PHOTOS: Christmas around the world in 2018

WASHINGTON — For many, the Christmas holiday begins days or even weeks before Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Here are photos of how the world celebrated the holiday.

Bozena Cerna 88-year-old polar swimmer is helped from the water after participating in a traditional Christmas swim in the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. The National Theater is in the background. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) — Bozena Cerna, an 88-year-old polar swimmer, is helped from the water after participating in a traditional Christmas swim in the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 26: Sydneysiders enjoy warm weather at Balmoral Beach on December 26, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney residents are enjoying a hot Christmas break, with temperatures reaching 29 degrees Celsius on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images) — Sydneysiders enjoy warm weather at Balmoral Beach on Dec. 26, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Sydney residents are enjoying a hot Christmas break. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)

Polar swimmers participate in a traditional Christmas swim in the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Polar swimmers celebrate after finishing their traditional Christmas swim in the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

LACOCK, WILTSHIRE - DECEMBER 26: Joint Master and Huntsman, Stuart Radbourn (C) leads riders that have arrived for the Avon Vale Hunt's traditional Boxing Day meet in Lacock near Chippenham on December 26, 2018 in Wiltshire, England. Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest day in the hunt calendar, and despite the hunting ban that came into force in 2004, today is expected to see thousands of supporters drawn to meets across the country. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) — Joint master and huntsman Stuart Radbourn (C) leads riders that have arrived for the Avon Vale Hunt’s traditional Boxing Day meet in Lacock near Chippenham on Dec. 26, 2018 in Wiltshire, England. Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest day in the hunt calendar, and despite the hunting ban that came into force in 2004, today is expected to see thousands of supporters drawn to meets across the country. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

LACOCK, WILTSHIRE - DECEMBER 26: Riders that have gathered for the Avon Vale Hunt's traditional Boxing Day ride out from Lacock near Chippenham on December 26, 2018 in Wiltshire, England. Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest day in the hunt calendar, and despite the hunting ban that came into force in 2004, today is expected to see thousands of supporters drawn to meets across the country. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) — Riders have gathered for the Avon Vale Hunt’s traditional Boxing Day ride out from Lacock near Chippenham on Dec. 26, 2018 in Wiltshire, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

LACOCK, WILTSHIRE - DECEMBER 26: Hunt supporters greet riders as the huntsman toast towards the camera, as they meet for the Avon Vale Hunt's traditional Boxing Day in Lacock near Chippenham on December 26, 2018 in Wiltshire, England. Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest day in the hunt calendar, and despite the hunting ban that came into force in 2004, today is expected to see thousands of supporters drawn to meets across the country. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) — Hunt supporters greet riders as the huntsman toast towards the camera, as they meet for the Avon Vale Hunt’s traditional Boxing Day in Lacock near Chippenham on Dec. 26, 2018 in Wiltshire, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

CHIPPING NORTON, OXFORDSHIRE - DECEMBER 26: Anti-hunting protesters demonstrate with placards before riders of the Heythrop Hunt gather in Chipping Norton town centre on Boxing Day on December 26, 2018 in Oxfordshire, England. Despite the 2004 ban on fox hunting some 250 groups are expected to meet today for traditional Boxing Day hunts across the country. The Labour Party has said they will toughen up the law on hunting with dogs, which could include prison sentences for those convicted. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) — Anti-hunting protesters demonstrate with placards before riders of the Heythrop Hunt gather in Chipping Norton town center on Boxing Day on Dec. 26, 2018 in Oxfordshire, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

CHIPPING NORTON, OXFORDSHIRE - DECEMBER 26: The hounds of the Heythrop Hunt gather in Chipping Norton town centre on Boxing Day on December 26, 2018 in Oxfordshire, England. Despite the 2004 ban on fox hunting some 250 groups are expected to meet today for traditional Boxing Day hunts across the country. The Labour Party has said they will toughen up the law on hunting with dogs, which could include prison sentences for those convicted. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) — The hounds of the Heythrop Hunt gather in Chipping Norton town center on Boxing Day on Dec. 26, 2018 in Oxfordshire, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

A woman and her dog take part in the traditional Boxing Day swim at Tynemouth beach in north east England, Wednesday Dec. 26, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

