Christmas 2017: Here’s how the world is celebrating Xmas

Britain's Queen Elizabeth sits at a desk in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, after recording her Christmas Day broadcast to the Commonwealth, in London. | AP

Pope Francis kisses a statue of Baby Jesus as he celebrates the Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. | AP

Japan: Runners in Santa Claus costumes take part in the Christmas charity event 'Tokyo Santa Run' at the Makuhari Seaside Park in Chiba. | AFP

Syria: Syrians dressed in Santa Claus outfits roam the streets of the capital Damascus on the back of a decorated vehicle. | AFP

Australia: Visitors wear Santa hats on Bondi Beach on Christmas day in Sydney. | AFP

Turkey: Worshippers light candles as they attend Christmas Mass at Saint Antuan Church in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul. | AFP

The day marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the second of the Holy Trinity of Christianity. | AP