Trump's first Christmas as president: Golf and, of course, tweets
President Trump is spending his first Christmas as president at the same place he spent last Christmas as president-elect: His Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla. And while the White House has not released President Trump's Christmas schedule, he began his 11-day Christmas vacation on the golf course over the weekend and said he'll be "working very hard" on a 2018 agenda. He also found time to tweet. On Christmas Eve, Trump delivered a message to U.S. troops: "We're winning."
He called the troops "underappreciated" and described their military families as “the greatest people on earth.” USA TODAY
Pope to deliver Christmas Day message above St. Peter's Square
Pope Francis' Christmas Day message “urbi et orbi” — Latin for “to the city and to the world” — is to be delivered Monday from the central loggia of the basilica overlooking St. Peter’s Square. On Sunday, the Pope compared the journey of Mary and Joseph to those of millions of modern-day migrants forced to leave their homeland for survival or a better life, expressing hope during his Christmas vigil Mass that no one will feel that “there is no room for them on this Earth.”
Pope Francis in Christmas Eve remarks on Sunday likened the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to the migration of millions of people forced to leave homelands for a better life, or just for survival. (Dec. 24) AP
O holiday tree, o holiday tree?
There’s nothing overtly religious about the giant Christmas tree at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston. But don’t call it a “holiday tree.” Back in 2005, the city did just that. The intention was to remove any potentially offensive religious connotations contained in the name “Christmas tree.” People got annoyed. And the generic name “holiday tree” never stuck. The Christmas tree has some connection with their religion, many Christians say, but they don’t really see it primarily as a religious symbol.
Recycling your holiday wrapping paper? Read this first!
We’re sloppy. At least when it comes to what we toss in the recycling bin. After China cracked down on our “throw-it-all-in" style of recycling, U.S. trash companies are increasingly forced to send the would-be recycled paper to landfills. In light of that, here’s a handy little guide for what you can and can’t recycle after the gifts have all been opened. Wrapping paper: Yes, but only if it’s plain. Bows: No. Ribbon: Don’t even think about it. Those shiny curls strike fear into the heart of recycling plant managers. Here’s why.
You may think you're helping the environment by recycling all your gift wrap, but there are several things you shouldn't throw in the recycling bin. USA TODAY
The NBA has some gifts for you on Christmas Day
A hoops tradition, NBA on Christmas Day, turns 70 Monday. Fans will be gifted with a five-game slate, featuring four of our top five MVP candidates and a handful of Rookie of the Year hopefuls. The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks kick off the day with three of the league's brightest young stars: Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Kristaps Porzingis. Other highlights include the still amazing LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the Golden State Warriors in yet another NBA Finals rematch and a head-to-head battle between the East’s top two point guards, John Wall and Kyle Irving. To round out the day, the Lakers are up against the new-look Timberwolves, though they will have to play without rookie point guard Lonzo Ball.
Contributing: The Associated Press.