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How Christmas Was Banned in England for 20 Years & Almost Lost Forever

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How Christmas Was Banned in England for 20 Years & Almost Lost Forever

Christmas was once banned in England – and it wasn’t due to a Grinch-like figure. For nearly 20 years in the 1640s, festive celebrations were illegal, and the holiday was virtually erased from the calendar.

The crackdown came under MP Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan supporters, who launched a strict ban on Christmas. They didn’t just frown upon holiday cheer; they completely outlawed it, from feasts and decorations to traditional celebrations.

In December 1643, a law was passed that required Christmas to be marked with “solemn humiliation” instead of joy. By 1644, the restrictions intensified, and Christmas was officially treated as any other day. Classic holiday treats, including mince pies and plum puddings, were banned.

As Historic England details, “Shops and markets were ordered to stay open on 25 December, and soldiers patrolled the streets of London, seizing any food being prepared for Christmas festivities.”

Enforcing the ban was far from easy. In Canterbury, when a shopkeeper refused to open on Christmas Day, locals protested in what became known as the Plum Pudding Riot. Furious crowds smashed windows, tore the mayor’s robes, and forced him to flee the city. This riot sparked protests across England, from London to Ipswich, and even sailors in Kent laid siege to ports in defiance.

Despite the unrest, Cromwell’s ban remained for years. Christmas would not be restored until 1660, when the monarchy returned and the Puritans lost power.

Although Cromwell’s attempt to cancel Christmas ultimately failed, his crackdown left a lasting impact. The Pilgrims, influenced by the Puritans, adopted a similar Christmas ban in America’s colonies. However, Dutch settlers in the U.S. celebrated Sinterklaas, a precursor to Santa Claus, helping to keep the holiday alive across the Atlantic.

As Santa made his way back to England, he eventually merged with Father Christmas, forming the jolly figure we know today. Without the protests sparked by the Plum Pudding Riot, Christmas traditions as we know them could have looked very different.

Today, Brits enjoy Christmas cheer in the country’s most festive cities, with plenty of holiday traditions to enjoy. For those looking to travel, the best Christmas markets in Europe provide the perfect festive escape.

Princess Kate Highlights ‘Importance of Empathy’ in Christmas Carols Service at Westminster Abbey

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Princess Kate Highlights ‘Importance of Empathy’ in Christmas Carols Service at Westminster Abbey

Princess Kate emphasized the “importance of empathy” in her heartfelt message of hope during the fourth annual *Together at Christmas* carol service, filmed at Westminster Abbey earlier this month. The Princess of Wales urged viewers to “slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all” and choose “love, not fear” this Christmas season.

The star-studded event, which featured performances from Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, JP Cooper, and the Soul Sanctuary Choir, was attended by Kate’s husband, Prince William, and their children: Prince George, 11; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, 6. The service also saw special readings by actors Richard E. Grant, Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty.

Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed his recent terminal prostate cancer diagnosis, and the wife of late rugby star Rob Burrow, who passed away in June following a battle with motor neurone disease, participated in lighting candles to honor loved ones during the service.

In a personal message shared before the broadcast, Kate expressed how Christmas is a time for “love, kindness, and forgiveness” and reflected on how the Christmas story encourages empathy, love, and the importance of supporting others. “It is love, the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives,” she said.

The *Together at Christmas* carol service also featured three community films spotlighting local organizations that offer comfort and support during times of need. These included the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, Go Beyond, and the intergenerational choir Sankofa Songsters. These groups, which embody the spirit of kindness and community, were invited by Princess Kate to attend the service as part of her ongoing mission to promote empathy and help those in need.

Behind the scenes, Kate shared touching footage of herself greeting children at the event. Kensington Palace confirmed that Princess Kate reached out to Lady Gabriella Windsor for assistance with the event’s planning, following the tragic loss of her husband earlier this year. Lady Gabriella, a long-time ambassador for the youth charity Restore the Music, played a key role in organizing the event and selecting performers like Gregory Porter and pianist Rosey Chan for the service.

