On Christmas Day, it can be easy to forget about the world around us. Unfolding events worldwide may go unnoticed by us until December 26th. Regardless of our accidental ignorance, the news never stops. Here are some news stories from Christmas Days past from the last 60 years.
2016
A Russian military defence plane kills all 92 passengers on board as it crashes into the Black Sea after taking off from Sochi airport. George Michael passes away aged 53.
2013
“The Wolf of Wall Street” is released in the United States, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill.
2009
Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese human rights activist, is sentenced to 11 years in prison in Beijing for “inciting subversion of state power”.
2002
Ireland experiences an extremely mild Christmas day – one of the warmest in over a decade.
2000
In contrast, Christmas Day swimmers face extremely chilly temperatures, ranging from zero to four degrees in some coastal areas.
1999
Most of the country experiences extremely heavy winds and rain. However, snow-capped mountains of Knockmealdown and Comeragh in Co. Waterford earns some punters betting to see a White Christmas a pretty penny. The snow costs Paddy Power £50,000.
1995
Dean Martin passes away aged 78 following a battle with lung cancer and emphysema.
1991
Mikhail Gorbachev resigns. The Russian flag replaces the hammer and sickle over the Kremlin. The USSR officially dissolves the next day.
1990
The internet as we know it is rolled out on Christmas Day this year for a full test of communication between the Web browser and an Internet server. The US sees the release of “The Godfather Part III”. It stars Al Pacino, Diane Keaton and Andy Garcia.
1989
Former President of Romania, Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena are found guilty of genocide and personal enrichment. Following a show trial, a firing squad executes them.
1983
The first live telecast of the Christmas Parade at the EPCOT Centre at Disney World Florida is broadcast.
1979
Soviet forces invade Afghanistan in an attempt to prop up the Communist government. This marks the start of a failed ten-year war.
1977
Charlie Chaplin passes away aged 88 of a stroke in his sleep.
1974
Irish artist in oils and woodcuts, Harry Kernoff, passes away.
1971
A fire at Taeyokale Hotel in Seoul kills 163 and becomes the worst hotel fire in history.
1968
The Apollo 8 mission circles the moon for the first time. The three astronauts on board become the first humans to orbit a celestial object.
1965
US President Lyndon B. Johnson halts bombing in North Vietnam in a bid to encourage peace talks.
1962
The film adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. It stars Gregory Peck.
What news stories and historical events can you remember from Christmas Days past? Let us know down in the comments! Feeling nostalgic? Check out these retro toys from the 1970s and 1980s.
