Thursday, December 25, 1997
Today's events
Much of the world celebrates Christmas.
Algeria holds parliamentary elections.
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On the horizon
On Friday, December 26, one of the busiest U.S. shopping days of the year begins with consumers rushing to grab after-Christmas bargains.
On Saturday, December 27, National Football League wild-card playoff games are held.
On Monday, December 29, Kenya holds presidential and general elections.
On Tuesday, December 30, World Universities' Debating Championships will be held in Athens, Greece.
On Wednesday, December 31, Luxembourg relinquishes its six-month rotating presidency of the European Union.
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On this day
In 336, the first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25 took place in Rome.
In 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned king of England.
In 1758, Halley's comet was first sighted by Johann Georg Palitzsch.
In 1776, George Washington led troops across the Delaware River and surprised the Hessians.
In 1818, "Silent Night" by Franz Joseph Gruber and Joseph Mohr was sung for the first time.
In 1843, the first theater matinee was held at Olympic Theatre in New York City.
In 1868, President Johnson granted unconditional pardon to all involved in the Civil War.
In 1926, Hirohito became emperor of Japan.
In 1941, Japan announces surrender of British-Canadian garrison at Hong Kong.
In 1963, Walt Disney's "The Sword In The Stone" is released.
In 1977, Charlie Chaplin died in Switzerland at age 88.
In 1977, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin meets in Egypt with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.
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Newslink
Today's the day all the elves have been working for. Check out all the happenings at the North Pole.
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Holidays and more
Much of the world celebrates Christmas.
Angola and Mozambique celebrate Family Day.
Congo celebrates Children's Day.
Taiwan celebrates Constitution Day.
Singer Jimmy Buffett is 51.
Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka is 51.
Singer Annie Lennox is 43.
Singer Barbara Mandrell is 49.
Singer Little Richard is 62.
Actor Gary Sandy is 52.
Actress Sissy Spacek is 48.
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Sources: Associated Press,
Chase's Calendar of Events 1997, J.P. Morgan
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