The great thing about working for an international news agency like Reuters is that it is just that, international. The ability to look at lots of regional or local stories at the same time allows for a truly global perspective on world events. Never has this been more readily demonstrated than over the past week or so as Santa Claus and his helpers have geared-up their efforts for the festive season. Reports and pictures have come in thick and fast, a few of which I offer for your perusal.

I particularly like this picture of his merry helper elves warming up by dancing on a frozen lake in China.

From the hundreds of sightings which have flooded into the desk we can see that the old boy still adheres to traditional modes of transport,

- Kacper Pempel

although there is clear evidence that even Santa Claus is not immune to the mid-life motorbike crisis.

- Arnd Wiegmann

He is clearly a caring and compassionate individual,

- Guillermo Granja

but it is equally clear that he knows how to have fun 

 - Hugh Gentry

Of course not everyone who looks like Santa is the real deal and the same

- Johanes Eisele

goes for angels, indeed some of them may not even have been good all year!

- Hannibal Hanschke

Compliments of the season to everyone, I hope Santa brings you everything you deserve.