Millions of Christians worldwide are celebrating Christmas, overshadowed by wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and other regions. Pope Francis is expected to call for peace during his traditional ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing. In Bethlehem, the mayor expressed sorrow for the subdued holiday spirit due to ongoing conflicts, while in Ukraine, Christmas prayers conflicted with missile strikes. Russian Orthodox celebrations adjusted to reflect a newer calendar, and leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the resilience amidst turmoil. Amidst these tensions, moments of relief were noted across the United States and other areas.