Despite the festive mood, the event drew some controversy as Princess Kate reportedly chose not to invite her uncle, Prince Andrew, to the event amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding his public image. It is believed that the Prince and Princess of Wales have distanced themselves from Prince Andrew in recent public appearances.

The *Together at Christmas* service, which is narrated by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald, will air on Christmas Eve, featuring powerful messages of empathy, love, and unity during the holiday season.

Former President Bill Clinton Released After Brief Hospital Stay for Flu

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Former President Bill Clinton Released After Brief Hospital Stay for Flu

Former President Bill Clinton, 78, has been discharged from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital after receiving treatment for the flu, his spokesperson Angel Ureña announced Tuesday. Clinton had been admitted Monday evening for tests and observation following a fever.

The 42nd president has a documented history of health challenges, particularly cardiac issues. In 2004, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery at age 58, followed by another procedure in 2014 to address a clogged artery. His last significant hospitalization was in 2021, when he spent six days in a California facility treating a blood infection.

Since leaving office in 2001, Clinton has maintained an active public life, established the Clinton Foundation and partnering with the American Heart Association. He adopted a vegan diet after his second heart surgery, crediting the lifestyle change with extending his life. Recently, he has been campaigning for Vice-President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid and released his latest book, “Citizen: My Life After the White House.”

Denmark Bolsters Greenland Defence Amid Renewed US Interest 

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Denmark Bolsters Greenland Defence Amid Renewed US Interest 

Denmark has announced a significant increase in defence spending for Greenland, coinciding with former US President Donald Trump’s recent reiteration of his desire for the United States to acquire the Arctic territory. 

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that the new package amounts to a “double-digit billion” sum in Danish krone—estimated at $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion). The package includes: 

– Two new inspection ships. 

– Two long-range drones. 

– Two additional dog sled teams for Arctic operations. 

– Increased staffing for the Arctic Command in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. 

– Upgrades to one of Greenland’s three main civilian airports to accommodate F-35 supersonic fighter jets. 

Poulsen acknowledged the timing of the announcement as an “irony of fate,” as it followed Trump’s comments describing US ownership of Greenland as an “absolute necessity.” 

Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, holds immense strategic significance. It is located on the shortest route between North America and Europe, houses a major US space facility, and is rich in valuable mineral resources. 

While the defence package represents a long-overdue investment in Greenland, Poulsen admitted that Denmark’s military presence in the Arctic had been insufficient for years. 

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, firmly dismissed Trump’s remarks, stating, “We are not for sale.” However, Egede emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation and trade relationships, particularly with neighboring countries. 

Experts suggest that Denmark’s plan to expand its military presence in Greenland has been under discussion for years and should not be viewed as a direct response to Trump’s comments. 

Army Maj. Steen Kjaergaard of the Danish Defence Academy speculated that Trump’s remarks might have been a strategic move to pressure Denmark into strengthening its Arctic military capabilities. 

“It’s possible Trump intended to push Denmark into prioritizing Arctic defence without directly taking on Greenland’s welfare system, which is heavily subsidized by Copenhagen,” Kjaergaard noted. 

Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland is not unprecedented. In 2019, his initial suggestion of purchasing the island was met with sharp rebukes from both Greenlandic and Danish leaders. At the time, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labeled the idea as “absurd,” prompting Trump to cancel a state visit to Denmark. 

The concept of the US acquiring Greenland dates back to the 1860s under President Andrew Johnson. Despite its historical roots, the notion has consistently faced resistance from Greenlandic and Danish authorities. 

Analysts warn that Denmark’s military investments in Greenland may also reflect a response to increased geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. The region has become a focal point for rivalries involving China and Russia. 

For now, Denmark’s announcement signals a commitment to maintaining control of its Arctic territory and addressing emerging security challenges while rebuffing renewed US aspirations for ownership. 

