Merry Christmas!

WNU Editor: This is my favorite time of year. The music. The food. The excitement in the air. Being with family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone.

Countries That Banned Christmas, Past And Present

Vintage News: Humbug indeed: Countries that banned Christmas, past or present

Yes, you’ve read that right. Not every part of the world dreams about a white Christmas and thinks of this as the most wonderful of the year. Two years ago, the Sultan of Brunei and Somalia led an anti-Christmas “mission” and even banned Santa hats. In fact, some countries that wholeheartedly celebrate this holiday today have a history of animosity toward the festive season in the past. When the pilgrims first arrived in the New World, they imposed a ban on Christmas, and Cromwell’s puritans did so too in England, with a few socialist countries following suit centuries later. In recent years, there have been a number of countries that implemented Yule restrictions, including Cuba, Albania, and China. So as we recover from another Christmas followed by Boxing Day, here’s a brief insight into the countries that banned Christmas in the past.

Read more ....

Update: Christmas 2018: Which countries do not celebrate Christmas? (Express)

WNU Editor: Some surprises in this list.

China Bans Christmas Celebrations And Decorations

Police guard a church in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, Dec. 24, 2017. Tianjin Police

Radio Free Asia: China Bans Christmas Celebrations Amid Nationwide Crackdown on Churches

The ruling Chinese Communist Party has stepped up a nationwide crackdown on Christians, raiding and detaining pastors and members of churches in several locations as urban authorities warn against public Christmas decorations and events.

Authorities are undergoing "one of the largest crackdowns on underground Christian churches since draconian amendments to the Religious Affairs Regulations went into effect in February 2018," according to the overseas-based Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) network.

In Washington, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) said the targeting of Christians is part of President Xi Jinping's bid to "sinicize" religious belief, by bringing it under the close control of the ruling party.

Read more ....

Update #1: China forbids Christmas decorations as Xi Jinping ramps up war against religion and foreign culture (Business Insider)
Update #2: Santa Claus won’t be coming to this town, as Chinese officials ban Christmas (SCMP)

WNU editor: The Chinese Communist Party's crackdown on Christians comes and goes. But the banning of Christmas decorations is a bit too much.

Merry Christmas Everyone

WNU Editor: This is my favorite time of year. The music. The food. The excitement in the air. Being with family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone.

These Are The Countries That Have Banned Christmas

Newsweek: The Real War on Christmas: North Korea, Somalia, and the Other Countries Where Celebrating Jesus's Birth Is Banned

President Donald Trump claims to have re-invented Christmas. Throughout the month of December, Trump has used every opportunity to appear standing in front of a Christmas tree, and he recently promised supporters that the U.S. would start saying “Merry Christmas” again, instead of the politically correct “happy holidays.”

Implicit in these pronouncements is Trump’s belief that former President Barack Obama wasn’t enthusiastic enough about Christmas. Despite rumors to the contrary, however, the Obama White House did display a nativity scene during the holidays, and hosted an annual Christmas event.

Not every country’s government is so enthusiastic about celebrating the birth of Jesus as the U.S., however, and some countries have actually banned Christmas altogether. Here's a rundown of countries where celebrating the holiday could come with real risk.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Saudi Arabia, Somalia, North Korea, Tajikistan, and Brunei.

These Major Military Events Occurred On Christmas Day

British and German troops meet in no man's land on Christmas Day, 1914.

Business Insider: 5 momentous military events that took place on Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays on earth. But that doesn't mean that conflicts simply freeze every December 25th.

Here's a look at some of the major military events that have fallen on Christmas, a date with a surprisingly rich history.

WNU Editor: For me .... I will always remember this event a day after Christmas (December 26, 1991) .... in Moscow .... in Red Square .... with my father .... seeing all of this unfold.

USAF Band WWII Holiday Flashback

Hat tip Theospark.

