Italian glassmakers wards off counterfeits

Published 27 December 2012 19:58

For centuries, glassmakers on the Italian island of Murano have been renowned for their skills. The recent global recession, however, has hit their trade hard -- and the economic woes are not the only threat to their livelihoods. Al Jazeera's Claudio Lavanga reports from Murano, Italy.

France cuts back during holiday season

Published 27 December 2012 20:03

The holiday season is an expensive time for families in Europe. The average household spends $780 on Christmas Day alone. For people struggling to make ends meet, the food, presents and entertainment for the children can be too much. This is why many families in France are looking for low-cost ways to survive until January. Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland reports from Paris.

'Nouveau poor' in Greece get free Christmas meal

Published on Dec 27, 2012

http://www.euronews.com/ A soup kitchen for the poor is something St Emilian church in the Greek capital Athens provides every day.

But with the debt crisis throwing so many middle class parishioners into hardship, the local priest organised a Christmas feast for about 40 of his flock.

A three course meal was laid on at a family owned traditional Greek tavern close to the church.

Father Nicolas Argyropoulos says it is his church's obligation to provide support for those who are struggling.

....