Syrian Rebel Factions Merge Under Unified Defence Ministry 

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Syrian Rebel Factions Merge Under Unified Defence Ministry 

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa announced on Tuesday a landmark agreement to dissolve all former rebel factions and unify them under the country’s defence ministry. The move marks a significant step toward consolidating power following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, ending decades of his family’s rule. 

The agreement, reached between Sharaa and former rebel faction leaders, aims to integrate disparate groups and officers who defected from Assad’s army into a cohesive military under the interim government. 

Murhaf Abu Qasra, a prominent figure in the insurgency that toppled Assad, has been appointed defence minister. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir had previously stated that the restructuring of the defence ministry would rely on contributions from former rebel forces and defected officers.

Sharaa faces the daunting task of ensuring harmony among Syria’s myriad rebel factions, which have often clashed in the past. The agreement seeks to prevent infighting and create a united front to address Syria’s ongoing challenges. 

In discussions with Western officials, Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—a former al-Qaeda affiliate—has assured that his administration will not seek revenge against members of the former regime. He also pledged to protect the rights and freedoms of Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious minorities. 

Syria’s population includes Muslim Kurds, Shi’ites, Druze, Syriac Christians, Greek and Armenian Orthodox Christians, all of whom had feared persecution under Sunni Islamist rule during the civil war. Sharaa has emphasized that his government will respect and safeguard their way of life. 

The unification of rebel factions follows the fall of Damascus on December 8, when rebel forces seized control of the capital, forcing Assad to flee after 13 years of brutal civil war. The development has brought an end to the Assad family’s decades-long rule over Syria. 

Gaza Aid Efforts Paralyzed by Widespread Looting and Gang Attacks 

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Gaza Aid Efforts Paralyzed by Widespread Looting and Gang Attacks 

Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis as widespread looting and gang violence disrupt critical food supply lines, leaving millions of civilians at risk of famine. Despite Israel’s October pledge to combat armed gangs targeting aid convoys, little action has been taken, according to U.N. and U.S. officials. 

Behind closed doors in mid-October, Israel agreed to secure food aid convoys entering Gaza. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have remained focused on their military operations against Hamas, providing limited assistance to curb gang activity, three officials familiar with the matter said. 

The IDF spokesperson declined to comment on the October agreement but stated, “Israel has taken significant steps to allow the maximum possible scope of aid to Gaza.”

Gang violence in Gaza has surged, with looters targeting aid convoys under Israeli control. U.N. data shows that in October alone, $9.5 million worth of humanitarian supplies—almost a quarter of the total aid—was stolen. November’s losses were reportedly even higher, exacerbating the already dire situation. 

One of the most significant incidents occurred on November 16, when a 109-truck convoy was ambushed shortly after leaving a border crossing. Armed gangs looted food supplies from 98 trucks while the IDF, stationed nearby, did not intervene, according to multiple eyewitnesses. 

Georgios Petropoulos of the U.N.’s emergency response arm, OCHA, acknowledged the growing crisis, saying, “It’s just gotten too big for humanitarians to solve.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly. Over 70% of Gaza’s population relied on food aid earlier in the year, but by November, that number had dropped to 29%. Many bakeries, including the Zadna 2 bakery, have been forced to close due to a lack of flour, leaving tens of thousands without daily bread. 

“We’re not receiving any flour because of looting,” bakery owner Mohammad Abdel-Dayem told reporters, though the IDF challenged claims of supply shortages. 

The crisis was triggered in part by Israel’s decision in early October to halt commercial food shipments into Gaza. Previously, these shipments accounted for nearly all fresh food and over half of the goods entering the territory. The abrupt suspension created shortages, driving up prices and making aid trucks prime targets for looters. 

Despite calls from the U.N. and the U.S. to restore commercial shipments, Israeli authorities have not agreed, citing security concerns.

Efforts to negotiate ceasefires and increase humanitarian aid continue, but relief workers say the stalemate over responsibility for civilian welfare in Gaza hampers progress. Israel maintains its role is limited to facilitating aid transfers, while international organizations argue that more security and logistical support are urgently needed. 

