Each year around December 25, The New York Times has utilized its reporting to reflect the meaning and celebration of the holidays.
One method of conveying this spirit is through datelines, the capitalized locations that precede certain articles reported from the field. Historically, these datelines signified that journalists were physically present at a location outside of the newsroom, particularly before the advent of cellphones and social media. Recently, the Times has adopted a more conversational style for online article datelines.
Some holiday datelines originate from significant religious sites, while others come from less conventional places. Notable datelines include Noel, Missouri; Antlers, Oklahoma; North Pole, Alaska; and Bethlehem, both in Pennsylvania and the West Bank, the latter recognized by many Christian theologians as the birthplace of Jesus.
Over the years, Bethlehem in the West Bank has frequently featured in Christmas Day editions, detailing the annual pilgrimage of the faithful to the biblical site amidst ongoing historical conflicts. Articles from this location have captured the evolving situation in the city, such as a 1945 piece noting the continued absence of room at the inn for pilgrims and a 1995 article highlighting the first Christmas under Palestinian control, marked by celebrations and fireworks.
In contrast, a 2023 article described a somber Bethlehem, devoid of typical festivities due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a 2018 report covered the theft of a baby Jesus statue from a Nativity scene, an incident reflective of a troubling trend across the U.S. The town also garnered attention in a 1994 article that focused on financial aid for college students, rather than holiday events.
The town of Santa Claus, Indiana, was featured in a 2006 article about local residents who portrayed Santa by responding to children's letters from around the world.
North Pole, New York, was highlighted in a 2016 report on a struggling theme park, Santa’s Workshop, which offered children various festive activities. This location, along with the hamlet itself, continues to exist.
In 1983, a Christmas story from Malula, Syria, showcased a Christian community where the ancient language of Aramaic was still in use, despite concerns about its decline.
Lastly, in December 2017, a correspondent reported from Rovaniemi, Finland, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, where visitors could engage in various holiday-themed activities. The article reflected on the growing secularization of Christmas in contemporary society.