On Christmas Day, Kate, Princess of Wales, was greeted by well-wishers at Sandringham following the royal family's church service. Despite being largely absent from public life due to her cancer treatment, Kate was "laden" with flowers, some from fans who camped out since 7:30 PM on Christmas Eve. Among the supporters was John Loughrey, who traveled from London and shared a heartfelt conversation with Kate, telling her she was an inspiration. Several others, including fans from Australia and the USA, joined to show their support during this challenging year for the royal.

On December 26, 2024, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 10 people and injured more than a dozen, according to Gaza health authorities. A bombing in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood killed five and injured 20, with fears of more casualties as people remain trapped under rubble. In a separate attack, five journalists from Al-Quds Al-Youm television were killed when their media van was hit near Al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat. There was no immediate comment from Israel. Tensions remain high, with Hamas and Israel blaming each other for the failure to finalize a ceasefire.

On December 25, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump posted a "Merry Christmas" message on Truth Social, slamming the Radical Left and criticizing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Democrats. He also claimed Chinese soldiers were operating the Panama Canal. Trump nominated Kevin Marino Cabrera, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, as the new U.S. Ambassador to Panama, highlighting his "America First" credentials and expertise in Latin American politics. Trump emphasized that Cabrera would "represent our nation's interests" and foster economic growth and international partnerships in Panama.

Japan Airlines faced a cyberattack on Thursday, disrupting domestic and international flights and halting ticket sales. The airline reported a system malfunction at 7:24 am local time, affecting its internal and external networks. By 8:56 am, the issue's root cause—a malfunctioning router—was identified and addressed. Temporary measures included shutting down the router and suspending ticket sales for all flights scheduled for the day. The airline apologized for the inconvenience and is monitoring system recovery. Founded in 1951, Japan Airlines operates from hubs at Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports and Osaka’s Kansai and Itami airports.

Syria's new rebel-led authorities reported the death of 14 interior ministry personnel in an ambush by forces loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad near Tartous. The security forces were targeted while attempting to arrest a former officer linked to Saydnaya prison abuses. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) noted three militants also died during clashes, with reinforcements deployed afterward. Concurrently, a curfew was imposed in Homs following unrest linked to an attack on an Alawite shrine. HTS, now leading Syria, faces criticism for failing to safeguard minorities, following Assad’s ousting and his family’s escape to Russia.

A riot at a prison in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on Christmas Day left 33 dead and 15 injured, said Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael. Over 1,500 prisoners escaped during the chaos, though 150 have been recaptured. Authorities attribute the unrest to civil tensions following disputed election results favoring the ruling Frelimo party. Justice Minister Helena Kida claims the violence began inside the prison, unrelated to outside protests. Mozambique has witnessed increasing turmoil, with at least 21 more deaths reported during nationwide clashes after the court upheld election results. Officials warn of a likely crime surge within 48 hours.

An Azerbaijani Embraer 190 airliner, carrying 67 people, crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The accident, confirmed by Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev, killed 38 and left 29 survivors. The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, diverted due to severe weather and possibly a bird strike, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called the tragedy a "tremendous sorrow." Among the passengers were 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals. Videos showed the aircraft nosediving before bursting into flames, with survivors aiding others from the wreckage.    

The Christian community in Bethlehem faces a somber Christmas for the second year as war in Gaza and expanding Israeli settlements cast shadows over festivities. The Church of the Nativity remains desolate, with no outdoor tree or celebrations. Residents like Alice Kisiya recount ongoing demolitions and legal battles over their homes. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa's arrival brought hope amid despair, urging unity and justice. Tony Marcos, restricted from visiting sacred sites, laments, "Our country is shrinking." Despite challenges, the community prays for a brighter year, striving to overcome hatred and division.

Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine’s energy system on Christmas Day, using missiles and drones. The Russian defence ministry said the strikes targeted critical infrastructure tied to Ukraine’s military. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it "inhuman." In Kharkiv, half a million people were left without heating after the strikes. Moldova reported a Russian missile violating its airspace, though Romania denied any breach of its territory. The strikes come amid ongoing conflict, with both sides intensifying military actions. Ukrainian authorities are working to restore power and heating to affected areas amidst freezing winter temperatures.

King Charles shared a heartfelt Christmas address from a London hospital chapel. He openly spoke about the "anxieties and uncertainties" of illness, reflecting on his own health struggles this year. The King thanked healthcare teams for their support and care, adding a message of hope for the future. He also highlighted the importance of community, praising those who united after summer riots and showing concern for people impacted by global conflicts. With a religious tone, the King expressed a commitment to resilience and understanding, determined to continue his duties while undergoing regular treatment.