Finns bail out Bethlehem

A day after Bethlehem officials said they lacked the money to celebrate

Christmas properly, Finland announced it was sending a 40ft Christmas tree and a Santa Claus to the West Bank town. The 40-year-old tree will stand in Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity. The Santa will arrive with the Christmas Day procession and will entertain pilgrims and visitors, assisted by Palestinian children dressed as gnomes.

AP - Jerusalem