Just to have some semblance of normalcy, he said. We didn t want or skip a year.
It was a sentiment echoed by Rob Terry and his family, visiting from Philadelphia a tradition for 13 years. It doesn t feel like Christmas without coming, he said. It makes us feel happy, gives us something to look forward to heading into the new year.
And for the kids, even with so much loss and change, their sense of wonder is still there as they wait for Santa and his team.
As for the jolly big man himself, he urged people not to lose hope and believe in themselves, and that we can always overcome.
Coronavirus dampens Christmas joy in Bethlehem and elsewhere
by Josef Federman And Jalal Hassan, The Associated Press
Posted Dec 24, 2020 10:10 am EDT
Last Updated Dec 24, 2020 at 10:14 am EDT
Palestinian children look at the Nativity scene in Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, ahead of Christmas, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
BETHLEHEM, Palestinian Territory A stream of marching bands joyously paraded through Bethlehem on Thursday, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened Christmas Eve celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
Coronavirus Dampens Christmas Joy in Bethlehem and Elsewhere Subdued scenes were seen across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether By Josef Federman and Jalal Hassan •
Published December 24, 2020 •
Updated on December 24, 2020 at 6:47 pm
NBCUniversal Media, LLC
Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
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