Revellers in cheerleader costumes take part in the traditional Boxing Day swim at Tynemouth beach in north east England, Wednesday Dec. 26, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - DECEMBER 26: A racegoer watches the far field during the Boxing Day Races at Ellerslie Racecourse on December 26, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images) — A racegoer watches the far field during the Boxing Day races at Ellerslie Racecourse on Dec. 26, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - DECEMBER 26: A small group of protesters stand at the entrance during the Boxing Day Races at Ellerslie Racecourse on December 26, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. Activists are calling on racegoers to reconsider supporting horse racing and demanding the industry implement a retirement plan for all racehorses. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images) — A small group of protesters stand at the entrance during the Boxing Day races at Ellerslie Racecourse on Dec. 26, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. Activists are calling on racegoers to reconsider supporting horse racing and demanding the industry implement a retirement plan for all racehorses. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 26: People shop bags at David Jones Elizabeth St store during the Boxing Day sales on December 26, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Boxing Day is one of the busiest days for retail outlets in Sydney with thousands taking advantage of the post-Christmas sale prices. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images) (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images) — People shop bags at David Jones Elizabeth St. store during the Boxing Day sales on Dec. 26, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Boxing Day is one of the busiest days for retail outlets in Sydney with thousands taking advantage of the post-Christmas sale prices. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)

A dog waits outside a shop in Edinburgh, Wednesday Dec. 26, 2018, as the traditional post-Christmas sales start. (Jane Barlow//PA via AP) — A dog waits outside a shop in Edinburgh, Wednesday Dec. 26, 2018, as the traditional post-Christmas sales start. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Framed by a Christmas tree, Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus noon prayer which he delivered from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) — Framed by a Christmas tree, Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus noon prayer, which he delivered from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

A Congolese Santa Claus waits to pose with children in Kinshasa, Congo, Tuesday Dec. 25, 2018. Traditionally Congolese dress up and take to the parks on Christmas day, this time five days before scheduled presidential and general elections. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

A Congolese man sells balloons in Kinshasa, Congo, Tuesday Dec. 25, 2018. Traditionally Congolese dress up and take to the parks on Christmas day, this time five days before scheduled presidential and general elections. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Congolese children pose in Kinshasa, Congo, Tuesday Dec. 25, 2018. Traditionally Congolese dress up and take to the parks on Christmas day, this time five days before scheduled presidential and general elections. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

BANTEN, INDONESIA - DECEMBER 25: Christians hold candles during Christmas Eve mass at a church on December 25, 2018 in Carita, Banten province, Indonesia. At least 429 people have reportedly been killed after a volcano-triggered tsunami hit the coast around Indonesia's Sunda Strait on Saturday night, as 150 people remain missing and over 16,000 displaced. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images) — Christians hold candles during mass at a church on Dec. 25, 2018 in Carita, Banten province, Indonesia. Over 400 people have reportedly been killed after a volcano-triggered tsunami hit the coast around Indonesia’s Sunda Strait on Saturday night, as 150 people remain missing and over 16,000 displaced. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 25: Families pose by a Christmas tree on Bondi Beach on December 25, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. December is one of the hottest months of the year across Australia, with Christmas Day traditionally involving a trip to the beach and celebrations outdoors. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images) — Families pose by a Christmas tree on Bondi Beach on Dec. 25, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Beachgoers celebrate Christmas at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

NINH BINH, VIETNAM - DECEMBER 24: Pilgrims and locals take part in the procession of Baby Jesus led by Bishop Joseph Nguyen Nang during the Christmas Midnight Mass on the site of Phat Diem Cathedral on December 24, 2018 in Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Phat Diem Cathedral, located about 120 kilometers from Hanoi to the south, in an area that has been a stronghold of Christianity in Vietnam since Portuguese missionaries began proselytizing Vietnam in the sixteenth century. This Catholic church was built in the 1875s to 1898s, with oriental architecture mixing Western architectural style and Vietnamese religious buildings. As a predominantly Buddhist nation, Christmas is not an official public holiday in Vietnam but many people have adopted to celebrate it both as a religious festival and a new cultural tradition. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images) — Pilgrims and locals take part in the procession of baby Jesus led by Bishop Joseph Nguyen Nang during the Christmas midnight mass on the site of Phat Diem Cathedral on Dec. 24, 2018 in Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Phat Diem Cathedral, located to the south of Hanoi, is in an area that has been a stronghold of Christianity in Vietnam since Portuguese missionaries began proselytizing Vietnam in the 16th century. This Catholic church was built in the late 1800, with oriental architecture mixing Western architectural style and Vietnamese religious buildings. As a predominantly Buddhist nation, Christmas is not an official public holiday in Vietnam but many people have adopted to celebrate it both as a religious festival and a new cultural tradition. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images)

