Christmas celebration – आवारा मुसाफिर

Another bleak Christmas in Bethlehem as Christian families quit West Bank

December 1, 2024167 Views

For a second year running, there is no Christmas cheer in Bethlehem, with tourists shunning the Palestinian city and many residents seeking a way out as the Gaza war grinds on. Bethlehem's Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity is largely deserted and souvenir shops are shuttered. Once again, there are no plans to put up the traditional light-festooned Christmas Tree in the ancient settlement that is venerated by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus and now sits in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Orthodox priest Issa Thaljieh walks in the Church of the Nativity as no tourists are seen, in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank November 25, 2024. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma "During these difficult times that our Palestinian cities are going through, especially in ...

अमेरिकाखबरनामाघटनाएं

Santa’s annual train visit delivers hope and magic to one corner of coal country

AWARA MUSAFIR BUREAU

November 30, 2024128 Views

Since 1943, the people of Appalachian Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee have looked forward to Santa’s arrival. Not in a sleigh on their rooftops, but on a train. The Santa Train marks its 82nd running this year, bringing presents and joy to small towns along a 110-mile portion of the CSX rail line tucked into remote coal-country river valleys. Many of the children who line the tracks and wait for Santa on the Saturday before Thanksgiving are the third, fourth or fifth generation to do so. “I look for it every year. I count the days down,” said Sandra Owens, of Haysi, Virginia, who held a pink pillowcase with a message in black ink, “Thank you CSX and volunteers for the Santa Train. 82.” Owens moved to Kentucky from Delaware 55 years ago when she got married and experienced h...