For now, millions of Gazans remain trapped in a cycle of hunger, violence, and desperation, with no immediate solutions in sight. 

Mozambique Unrest Leaves 21 Dead After Court Confirms Election Results 

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Mozambique Unrest Leaves 21 Dead After Court Confirms Election Results 

At least 21 people have been killed in violent protests across Mozambique after the country’s top court confirmed the governing Frelimo party’s victory in contested presidential elections, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda said Tuesday. 

The victims include two police officers, with at least 25 others injured, 13 of whom are police personnel, Ronda announced at a press briefing. 

Since Monday, the country has experienced “236 acts of serious violence,” including attacks on police stations, petrol stations, banks, and other public facilities. Protesters, opposing Frelimo’s win, allege that the October 9 election was rigged. 

Mozambican authorities have arrested 78 people as security measures are ramped up nationwide. 

“The armed forces will increase their presence in critical and key points,” Ronda told state broadcaster TVM. 

The unrest erupted after the Constitutional Council upheld the election results, declaring Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo the winner. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane and his supporters have rejected the outcome, accusing the ruling party of vote rigging. 

Protests began Monday night in various regions, with demonstrators burning tires, blocking roads, and vandalizing property. 

“This was their way of shutting down Mozambique,” said Al Jazeera reporter Haru Mutasa, covering the unrest in Maputo. 

Mutasa reported instances of young men asking motorists for money to pass roadblocks. 

“While these protests may have started off over the election result, it seems some elements have come in to try and infiltrate them,” she said. 

The country has been grappling with violent demonstrations since late October when electoral authorities first declared 47-year-old Chapo the winner of the presidential race. Human rights organizations report that more than 130 people have been killed since October 21, accusing Mozambican security forces of using excessive violence to quell the protests. 

Following the court’s decision, Mondlane took to social media, urging his supporters to prepare for “difficult days ahead.” 

“History is made of thorny, rocky moments, but the truth is that victory is guaranteed for all of us,” Mondlane wrote on Facebook. 

Australia Approves Extradition of Former U.S. Marine Over Alleged Training of Chinese Military Pilots 

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Australia Approves Extradition of Former U.S. Marine Over Alleged Training of Chinese Military Pilots 

Former U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Duggan will be extradited from Australia to the United States to face charges of illegally training Chinese military pilots. The decision, announced Monday by Australia’s Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, concludes Duggan’s nearly two-year legal battle to remain in Australia. 

Duggan, 55, originally from Boston, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 12 years before emigrating to Australia, where he renounced his U.S. citizenship. He has been held in a maximum-security prison since his 2022 arrest at his family home in New South Wales. 

Dreyfus confirmed the extradition approval but did not specify the timing of Duggan’s transfer. 

“Duggan was given the opportunity to present reasons against extradition. I carefully considered all material before making my decision,” Dreyfus said in a statement. 

The extradition request stems from a 2016 indictment unsealed in late 2022 by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors allege that Duggan, between 2010 and 2012, conspired to provide training to Chinese military pilots without securing the required license. 

The indictment claims Duggan received approximately AUD 88,000 (USD 61,000) and international travel from a co-conspirator in exchange for what was described as “personal development training.” 

If convicted, Duggan faces up to 60 years in prison. Duggan has consistently denied the allegations. 

In May, a Sydney judge ruled that Duggan could be extradited to the U.S., leaving the decision in the hands of the attorney general as Duggan’s last recourse to avoid extradition. 

Duggan’s wife, Saffrine Duggan, expressed her disappointment with the Australian government’s decision. 

“We feel abandoned by the Australian government and deeply disappointed that they have completely failed in their duty to protect an Australian family,” she said in a statement. “We are now considering our options.” 

