South Pole The warmest temperature ever recorded at the South Pole is set with a top of -12.3°C set at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station.
Faezeh Hashemi Faezeh Hashemi, the daughter of former President of Iran Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, stands trial on charges of making anti-regime propaganda.
State Emergency Service State Emergency Service volunteers respond to more than 3000 calls for help after Melbourne, Australia is hit by a series of storms bringing rainstorms, hail and a tornado.
Haiti At least 38 migrants from Haiti are found dead after their boat sank off the east coast of Cuba.
Benedict XVI Pope Benedict XVI delivers the annual Christmas message at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City.
Syria The Syrian opposition urge the Arab League to visit the city of Homs before the government reportedly uses force to end dissent in the area.
Series of attacks At least 39 people are killed and many injured in a series of attacks against churches in Nigeria during Christmas prayers. The Islamic group Boko Haram claims responsibility.
Sudan The Sudanese People's Armed Forces claim that the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement in Darfur, Khalil Ibrahim, has been killed.