NINH BINH, VIETNAM - DECEMBER 24: Landscape of Phat Diem Cathedral on Christmas Eve on December 24, 2018 in Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Phat Diem Cathedral, located about 120 kilometers from Hanoi to the south, in an area that has been a stronghold of Christianity in Vietnam since Portuguese missionaries began proselytizing Vietnam in the sixteenth century. This Catholic church was built in the 1875s to 1898s, with oriental architecture mixing Western architectural style and Vietnamese religious buildings. As a predominantly Buddhist nation, Christmas is not an official public holiday in Vietnam but many people have adopted to celebrate it both as a religious festival and a new cultural tradition. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images) — Landscape of Phat Diem Cathedral on Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, 2018 in Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images)

KING'S LYNN, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 25: Queen Elizabeth II leaves after attending Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on December 25, 2018 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) — Queen Elizabeth II leaves after attending Christmas Day church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on Dec. 25, 2018 in King’s Lynn, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrives to attend the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in Norfolk, England, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. (AP PhotoFrank Augstein) — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II arrives to attend the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in Norfolk, England, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. (AP PhotoFrank Augstein)

Britain's Royal family arrive to attend the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in Norfolk, England, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. (AP PhotoFrank Augstein) — Britain’s Royal family arrive to attend the Christmas day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in Norfolk, England, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. (AP PhotoFrank Augstein)

Pope Francis, flanked by Master of Ceremonies Bishop Guido Marini, looks at St. Peter's Square after the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for 'to the city and to the world' ) Christmas' day blessing from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) — Pope Francis, flanked by Master of Ceremonies Bishop Guido Marini, looks at St. Peter’s Square after the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for “to the city and to the world” ) Christmas Day blessing from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Iraqis pray during Christmas Mass at Mar Youssif Chaldean Church, in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. Although the number of Christians has dropped in Iraq, Christmas, a national holiday, is very popular in the capital. (AP Photo/Ali Abdul Hassan)

In this Dec. 24, 2018 photo faithful in folk costumes attend the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Saint Martin of Tours' Church in the village of Bujak, 84 kms northeast of Budapest, Hungary. (Peter Komka/MTI via AP) — In this Dec. 24, 2018 photo faithful in folk costumes attend the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Saint Martin of Tours’ Church in the village of Bujak, 84 kms northeast of Budapest, Hungary. (Peter Komka/MTI via AP)

Bosnian people offer a prayer during the Christmas midnight mass in Sarajevo main Cathedral, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. Roman Catholics around the world celebrate Christmas today according to the Gregorian calendar.(AP Photo/Amel Emric) — Bosnian people offer a prayer during the Christmas midnight mass in Sarajevo main Cathedral, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. Roman Catholics around the world celebrate Christmas today according to the Gregorian calendar. (AP Photo/Amel Emric)

Priests and clergy process to attend the Christmas celebration midnight Mass at the Cathedral-Basilical in Vilnius, Lithuania, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Over 80 percent of Lithuanians are Christians who celebrate the festival of Christmas on Dec. 25. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Indian priests conduct the midnight Christmas Mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. Though the Hindus and Muslims comprise majority of the population in India, Christmas is a national holiday celebrated with much fanfare. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) — Indian priests conduct the midnight Christmas Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Allahabad, India, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. Though the Hindus and Muslims comprise majority of the population in India, Christmas is a national holiday celebrated with much fanfare. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Chinese Bishop Joseph Li Shan, center leads the Christmas Eve mass at the Xishiku Catholic Church in Beijing, China, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Young girls dressed as angels rehearse for the Christmas Eve mass at the Xishiku Catholic Church in Beijing, China, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A man dressed as Santa Claus holds a flare as he sits on a boat during a Christmas eve celebrations in Imperia, Italy, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Christian worshippers light candles at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. Christians around the world will celebrate Christmas on Monday. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

AP Photo/Nasser Nasser

Palestinian scouts march through town ahead of midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Palestinians are preparing to host pilgrims from around the world in celebrating Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

AP Photo/Nasser Nasser

A Christian worshipper prays at the Grotto, under the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. Christians around the world will celebrate Christmas on Monday. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Pope Francis spreads incense in front of a statue of Baby Jesus as he celebrates the Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