The Great War: Christmas Truce (WWI Documentary)

Here Are Some Photos That Show How Soldiers, Sailors, And Airmen Celebrate Christmas

Back home, active duty military personnel will do what they can to remember those fallen. Sgt. 1C Kenneth Baer, US Army active duty, places a Christmas wreath at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on December 17, 2016. Reuters

Business Insider: Here's how the US military celebrates Christmas when serving in warzones

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year.

All across the United States, civilians will light up Christmas, stockings will be hung, and the front lawns of countless homes are brightened up by some truly impressive Christmas lights.

The men and women of the world's militaries don't sit out on these festivities either. Whether serving at home, or far abroad, Christmas is a time for everyone to celebrate.

Here are some photos that show how soldiers, sailors, and airmen celebrate Christmas:

Read more ....

WNU Editor:  Merry Christmas to all those who are serving right now.

US Air Force Pilots Wear Santa Hats During Christmas Day Airstrikes On The Islamic State In Iraq

 (Click on Image to Enlarge)

An F-16 pilot over Iraq can been seen wearing a Santa hat during a Christmas Day operation, December 25, 2016. US Defense Department photo.

We Are The Mighty: US Air Force pilots donned Santa hats during Christmas Day airstrike on ISIS

The US-led coalition air campaign against ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria has dragged on for months, but the US airmen mounting the raids haven’t lost track of time.

During Christmas Day airstrikes against the terrorist group, some US pilot donned Santa hats, photos of which were shared by the US Air Force, as first spotted by international monitoring group Airwars.

Read more ....

Update #1: US pilots take to the skies in SANTA HATS to deliver death to ISIS fighters on Christmas Day (Daily Mail)
Update #2: US Air Force pilots donned Santa hats during Christmas Day airstrikes on ISIS in Iraq (Business Insider)

WNU Editor: There are better ways to celebrate Christmas .... but war is war.

A Look At 5 Major Historical Military Events That Occurred On Christmas Day

Leutze's depiction of Washington's attack on the Hessians at Trenton. Wikipedia

Business Insider: 5 momentous military events that took place on Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays on earth. But that doesn't mean that conflicts simply freeze every December 25th.

Here's a look at some of the major military events that have fallen on Christmas, a date with a surprisingly rich history.

Read more ....

Merry Christmas Everyone

People gather by a Christmas tree near damaged buildings during Christmas eve in al-Hamidiyah neighborhood in the old city of Homs, Syria. © REUTERS/ Omar Sanadiki

WNU Editor: This is my favorite time of year. The music. The food. The excitement in the air. Being with family and friends. Merry Christmas everyone.

These Major Military Events Occurred On Christmas Day

British and German troops meet in no man's land on Christmas Day, 1914.

Business Insider: 5 momentous military events that took place on Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays on earth. But that doesn't mean that conflicts simply freeze every December 25th.

Here's a look at some of the major military events that have fallen on Christmas, a date with a surprisingly rich history.

WNU Editor: For me it is a political even that I will always remember....a day after Christmas (December 26, 1991) .... in Moscow .... in Red Square .... with my father .... seeding all of this unfold.

The Best & Worst Gifts (And Gift-Givers) Of Christmas

Zero Hedge: Pets Suck But Jewelry Rocks - The Best & Worst Gifts (And Gift-Givers) Of Christmas

"Anyone who has studied microeconomics knows... that an income transfer, as opposed to a gift in-kind, gets you to a higher level of utility," but as WSJ reports, putting theory under the tree is another matter. After years of studying the economics of gift-giving, economists have found that some gifts are valued more highly than others, and that some gift-givers seem to be better than others...

WNU Editor: The "Hot" item for this Christmas was to get a gun .... Guns top Christmas wish lists and the industry seems to be booming (The Guardian).

Military Christmas Quotes

WNU Editor: A great place for Military Christmas quotes .... the link is here (click on an image for the quote).

The Real Story Behind NORAD's Santa Tracker

Yoni Applebaum, The Atlantic: Yes, Virginia, There Is a NORAD

The real story of the military’s Santa Tracker isn’t what you’ve heard—it’s even better.

