December 25th 2024.
Good morning, Chicago!
It's that time of year again. The streets are lined with twinkling lights, the air is filled with the scent of pine, and children all over the world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. This Christmas tradition has become a global phenomenon, with kids from every corner of the globe tracking Santa as he makes his way across the earth to deliver presents and spread holiday cheer.
At least 100,000 children call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) every year to inquire about Santa's location, and millions more follow along online in nine different languages. It's a heartwarming sight to see, especially considering that on any other night, NORAD is busy scanning the sky for potential threats. But on this special night, the volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, "When will Santa come to my house?" and "Am I on the naughty or nice list?"
Bob Sommers, a 63-year-old civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer, describes the atmosphere as a mix of screams, giggles, and laughter. He often reminds the excited children to be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting their parents to say, "Do you hear that? We have to go to bed early!"
This tradition of tracking Santa has been going on since the Cold War, long before ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey's Christmas hits. It continues to this day, despite government shutdowns and other challenges. But how did it all begin, and why do the phones keep ringing? Let's take a look.
Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, another Christmas Eve is being observed under the shadow of war in Gaza. The usual excitement and cheer that fills the West Bank during this time of year is noticeably absent. The festive lights and giant tree that usually adorn Manger Square are missing, and the usual crowds of tourists are nowhere to be found. It's a somber scene in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
In Rome, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni delivered a speech during the opening ceremony of a new pedestrian area near the Vatican, just days before the start of the 2025 Holy Year. This event is expected to draw millions of visitors to the Eternal City and will be a test of both Pope Francis' stamina and Rome's ability to accommodate such a large influx of people.
Back in the United States, families of different faiths are finding ways to blend their holiday traditions. For Peter and Nancy Kujawinski, who come from different religious backgrounds, Christmas and Hanukkah falling on the same day is an opportunity to explore new traditions. They have even ordered Hanukkah pajamas to add to their family's "super-cheesy Christmas family pajama" tradition.
In a heartwarming story, a group of children born with a serious heart condition are finding healing through music. These children, who have already undergone multiple surgeries and spent countless hours in hospitals, joined a choir created by researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music. The choir not only brings joy to these children, but also serves as a way to assess the health benefits of singing for those with the heart condition.
And finally, the FDA has announced that a common decongestant found in many cold medicines does not actually work. This news has left many wondering what actually does work to relieve cold symptoms. With the holiday season in full swing, it's important to take care of our health and find effective ways to combat the common cold.
Good morning, Chicago! As we approach Christmas, a beloved tradition has become a global phenomenon. Children all over the world eagerly track Santa Claus as he travels across the globe, delivering presents and defying time. This annual event has captured the hearts of millions, with at least 100,000 kids calling into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) every year to inquire about Santa's whereabouts. And that's not all - millions more follow along online in nine different languages.
Normally, NORAD is busy scanning the skies for potential threats, but on Christmas Eve, their focus shifts to answering questions from excited kids such as "When will Santa be at my house?" and "Am I on the naughty or nice list?" According to 63-year-old civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer, Bob Sommers, the atmosphere is filled with screams, giggles, and laughter. He often reminds children to go to bed early so Santa can make his special delivery, prompting parents to exclaim "Do you hear that? We have to go to bed early!"
The tradition of tracking Santa with NORAD has been around since the Cold War, before the popularity of ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey's holiday classics. This heartwarming tradition has stood the test of time and continues every year, regardless of government shutdowns or other obstacles.
Speaking of Christmas traditions, let's take a look at some other top stories to start your day. But first, make sure to subscribe to our newsletters and check out our puzzles and games. Now, let's move on to some international news.
In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, Christmas Eve was a subdued affair due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Typically, the city is filled with excitement and cheer during this time of year, with festive lights, a giant tree, and throngs of tourists. However, this year, the square was bare and quiet. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni also kicked off a major event in Rome, the Jubilee Year, which is expected to bring in millions of visitors to the Eternal City. This will surely be a test of both the pope's stamina and Rome's ability to accommodate such a large crowd.
Back in the US, for interfaith families like the Kujawinskis in Chicago, Christmas and Hanukkah present an opportunity to explore new traditions. Peter Kujawinski, who was raised Catholic, and his wife, Nancy Kujawinski, who was raised Jewish, have found a unique way to blend their traditions. With Hanukkah beginning on Christmas Day this year, they have ordered Hanukkah pajamas to add to their annual tradition of wearing matching Christmas pajamas. This brings their two sets of already-intertwined traditions even closer together.
In other heartwarming news, a group of children born with a serious heart condition have found a new way to boost their wellness - by joining a choir. These kids, who have undergone multiple surgeries and spent countless hours in hospitals, have come together to learn singing and breathing techniques and perform in a winter concert at Northwestern University. This special choir, created by researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern's Bienen School of Music, aims to assess the health benefits of singing for children living with this condition.
Finally, for those battling a cold, the FDA has some news for you. They recently announced that the decongestant phenylephrine, found in many cold medicines, does not actually work. So if you're looking for relief, it may be best to consult your doctor for alternative options.
As we approach the holiday season, let's remember to spread love and cheer to those around us. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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[Generative AI is experimental.]