Iraqis shop for Christmas decorations in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Although the number of Christians has dropped in Iraq, Christmas a national holiday, is very popular in the capital. (AP Photo/Ali Abdul Hassan)

AP Photo/Ali Abdul Hassan

Christians celebrate the arrival of Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, center, after he crossed an Israeli military checkpoint from Jerusalem ahead of midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Palestinians are preparing to host pilgrims from around the world in celebrating Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

AP Photo/Nasser Nasser

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 24: People hold joints of meat they purchased during the annual Harts' Christmas Meat Auction at Smithfield Market on December 24, 2018 in London, England. The annual sell-off attracts hundreds of people to Smithfield Market, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary, as they hope to snap up a bargain cut of meat including Turkey's, Pork, Beef and Lamb joints. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) — People hold joints of meat they purchased during the annual Harts’ Christmas Meat Auction at Smithfield Market on Dec. 24, 2018 in London, England. The annual sell-off attracts hundreds of people to Smithfield Market, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary, as they hope to snap up a bargain cut of meat including turkeys, pork, beef and lamb joints. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 24: Customers wave money in the air as joints of meat are sold during the annual Harts' Christmas Meat Auction at Smithfield Market on December 24, 2018 in London, England. The annual sell-off attracts hundreds of people to Smithfield Market, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary, as they hope to snap up a bargain cut of meat including Turkey's, Pork, Beef and Lamb joints. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) — Customers wave money in the air as joints of meat are sold during the annual Harts’ Christmas Meat Auction at Smithfield Market on Dec. 24, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 24: Joints of meat are sold to customers during the annual Harts' Christmas Meat Auction at Smithfield Market on December 24, 2018 in London, England. The annual sell-off attracts hundreds of people to Smithfield Market, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary, as they hope to snap up a bargain cut of meat including Turkey's, Pork, Beef and Lamb joints. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) — Joints of meat are sold to customers during the annual Harts’ Christmas Meat Auction at Smithfield Market on Dec. 24, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 24: A man prays in a church as shoppers make their last minute purchases on Christmas Eve on December 24, 2018 in Birmingham, England. Financial management consultancy Deloitte has predicted larger than normal discounts for boxing day sales as retailers aim to recuperate sales after a weak lead up to Chrismas. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) — A man prays in a church as shoppers make their last minute purchases on Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

In this photo released on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, Queen Elizabeth II poses after she recorded her annual Christmas Day message, in the White Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace in central London. (John Stillwell/Pool Photo via AP)

A Pakistani Christian girl attends the Candle Light Carol service at Cathedral Church of the Resurrection in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

A person dressed up as Santa sits in a slay, as he leaves Santa's Village at the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (Laura Haapam'ki/Lehtikuva via AP) — A person dressed up as Santa sits in a slay, as he leaves Santa’s Village at the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (Laura Haapam’ki/Lehtikuva via AP)

A man dressed as Santa Claus gives candy to a Muslim girl on Christmas eve at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Shopping malls in Malaysia have been decorated with Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures and illuminations to attract year-end shoppers. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)

A man dressed as Santa Claus poses with children on Christmas Eve at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Shopping malls in the country have been decorated with Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures and illuminations to attract year-end shoppers. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)

Volunteers clad in Santa Claus costumes throw their hats in the air as they gather to deliver gifts for the poor in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Volunteers clad in Santa Claus costumes take a selfie as they gather to deliver gifts for the poor in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

HANOI, VIETNAM - DECEMBER 23: A giant, floating Santa Claus stands in the lake in front of Phu My Cathedral on December 23, 2018 outside Hanoi, Vietnam. In Vietnam, a predominantly Buddhist nation, Christmas is not an official public holiday, but many people have adopted it as both a religious festival and a new cultural tradition. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images) — A giant, floating Santa Claus stands in the lake in front of Phu My Cathedral on Dec. 23, 2018 outside Hanoi, Vietnam. In Vietnam, a predominantly Buddhist nation, Christmas is not an official public holiday, but many people have adopted it as both a religious festival and a new cultural tradition. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - DECEMBER 23: Participants wearing Santa Claus costumes take part in the Tokyo Great Santa Run 2018 on December 23, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. About 5,000 people took part in the charity run event held in Tokyo for the first time where part of the participation fee goes into Christmas presents for children who have been hospitalized. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) — Participants wearing Santa Claus costumes take part in the Tokyo Great Santa Run 2018 on Dec. 23, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. About 5,000 people took part in the charity run event held in Tokyo for the first time where part of the participation fee goes into Christmas presents for children who have been hospitalized. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

