The article discusses the debate on children's screen time during Christmas. Some experts and parents suggest relaxing screen time rules over the holidays, while others emphasize balance and parental controls. A report shows children spend substantial time online, which raises concerns about potential negative effects.
Key Facts
Parents often wonder how much screen time is acceptable for children during the holidays.
Experts, like psychotherapist Lucy Theo, encourage parents to understand the positive aspects of screen time.
A report from Ofcom highlights that children aged 8 to 14 spend nearly three hours online daily.
The children's commissioner for England suggests parents should turn off phones to set a good example.
Many parents, like Lauren and Chelsey, use screen time strategically to help with transitions and routines.
Parental controls are suggested as a way to manage screen time effectively.
Organizations like Play Cymru believe relaxing screen time rules at Christmas can be beneficial.
Police in South Africa arrested 11 people in connection with a tavern shooting that killed 10 people and injured 10 others. The suspects include undocumented miners from Lesotho and Mozambique. Authorities also seized unlicensed firearms and arrested a person linked to illegal mining activities.
Key Facts
Eleven people were arrested after a deadly tavern shooting in South Africa.
The arrested individuals include nine citizens of Lesotho and one Mozambican.
The shooting took place in Bekkersdal, a township near Johannesburg.
Ten people were killed, and ten others were injured in the shooting.
Police discovered unlicensed weapons, including handguns and an AK-47.
Authorities arrested a South African mine employee for harboring undocumented tenants.
The tavern owner, Nonesi Matwa, was charged with fraud and operating an illegal liquor outlet.
South Africa faces issues with illicit mining and illegal firearms, contributing to high violence rates.
In Japan, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on Christmas has become a popular tradition. This custom started in the 1970s when KFC launched a special promotion after noticing that Japan did not have a traditional Christmas meal. The tradition is now a significant event every December in Japan.
Key Facts
Japan has a tradition of eating KFC on Christmas.
The tradition began in the 1970s as a marketing move by KFC.
KFC in Japan is extremely popular during the Christmas season.
Customers in Japan often place holiday orders for KFC weeks in advance.
In Japan, Christmas Eve is the busiest day for KFC restaurants.
A special Christmas bucket from KFC can cost about $37 in Japan.
This tradition accounts for around one-third of KFC’s annual revenue in Japan.
KFC offers small discounts for advance orders to reduce wait times.
Jordan's military has launched air strikes against drug and weapon smugglers near its northern border with Syria. These strikes targeted locations used by trafficking groups to smuggle items into Jordan. The operation aimed to destroy smuggling sites and was based on detailed intelligence and regional support.
Key Facts
Jordan conducted military strikes on drug and weapon smugglers near its border with Syria.
The strikes focused on "launch points" used by smugglers to enter Jordan.
Jordanian forces destroyed factories and workshops used by smugglers.
The attacks were based on specific intelligence and regional cooperation.
The Jordanian military has not disclosed which partner countries supported these efforts.
No casualties were immediately reported from these operations.
Syrian television reported that the strikes hit locations in Suwayda, Syria.
The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to prevent the smuggling of captagon, a drug produced in Syria.
Winter weather alerts are in place for 13 states across the United States on Christmas Day, with warnings for heavy snow and strong winds. States like California, Idaho, Michigan, and Minnesota are expecting significant snowfall, while Alaska faces blizzard warnings. The conditions are expected to create difficult and dangerous travel situations.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are active for parts of California and Idaho.
Winter weather advisories affect several states, including Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.
Alaska has blizzard warnings and cold weather advisories in some regions.
Central California could see up to 5 feet of snow, with strong winds and poor visibility.
Idaho's higher elevations may receive up to 3 feet of snow with gusty winds.
Michigan, Montana, and other areas could experience freezing rain and ice, making travel hazardous.
Strong winds in many affected regions could lead to further dangerous conditions like blowing snow and ice accumulation.
A TikTok video showing two cats using a coffee table as their favorite napping spot has gone viral. The amusing clip captures the cats resting within the table's structure, prompting a wave of humorous comments from viewers.
Key Facts
The TikTok video features two cats sleeping in a coffee table.
The video was shared on December 20 by the user @bowieandblu.
The clip has been viewed over 3 million times and liked by more than 543,000 users.
Viewers made lighthearted comments, joking that the table was designed for cats, not just for coffee.
The video included playful captions and an instrumental tune to enhance the comedic effect.
Newsweek has reached out to the cats' owner for more information.
Noddy Holder, the lead singer of the band Slade, avoids going to restaurants on Christmas Day because his famous song, "Merry Xmas Everybody," is often played there. His wife, Suzan Holder, shares that it feels awkward as people recognize the song and look at him. The song, a staple of Christmas playlists, was first released in 1973.
Key Facts
Noddy Holder avoids restaurants on Christmas Day because his song is often played.
"Merry Xmas Everybody" was first released in December 1973 by Slade.
Suzan Holder, Noddy's wife, notes it’s awkward when the song plays in public.
