Carols, joyful tidings, presents, beautifully decorated trees, bright lights and a time for a heartfelt prayer. As the world readies for the festival of Christmas, we bring you glimpses.
People wearing costumes pose for a photo as they celebrate Christmas at Times Square in Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A woman stands next to an illuminated Christmas tree at central Kotzia square in Athens. Photograph: Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters
US soldiers from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment take part in a Christmas Eve celebration with soldiers from the Polish army's 21st Mountain Brigade on forward operating base Gamberi in the Laghman province of Afghanistan. Photograph: Lucas Jackson/Reuters
A Santa Claus is displayed for sale at a street side stall at the central business district, a day before Christmas, in Lagos December. Photograph: Akintunde Akinleye/Reuters
A man shops for Christmas decorations at a market in Baghdad. Photograph: Ahmed Saad/Reuters
An agent for American Airlines checks in passengers while wearing a Santa hat on the day before Christmas at LaGuardia Airport in New York. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters
A Syrian refugee child plays with his Christmas gift from SAWA, a non-governmental organisation, in Bar-Elias in the Bekaa valley. Photograph: Jamal Saidi/Reuters
A girl stands outside a house illuminated with lights on Christmas eve in a Christian slum in Islamabad. Photograph: Faisal Mahmood/Reuters
