Christmas

(Warning: This video is not safe for children.) We asked Olympians if they believe in Santa Claus. Their answers ranged from heartbreaking to heartwarming.

A Massachusetts police officer declined to charge two women accused of trying to steal groceries for their children — and instead bought them Christmas dinner. Somerset Officer Matt Lima responded to a report of shoplifting on Dec. 20 at a Stop & Shop located at 815 Grand Army Highway, where two women with two young children were accused of putting…

Legendary rock star Gene Simmons congratulated Somerset Officer Matt Lima on social media.

The director of the Maine Center for Disease Control warned Monday of another spike in COVID-19 cases in coming days because of people traveling and gathering around the Christmas holiday — and a corresponding increase in testing. “All of those factors point in the same direction. The bottom line (is) that there’s a high likelihood of an increase in increasing…

As Christmas celebrations wind down and preparations for New Year’s Eve begin, new restrictions have taken effect in Massachusetts that aim to curb a new spike in holiday-related COVID-19 cases. But when would evidence of that surge likely appear? Thanksgiving, which inspired the new restrictions, may offer a sense.

The amount of people that traveled through airports over the holiday is causing concerns that there could be yet another COVID-19 surge.

The Salvation Army continued its 30-year tradition of giving out Christmas meals Friday, but this year they handed out the 2,000 hot meals at three different sites around the county to ensure the safety of those participating. Salvation Army Officer Major Dave Shull says the modified event actually allowed them to reach out to more people in neighborhoods they don’t…

An elderly man is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after someone broke into a Roxbury apartment complex on Christmas Eve. Police could hear screaming inside of an apartment where a break-in was reported near Pompeii Street in Roxbury just after 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve. They initially couldn’t get in the building as their only access point was...

An elderly man is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after someone broke into a Roxbury apartment complex on Christmas Eve.

A storm packing a mix of heavy rains and winds knocked out power to thousands of homes across the Northeast region Christmas morning. There were more than 7,000 customers without power early Friday in Massachusetts. As of 10:45 p.m., 740 had yet to see their power restored. State officials and utility companies had warned that the winds could knock down…

The coronavirus upended Christmas traditions, but determination and imagination kept the day special for many

Caroline Moss is an author and host of the podcast “Gee Thanks, Just Bought It,” which helps people find the products they need to make life easier, better and more productive. Now with this column, “Asking for a Friend,” she’s helping people get the advice they need to make life easier, better and more productive. To submit a question for Caroline, email us...

Eversource crews were busy Friday but one said it wasn’t nearnly as bad as they feared.

Queen Elizabeth II has delivered a heartfelt message of hope in her Christmas address, praising the “indomitable spirit” of those who have risen “magnificently” to the challenges of the pandemic

Did you know during Christmas season the average American produces up to 25% more trash?

Two New Hampshire men in their 20s are in the hospital – one in critical condition – after a double stabbing in the early hours of Christmas morning, according to authorities. A fight broke out at a Christmas Eve get-together outside of a home on Old County Road in Pelham, New Hampshire, preliminary investigation shows. An argument between Joseph Schulte,…

Thousands of people in Massachusetts woke up without power Christmas morning as downpours and wind gusts reach height intensity through 11 a.m. More than 7,000 people in Massachusetts lost power Christmas morning as of 8 a.m., according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management System. Outages are scattered across the state. National Grid and Eversource crews said they were ready to respond...

Pope Francis has made a Christmas appeal to nations to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are available for all

The Celtics had plenty to smile about after their season-opening win over the Bucks, but their Christmas showdown against the Nets should tell us much more about the new-look C’s, writes Chris Forsberg.

Crews were on standby Christmas morning to respond to expected scattered power outages in Massachusetts.