It's Christmas time... Celebrations kick off around the world as clocks strike midnightChristmas celebrations have kicked off around the world today as revellers across different timezones toasted the clock striking midnight. At the Vatican Pope Benedict XVI held his annual Christmas night holy mass at St Peter's Basilica to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ. In Florida, around 150 surfing Santas, elves, snowmen and other Christmas characters took to the water in Cocoa Beach. The George Trosset's Surfing Santa event Christmas in the Sand event raised money for Grind for Life, which helps people with cancer.

Heralded by the blare of trumpets reflecting Christmas joy, Pope Benedict XVI is presides over Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica, packed with tourists, Romans and other faithful