Noddy Holder wakes his wife on Christmas morning by singing his famous line from the song.
Holder, originally from Walsall, fronted Slade until 1992.
Holder was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2018 but recovered after treatment.
He has begun performing again with a 10-piece boogie jazz band.
A senior dog named Remington, living on a farm in southwest Washington, discovered her Christmas present early. She chose a stuffed bunny toy intended for her as a gift, ignoring other presents. The event highlights a trend where more pet owners treat their animals like family by giving them holiday gifts.
Key Facts
Remington is a senior farm dog living in southwest Washington.
She found her Christmas gift, a stuffed bunny, before the holiday.
Remington's owner, Jessi, shared the story and video on Instagram.
The discovery happened when the door to Jessi's gift-stashing room was left open for a short time.
The moment was unexpected due to Remington's age and typically cautious nature.
A 2024 survey shows 76.9% of pet owners plan to give holiday gifts to their pets.
Among dog owners, 80.4% said they buy gifts for their pets compared to 74.1% of cat owners.
The event is part of a wider trend of treating pets like family members during holidays.
Tarique Rahman, a key political figure in Bangladesh, has returned to the country after 17 years in exile. He is expected to become the next prime minister if his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), wins the upcoming general elections. His return follows the ousting and sentencing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Facts
Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh after 17 years living in London.
Rahman is the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
He is the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The BNP aims to win the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year and sentenced to death in absentia.
Hasina is living in exile and her party may not participate in the elections.
Rahman was previously investigated for various charges under Hasina's government but is no longer facing charges.
Algeria's parliament passed a new law saying that France's colonization of Algeria was a crime. The law also asks France to apologize and pay reparations for the harm caused during the colonial period.
Key Facts
Algeria's parliament voted unanimously for the new law.
The law officially states that French colonization was a crime.
Algeria is asking France for an official apology.
The law also calls for reparations from France.
Lawmakers in Algeria want France to take legal responsibility for the colonial period.
U.S. Navy warships are operating near Venezuela as part of a blockade ordered by President Trump. The blockade aims to prevent Venezuelan oil tankers, which are under U.S. sanctions, from entering or leaving the country. Tensions are rising as the U.S. increases its naval presence, and the U.N. Security Council discusses the situation.
Key Facts
The U.S. Navy, including the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela.
The MV Ocean Trader, a special warfare support vessel, is involved in the operations.
President Trump ordered a complete blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, increasing pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government.
U.S. military actions have led to criticism and reports of multiple operations and fatalities.
The U.N. Security Council held a session to address rising tensions over U.S. military actions in the Caribbean.
Venezuela's government condemned the blockade, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz stated that Maduro's regime is seen as a threat to regional stability.
The U.S. focus includes disrupting drug trafficking and applying sanctions on Venezuelan resources.
Christmas celebrations resumed in Bethlehem for the first time in two years, combining festive traditions with reminders of ongoing conflict. Amid these events, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem highlighted themes of peace and resilience despite recent hardships in the region.
Key Facts
Christmas celebrations returned to Bethlehem after a two-year pause.
The pause was due to solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid conflict.
Bethlehem is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus and a key Christian site.
Israeli military actions and raids continue in the West Bank.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a Catholic leader, expressed hope and resilience.
Approximately 1,500 people attended the celebrations in Bethlehem.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict affects Christian communities in the region.
A ceasefire in Gaza began in October but tensions remain high.
The United States is focusing on economic pressure rather than military force against Venezuela, primarily targeting Venezuelan oil through sanctions. President Trump has deployed a large number of US troops to the Caribbean, raising concerns about potential conflict, but the emphasis is on using economic tactics first. The US Coast Guard is tasked with enforcing these sanctions, which some see as a way to avoid escalating into war.
Key Facts
The US plans to apply economic pressure on Venezuela, especially concerning its oil, instead of using military force.
The White House has directed the military to prioritize enforcing a "quarantine" on Venezuelan oil.
President Trump has deployed 15,000 US troops and military equipment to the Caribbean region.
This deployment is the largest US military presence in the Caribbean in decades.
The US has blocked US-sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela following a "total and complete blockade" order.
Oil is crucial for Venezuela's economy, and US sanctions on its oil sector increased significantly in 2019.
The US Coast Guard, a civilian law enforcement agency, is involved in enforcing sanctions, which is a less aggressive approach than using military forces.
The US has conducted airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean suspected of transporting drugs, under President Trump's directive.
Poland sent fighter jets to intercept a Russian plane near its border. The plane was flying over the Baltic Sea, close to Polish airspace, on Christmas morning. The Polish military had also noted unidentified objects from Belarus entering its airspace earlier.
Key Facts
Poland scrambled fighter jets to intercept a Russian reconnaissance plane.
The incident occurred near Polish borders over the Baltic Sea.
This action took place on Christmas morning.
Polish military observed the Russian plane flying over international waters.
Earlier, on Christmas Eve, Poland detected unidentified objects from Belarus entering its airspace.
