Americans’ favorite holiday activity? Spending time with family, poll finds

A recent poll finds that Americans value time with family more than any other part of the holidays and expect to discuss family life and health far more than politics. Respondents describe holiday gatherings as a chance to reconnect with relatives, share traditions and check on loved ones’ well‑being. The survey shows that many people plan to avoid political conversations to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and focus on relationships. Results indicate a broad preference across age groups and regions for personal connections and family stories over debates about public affairs during the holiday season.

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Honduras elects Trump-backed candidate as president

Honduras’ electoral authorities have declared Nasry Asfura, a candidate backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, as the winner of the country’s presidential election after a weeks-long vote count. The announcement follows extended tallying and verification procedures and draws national and international attention to the political transition, the role of foreign endorsements, and the challenges facing the incoming administration in areas such as security, migration, and economic conditions.

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Kim Jong Un inspects nuclear submarines as Putin praises ‘invincible’ bond

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a nuclear submarine plant in Sinpo and received a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin praising the “invincible friendship” between their countries, state media reported. The visit highlighted North Korea’s efforts to advance nuclear-capable submarine development and underscored deepening military and political ties with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and international sanctions. Authorities showcased submarine construction, modernization plans, and strategic cooperation, while outside verification of the plant’s capabilities remained unavailable.

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San Antonio Zoo invites all for $8 Christmas entry, ‘Zoo Lights’

San Antonio Zoo will open on Christmas Day 2025 with $8 admission for all visitors and no residency requirement, featuring its seasonal Zoo Lights displays. The zoo will highlight illuminated pathways, holiday décor, and evening light installations while maintaining regular animal care operations, safety rules, and accessibility services. Guests can review hours, ticketing options, and parking details through the zoo’s official channels and can access both daytime exhibits and nighttime Zoo Lights under the discounted entry offer.

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Pope Leo XIV marks first Christmas in papacy

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Mass as pope at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, greeting thousands of faithful in rainy St. Peter’s Square and emphasizing faith, charity, and hope in his homily. The 70-year-old U.S. pontiff criticized a “distorted economy,” renewed a call for a global Christmas truce, and prepared to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. The 2025 Christmas celebrations also marked the close of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Holy Year, which brought millions of pilgrims to Rome.

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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve show called off amid Trump name dispute

A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has been canceled after former President Donald Trump’s name was added in connection with the event. The cancellation removed a scheduled holiday performance from the center’s calendar. Officials have not released detailed public explanations about how Trump’s name became associated with the concert or who made the final decision to call it off. Other holiday programs at the Kennedy Center remain scheduled.

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Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

Marvel Studios confirmed that Chris Evans will return as Steve Rogers in the upcoming film “Avengers: Doomsday,” rejoining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The studio announced that Evans will once again portray Captain America in a central role, with the film positioned as a major installment in the ongoing Avengers storyline. Marvel has not yet disclosed the full cast, detailed plot, or exact release date but stated that “Avengers: Doomsday” remains in active development and that additional production and casting updates will follow through official channels.

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Stars spotted: Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla at Ria Atayde-Zanjoe Marudo wedding

Actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, former real-life partners, attended the church wedding of Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo in Manila on December 22, 2024, where they crossed paths as guests. The ceremony drew family, friends, and entertainment industry colleagues, with organizers coordinating arrivals and seating inside the church. Photographers and event staff documented the rites and notable attendees for official coverage, while security personnel managed access to the venue.

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