Christmas 2020: Small gatherings, prayers with masks; COVID-19 pandemic shadows celebrations

[caption id="attachment_9146501" align="alignnone" width="640"] Millions of people across the world have marked a grim Christmas as coronavirus infections exploded, political leaders warned them not to travel or gather in large groups in view of the coronavirus pandemic. AP[/caption][caption id="attachment_9146361" align="alignnone" width="640"] Normally, the streets would be abuzz with people and activities, but this year, amid the pandemic, people have improvised celebrations with silent prayers and small gatherings. PTI[/caption][caption id="attachment_9146381" align="alignnone" width="640"] Christian devotees wearing facemasks as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus offer prayers at Sacred Heart Shrine Church on Christmas in Chennai. AFP[/caption][caption id="attachment_9146411" align="alignnone" width="640"] On the global front, celebrations were muted too, with all worshippers wearing masks. In this picture, a sign reads "Please wear a mask" as Christian worshippers arrive at the Petrus church in Bremerhaven for a "Christmas Vespers" mass in Bremerhaven, northern Germany. AFP[/caption][caption id="attachment_9146511" align="alignnone" width="640"] In response to pandemic-induced restrictions, Pope Francis wasn't able to appear on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica this year, but opted to deliver his annual address on world issues from inside the Apostolic Palace. AP[/caption][caption id="attachment_9146421" align="alignnone" width="640"] In this picture, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa (C) leads Christmas morning mass at the Church of the Nativity, the site where Jesus Christ is believed to have been born, in the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. AFP[/caption][caption id="attachment_9146441" align="alignnone" width="640"] Germany has been forced to cancel its famous Christmas markets, while in Kuwait, churches were closed until 10 January. For many, the isolation that has defined the past year will continue into Christmas Day and beyond - such as in Belgium, where residents are largely limited to welcoming a single visitor. AFP[/caption]