The unidentified objects were identified by the Polish military as "smuggling balloons."
Smuggling balloons are often used by criminal groups to transport contraband.
Tarique Rahman, leader of Bangladesh's opposition party BNP, has returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile. Rahman arrived in Dhaka as the country prepares for a general election and aims to become the next Prime Minister. His return is significant due to political changes in Bangladesh, including the removal of former leader Sheikh Hasina from power.
Key Facts
Tarique Rahman is the leader of Bangladesh's opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Rahman lived in London for 17 years and returned to Bangladesh now that legal barriers against him have been lifted.
He aims to become the Prime Minister in the upcoming general election in February.
Thousands of supporters greeted him in Dhaka with flags, banners, and slogans.
Rahman's return coincides with a political shift after Sheikh Hasina's government was ousted in 2024.
Rahman's mother, Khaleda Zia, is a former Prime Minister and is currently seriously ill.
An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is overseeing the upcoming election.
Political tension exists in Bangladesh, with concerns over media attacks and possible unrest during the elections.
A dog named Loca was found abandoned behind a dumpster in Richmond, Virginia, in freezing temperatures. She was lying on a small blanket with some food beside her. Loca is now safe at an animal shelter and looking for a new home.
Key Facts
Loca, a pit bull mix, was found on December 12 in Richmond, Virginia.
She was abandoned behind a dumpster with only a small blanket and a little food.
Richmond Animal Care & Control is caring for Loca and seeking a new home for her.
Loca is described as happy and good with other pets.
Animal abandonment occurs year-round, not just at specific times.
In early 2025, U.S. shelters took in about 2.8 million animals, with stray animals making up the majority.
Shelters face a capacity gap, with more animals arriving than leaving in the first half of 2025.
Princess Kate and her daughter Princess Charlotte performed a piano duet at a Christmas carol service. The duet, which was shared online, showed the pair playing a song by composer Erland Cooper. Fans praised the performance and expressed their appreciation on social media.
Key Facts
Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte played a piano duet at a Christmas carol service.
The duet was of the song "Holm Sound" by Erland Cooper.
They played the piece at Windsor Castle, not during the live service at Westminster Abbey.
Kate used only her left hand, and Charlotte used only her right.
The video included a voice message from Kate about "simple acts of care."
Some people critiqued the message for not mentioning Christianity directly.
Princess Kate revealed earlier in the year she is in remission from cancer.
Kate and William have reportedly become more religious following her diagnosis.
Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem gathered for Christmas at the Church of the Nativity, in a city that has restored its festive events. Despite the celebrations, Palestinian Christians face challenges due to Israeli military occupation, economic difficulties, and violence. The number of Palestinian Christians has declined over the years due to these conditions.
Key Facts
Palestinian Christians celebrated Christmas at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem for the first time since 2023.
Bethlehem's festivities were restored after a period of silence amid ongoing conflict.
Christians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza number under 50,000, down from 12 percent of the population in the early 20th century.
Economic hardships and violence have led many Palestinian Christians to leave the region.
From January 2024 to September 2025, 201 incidents of violence against Christians were documented, mainly in Jerusalem's Old City.
Israeli checkpoints, settlements, and the separation wall impact the daily lives of Palestinian Christians.
The largest concentrations of Christians in the West Bank are in Bethlehem, Ramallah, and East Jerusalem.
The article discusses large infrastructure projects being built around the world in 2026. These include NEOM in Saudi Arabia, California's high-speed rail project, King Abdullah Economic City, and the Lower Thames Crossing in the UK.
Key Facts
NEOM is a massive project in Saudi Arabia costing about $9 trillion and includes plans for a linear city called The Line.
California's high-speed rail aims to connect key areas and has faced budget increases from $33 billion to over $135 billion.
King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia, costing around $100 billion, has developed a large port and a special economic zone.
The Lower Thames Crossing in the UK is a large road tunnel project expected to open in 2032, costing roughly £10 billion ($13.3 billion).
California's rail project construction is active on a 119-mile stretch, and future work is planned to extend to 171 miles.
NEOM is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to diversify its economy beyond oil reliance.
King Abdullah Economic City was announced in 2005 and has seen numerous developments since, including industrial and logistics sectors.
A TikTok video showing the growth of a Labrador puppy named Maisy has gone viral. Maisy, owned by Jessica Hanks, did not grow to the expected size for her breed but remains a beloved pet. The video has captured the attention of many dog lovers online.
Key Facts
A video of a Labrador retriever puppy named Maisy has gone viral on TikTok.
Maisy was expected to grow large, like her breed typically does, but is smaller than average.
At 16 months old, Maisy weighs 42 pounds and is about 20 inches tall, smaller than the typical size for a female Labrador.
Despite her smaller size, Maisy's personality is typical of a Labrador, being loving and friendly.
TikTok users have shared their own stories of Labrador size comparisons, making the video widely popular.
The video has amassed over 2 million views.
Maisy's story highlights that size doesn't define a pet's spirit and charm.