TOKYO, JAPAN - DECEMBER 23: A child wearing a Santa Claus costume exits a rest area during the Tokyo Great Santa Run 2018 on December 23, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. About 5,000 people took part in the charity run event held in Tokyo for the first time where part of the participation fee goes into Christmas presents for children who have been hospitalized. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) — A child wearing a Santa Claus costume exits a rest area during the Tokyo Great Santa Run 2018 on Dec. 23, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

Christmas decorations are displayed at a shopping mall as the territory prepares to celebrate the Christmas holidays, in Hong Kong Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

Promoters dressed as Christmas characters perform at a shopping mall as the territory prepares to celebrate the Christmas holidays, in Hong Kong Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

The moon shines behind an illuminated Christmas ornament as an aircraft prepares for landing at the airport in southern coastal city of Larnaca, in the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

Palestinian protesters, some are dressed as Santa Claus, distribute sweets to people crossing through Israeli security gates during a protest in front of an Israeli checkpoint, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. Christians around the world will celebrate Christmas on Monday. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Red Square decorated for New Year celebrations is seen from a roof of the Moscow GUM State Department store with a Christmas market and the St. Basil's Cathedral in the background in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool) — Red Square decorated for New Year celebrations is seen from a roof of the Moscow GUM State Department store with a Christmas market and the St. Basil’s Cathedral in the background in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool)

In this Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, photo, sales staff from an apparel shop dance wearing Christmas themed costumes to promote a year end sales in Zhangjiakou in northern China’s Hebei province. At least four Chinese cities and one county have restricted Christmas celebrations this year. Churches in another city have been warned to keep minors away from Christmas, and at least ten schools nationwide have curtailed Christmas on campus, The Associated Press has found. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

In this Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, photo, a promoter dressed as a teddy bear rest along a retail street in Zhangjiakou in northern China’s Hebei province. At least four Chinese cities and one county have restricted Christmas celebrations this year. Churches in another city have been warned to keep minors away from Christmas, and at least ten schools nationwide have curtailed Christmas on campus, The Associated Press has found. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

In this Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, photo, a family walk past images of Santa Claus in Zhangjiakou in northern China’s Hebei province. At least three Chinese cities have banned Christmas decorations this year. Churches in another city have been warned to keep minors away from Christmas, and at least ten schools nationwide have curtailed Christmas on campus, The Associated Press has found. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

In this Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, photo, a man sells Christmas decorations on a street of Zhangjiakou in northern China’s Hebei province. At least three Chinese cities have banned Christmas decorations this year. Churches in another city have been warned to keep minors away from Christmas, and at least ten schools nationwide have curtailed Christmas on campus, The Associated Press has found. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

AP Photo/Ng Han Guan

Horse-drawn carriages ride past a Christmas tree in the Grand Square of downtown Brussels, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

AP Photo/Francisco Seco

In this photo taken on Friday Dec, 21, 2018, Santa Claus gives sweets to children at a shopping mall in Harare. The Christmas lights are up in Zimbabwe’s capital but the mood is less than festive as the country grapples with an economic crisis that prevents many families from enjoying the holiday season. Zimbabwe is experiencing its worst economic meltdown in a decade. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi

A man dressed as a clown sits in the audience before the draw at Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house during Spanish Christmas Lottery draw in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. Those holding the ticket number 03347 struck it rich Saturday when they won the top prize in Spain’s bumper Christmas lottery. The lottery, known as El Gordo, or “The Fat One,” dished out 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in prize money this year. (AP Photo/Paul White)

AP Photo/Paul White

Lottery balls fall into a chamber before the draw at Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house during Spanish Christmas Lottery draw in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. Those holding the ticket number 03347 struck it rich Saturday when they won the top prize in Spain’s bumper Christmas lottery. The lottery, known as El Gordo, or “The Fat One,” dished out 2.4 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in prize money this year. (AP Photo/Paul White)

AP Photo/Paul White

Riot police officers are seen on the Champs Elysees avenue with the Arc de Triomphe in the background, during a demonstration, in Paris Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. France’s yellow vest protesters, who have brought chaos to Paris over the past few weeks with their economic demands, demonstrated in sharply reduced numbers Saturday at the start of the Christmas and New Year holidays. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu

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