A photo shows people are wearing the costume of Santa Claus to celebrate the Christmas Day in Copenhagen. [Photo: Xinhua]

This year's Christmas holiday is winding down across the globe, with people celebrating the holiday in various ways.

As part of his weekly address, US President Barack Obama has sent out Christmas wishes to the nation.

"Merry Christmas, everybody! This is one of our favorite times of the year in the Obama household, filled with family and friends, warmth and good cheer. That's even true when I spend all night chasing Bo and Sunny away from the cookies we leave for Santa. It's also my favorite weekly address of the year, because I'm joined by a special holiday guest star: Mrs. Obama."

In Britain, Queen Elizabeth has delivered her traditional Christmas Day broadcast, which has been sent out to the entire Commonwealth.

In her pre-recorded message, the Queen has tried to strike an upbeat theme.

"It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

As part of her address, Queen Elizabeth also says she's looking forward to her 90th birthday celebrations next year.

Beyond the political realm, others across the globe are also celebrating the Christmas holiday in their own way.

In Australia, many have taken part in church services.

Though many others have also flocked to the beaches in an attempt to escape the scorching summer temperatures that have been gripping many parts of Australia.

"So, we just come down to Bondi Beach today, it's only my second day here, so it's pretty epic, been in the sea for the first time, it's amazing, I love it here. So yeah, we're just chilling, loads of friends, my friends are moving here, so just an amazing few days."

In the northern Hemisphere, where winter is in full force, sandy beaches are replaced with ice-coated lakes.

However, that hasn't stopped a group in Berlin from taking part in a 35-year old tradition of taking a so-called polar dip.

"It's good for me. I have this feeling of joy when I get out of the water and the body is steaming. It's simply a beautiful feeling - and it keeps you fresh."

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.

However, in his reputed birth place, the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Christian celebrations there have been low-key amid the current tensions between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Months of violence has left more than 120 Palestinians and 20 Israelis dead since October in disputes fueled partly by sectarian undertones between Jews and Muslims.