Russian Cargo Ship Sinks in Mediterranean Following Engine Explosion; Two Crew Missing 

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Russian Cargo Ship Sinks in Mediterranean Following Engine Explosion; Two Crew Missing 

A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria on Monday, leaving two crew members missing, Spanish maritime authorities and the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed Tuesday. 

Fourteen crew members were rescued uninjured from a lifeboat and transferred to safety in Spain, according to Spain’s maritime rescue agency. Russian officials reported that the vessel began sinking following an explosion in the engine room. 

The Ursa Major was owned by SK-Yug, a subsidiary of Oboronlogistika, a Russian shipping company tied to the country’s defense ministry. Oboronlogistika is under U.S. and European Union sanctions due to its military affiliations. 

Spanish authorities reported that the cargo ship carried empty containers and two cranes but did not speculate on the cause of the explosion or sinking. 

In a Dec. 20 statement, Oboronlogistika said the vessel was en route to Vladivostok in Russia’s far east, transporting two cranes weighing 380 tons each. The ship departed from St. Petersburg 12 days prior, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported. 

Spanish maritime officials said they received an alert around 1 p.m. Monday when the vessel was approximately 57 nautical miles (106 kilometers) off the coast of Almería in southeastern Spain. The distress call described poor weather conditions, a lifeboat adrift in the water, and the Ursa Major listing. 

A Russian warship reportedly arrived later that day to assist with rescue operations. The 142-meter (466-foot) cargo ship sank around midnight. The Russian embassy in Spain said it is investigating the incident and coordinating with Spanish authorities. 

At the time of the incident, another Russian cargo ship, Sparta, was navigating the western Mediterranean en route to Egypt’s Port Said. The Sparta, also under U.S. sanctions, was tracked using MarineTraffic.com. 

While some Russian vessels opt for the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic, particularly in summer months, the southern route through the Mediterranean and Suez Canal remains the preferred winter option for shipping between St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. 

Spanish rescue units remained on-site Tuesday to monitor the area for potential pollution and remove debris hazardous to other vessels. 

Thousands Gather in Belgrade to Protest Against Serbian President Vucic

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Thousands Gather in Belgrade to Protest Against Serbian President Vucic

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade’s Slavija Square on Sunday to voice opposition against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The demonstration followed weeks of student-led protests sparked by a deadly railway station canopy collapse on Nov. 1 that claimed 15 lives in Novi Sad.

The rally, organized by university students and farmer unions, has become one of the largest in recent years, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with Vucic’s leadership. Protesters held banners reading, “We are all under the canopy,” and observed a 15-minute silence for the victims before chanting, “You have blood on your hands!”

Smaller demonstrations also took place in Nis and Kragujevac. The collapse of the railway station canopy is widely blamed on corruption and alleged substandard renovations linked to Chinese state companies. Protesters are demanding accountability and justice for those responsible.

Prominent Serbian actors, including Bane Trifunovic, joined the protest, describing the rally as “a festival of freedom.” In contrast, President Vucic, appearing at the inauguration of a new highway in central Serbia, dismissed opposition demands for a transitional government. “We will beat them again,” Vucic said, accusing opponents of exploiting students to gain political power.

The president has attempted to pacify protests by offering financial incentives, such as favorable loans for young people to buy apartments. He has also highlighted efforts to attract professionals who had emigrated for better opportunities in the West.

The tragedy in Novi Sad has resulted in 13 arrests, including a government minister, whose release has fueled skepticism about the investigation’s integrity. The opposition has called for a transitional government to ensure free and fair elections amid allegations of election rigging in the past.

Serbia’s ongoing student-led protests have intensified, with university classes suspended and high school students joining the movement. In response, the government extended school winter holidays. Protesters have faced occasional clashes with pro-government groups attempting to disrupt their activities.

Farmers supporting the protests reported police confiscated their tractor in Belgrade. Despite this, the movement has garnered nationwide backing, including support from professors, legal professionals, and public figures. President Vucic initially accused the protesters of financial motives but later claimed to have met their demands, including publishing.

AP

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