COVID-19 dampens holiday celebrations worldwide

Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

Virus dampens holidays worldwide as vaccinations gather speed

Fears over the new COVID-19 strain and surging infections severely dampen the mood over the holiday season.

Duterte’s Christmas message: ‘Indomitable spirit’ carried Filipinos through ‘trying’ 2020

In his Christmas message, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte praises Filipinos for the strength of character that he says helped the country through a challenging year.

Only half of Filipinos expect a merry Christmas, a record-low – SWS

Only half of Filipinos expect to have a happy Christmas in a year turned upside-down by the coronavirus pandemic. Social Weather Stations says this figure is the lowest it’s been since the surveys started in 2002.

Trump pardons more allies, including Kushner’s father

United States President Donald Trump issues pardons for allies on Wednesday, December 23, including the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner. – Rappler.com