas Day with their own sets of traditions. Some of these traditions are centuries old, like gathering in the little town of Bethlehem; others were brought on by circumstance this year, like families in Tacloban, Philippines, finding Christmas joy amid the post-Typhoon Haiyan destruction.

See also: 14 Christmas Fa La La La Fails

Our collection of Christmases, below, traverses the globe in 28 photos.

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How are you celebrating Christmas? Share your tradition in the comments below.

Image: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images

Topics: afghanistan, Christmas, Photos, Pics, Santa, Typhoon Haiyan, U.S., US & World, World