Globe Santa
Globe Santa, friends bring joy to many
This year, 49,147 children across 189 Mass. cities and towns will open Christmas gifts from Globe Santa, thanks to thousands of heartfelt donations.
Christmas arrives, and a church is born in Natick
YOON S. BYUN/GLOBE STAFF
Christmas Eve was the first official service for the Common Street Community Church, which had held eight weeks of informal gatherings.
FARAH STOCKMAN
The crucial act of forgiveness
Christmas marks the birth of Jesus, who taught the importance of obtaining forgiveness for our sins — and of forgiving each other. But the roots of forgiveness are universal.
‘Wounded Warrior’ soldiers on, touching lives
Army veteran Greg Reynolds lost his arm in a horrific motorcycle accident. Now he inspires other wounded veterans by playing softball with the Wounded Warriors.
Loose panels removed from Callahan Tunnel
A state highway crew removed 117 loose panels from the walls of the tunnel, following an emergency inspection after a panel fell into the roadway late last week.
JAY PREMACK FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
Student travels a rough road to White House
The story of 18-year-old Romario Accime is about poverty and chance, and it involves a public school that wouldn’t let him sink, and a rarefied museum.
Kevin Cullen
Family looking for a place to stay
The Christmas story is essentially about a road trip, about a family finding themselves with no place to stay. That’s where the Moldenhauers are right now.
Panera Cares, nonprofit outpost of chain, to open soon
There are no prices at the Panera Cares Community Cafe near Government Center — just suggested donations and bins to leave money, if you can afford to.
Cookie recipesGlobe exclusives
Sports
Patriots still in the running for a playoff bye
With one week remaining in the season, the No. 1 slot in the AFC is unexpectedly very much in play for the Broncos and Patriots.
Metro
Boston Police officer commended for water rescue
Officer Edward T. Norton was honored for jumping into the cold waters of Fort Point Channel on Friday to save a woman.
Columnists
Nation & World
Four N.Y. firefighters shot responding to blaze
Four firefighters were shot — two fatally — after apparently being lured to an early morning blaze in Webster, N.Y.
Politics
Political Notebook
Presidential historians send mixed message to Obama
In the coming months, the president will have to decide where to be ambitious, where to be cautious, and where to buy time.
Business
Returning a holiday gift? Know the store’s rules
Before making a return, check the store’s policy on its website. Every retailer has its own policy.
Arts
Movie Review
Epic ‘Les Misérables’ runs out of steam
After 2 1/2 hours, the movie becomes a bowl of trail mix — you’re picking out the nuts you don’t like.
Lifestyle
Q & A
Defending civil liberties rarely a model union
Anthony Romero, 47, is the first Latino and first openly gay man to head the American Civil Liberties Union.
