Across the world, Christmas celebrations spread the message of cheer and goodwill, and fervour and gaiety filled the air.

A mom helps a kid
India: A mom helps a kid light a candle during the Christmas Day service in a church in Amritsar. Image Credit: AFP
People dressed as Father Frost
People dressed as Father Frost and Snow Maiden take part in a march on Christmas Eve in centre of Minsk, Belarus on Monday. Image Credit: Reuters
Tourists pose
Australia: Tourists pose for a photo wearing Santa hats on Bondi Beach in Sydney. Image Credit: AFP
The Vatican
The Vatican: Pope Francis kisses a statue of Baby Jesus as he celebrates the Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Image Credit: AP
Christians attend
Pakistan: Christians attend a midnight services at St. Anthony’s Church in Lahore on Monday night. Image Credit: AP
Africa Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Africa Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu wishes Archbishop Thabo Makgoba at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. Image Credit: Reuters
People light candles
Turkey: People light candles during a Christmas Eve mass at St. Antuan Catholic church in central Istanbul on Monday. Image Credit: Reuters
Venezuela
Venezuela: An employee of the Colombian Foreign Ministry gives out gifts to Venezuelan immigrant children in Colombia. Image Credit: AFP
People attend a mass
Indonesia: People attend a mass on Christmas Eve at a stadium in Surabaya, the country’s second largest city. Image Credit: AFP