Perhaps you’ve heard the legend of Harry Shoup. The gruff Air Force colonel stood watch on December night 60 years ago, in a secure bunker at Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), guarding against a nuclear strike. On his desk sat the Red Phone, connecting him directly to the four-star general at Strategic Air Command. Suddenly, the phone rang.

Colonel Shoup answered. “Is this Santa Claus?” asked a child’s voice. Rather than break a child’s heart, Colonel Shoup played along. Sears, it turned out, had published a newspaper ad, with a jolly Saint Nick urging, “Call me on my private phone, and I will talk to you personally.” Because of a typo, the ad accidentally listed the number for the Red Phone. As calls kept pouring in, Colonel Shoup assigned his staff to play Santa. They began to provide children with updates on the location of Santa’s sleigh. And the NORAD Santa Tracker was born.

The inspirational holiday tale is retold by countless outlets each December. If it had been the plot of a Capra film, The New York Times’ Michael Beschloss wrote last week, “moviegoers might have thought the story contrived.” It sounds too good to be true. And, as it happens, it almost certainly is.

WNU Editor: The link to NORAD's Santa Tracker is here.

Christmas Is Banned In Somalia, Tajikistan And Brunei

The Guardian: Christmas celebrations banned in Somalia, Tajikistan and Brunei

Somalian government declared holiday is ‘only for Christians’ and festivities could prompt attacks from al-Shabaab, as other countries issue strict warnings.

The governments of three countries – Somalia, Tajikistan and Brunei – have banned Christmas celebrations this year, with punishments ranging up to a five-year jail term.

Somalia issued a ban on Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in the Muslim country on Wednesday, saying the festivities “have nothing to do with Islam”.

“We warn against celebration of Christmas, which is only for Christians,” Sheikh Mohamed Kheyrow, director of Somalia’s ministry of religion, said on state radio. “This is a matter of faith. The Christmas holiday and its drum beatings have nothing to do with Islam.” He said the ministry has sent letters to the police, national security intelligence and officials in the capital Mogadishu instructing them to “prevent Christmas celebrations”.

WNU Editor: There are also other regions and countries hostile towards Christmas .... Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, all Islamic State controlled regions, and now .... even China .... Christians in China feel full force of authorities’ repression (Washington Post)

Brunei's Sultan Warns Those Celebrating Christmas Could Face Up To Five Years In Jail

The Independent: Brunei cancels Christmas: Sultan warns those celebrating could face up to five years in jail

The punishment for celebrating Christmas is a fine of $20,000, up to five years in prison or both

Anyone found illegally celebrating Christmas in Brunei could face up to five years in prison, according to a reported declaration by the Sultan of the tiny oil-rich state.

Brunei introduced its ban on Christmas last year over fears that celebrating it "excessively and openly" could lead its Muslim population astray.

WNU Editor: The "real war against Christmas" continues.

Guns Are At The Top Of Many Christmas Lists

Today: Guns topping Christmas lists thanks to terrorism concerns, fear over restrictions

The convergence of fears over terrorism, a perceived threat of gun laws being changed and the Christmas holiday have sent gun sales soaring in what is already the busiest month of the year for firearm purchases.

Guns are at the top of many Christmas lists, especially if November is any indication.

Last month, the FBI ran more than 2.2 million firearm background checks on potential buyers, a 24 percent increase from November 2014. On Black Friday, a record 185,345 background checks were processed by the FBI.

WNU Editor:  Wow .... 2.2 million firearm background checks in November on potential buyers.

Pentagon Confirms That They Will Be Tracking Santa This Year

The Hill: Top military official confirms NORAD tracking of Santa

Sen. Tom Cotton is attempting to quell any concerns from boys and girls who have been good for goodness sake, confirming with a general that NORAD will dutifully be tracking Santa Claus again this Christmas Eve.

During a lighter moment from a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, the Arkansas Republican questioned Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Dec. 24 prep. Every year, the organization tracks the bearded gift-giver as he departs the North Pole and heads to the homes of kids across the country.

WNU Editor: Bah! Humbug! :)