Christmas around the world

Thousands of pilgrims flocked to Church of the Nativity in the biblical city of Bethlehem.

Pope Benedict XVI called for peace in the Middle East during his Christmas blessing. [Reuters]

British soldiers celebrated Christmas in their camp in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. [AFP]

Many Christmas decorations meant for the West stayed in China, with the financial crisis decreasing international demand. [GALLO/GETTY]

An environment-friendly Green Santa travelled from Denmark to Tokyo as an ecology goodwill ambassador. [AFP]

South Korea is the only East Asian country to recognise Christmas as a national holiday. [GALLO/GETTY]

Santa swims with dolphins in Japan.