The festive Christmas atmosphere is spreading all over the world.

Millions of Christians around the world are eagerly preparing to welcome a joyful Christmas season in 2014.

Hundreds of people dressed as Santa Claus gathered in Times Square in New York City to participate in activities celebrating Christmas. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Christmas is still two days away, but in Spain, every year on December 22nd, people limit their time outdoors and gather around their TVs or radios to watch the announcement of the lottery results called "The Fat Man".

This lottery program originated in Spain in 1812, with the primary goal of bringing unexpected luck and joy to people during the Christmas season.

For just a few euros, and with a bit of luck, even a poor person can become a millionaire in an instant. This year, the total prize money for the program amounts to over 2.2 billion euros, making it the largest season in history in Spain.

Meanwhile, the Christmas spirit has begun to liven up in Russia. On December 21st, approximately 500 Santa Clauses paraded through the streets of Moscow to raise funds for children with serious illnesses.

This is a meaningful activity that helps all citizens of the city share the difficulties with those who are less fortunate.

Despite the difficult economic situation and the sharp depreciation of the ruble, the Christmas shopping habits of Russians seem undiminished. Many shops and stores remain bustling with people buying gifts for loved ones to celebrate the coming New Year.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is brightly decorated for Christmas. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Meanwhile, in the United States, the spirit of the holiday season is spreading everywhere, with many diverse ways of celebrating Christmas. In Galveston, a small American city located on the Gulf of Mexico, the Christmas atmosphere has arrived in full swing with the appearance of thousands of "Santa Clauses" on the streets.

Thousands of amateur marathon runners dressed as Santa Claus gathered on a seaside road in Galveston. Some ran with young children, some with pets, but they all shared the commonality of carrying small bells, candy, and music.

The bustling sights and the sounds of bells have truly immersed this coastal city in a festive atmosphere.

In New Britain, 90-year-old Rita Giancola lavishly decorated her home with a very serious purpose in mind.

For many years, she has invited guests to visit her home during Christmas. In return, the guests bring in long-lasting food items to donate to charity. Her idea attracted thousands of people in its very first year.

The cathedral in Nantes, western France, is illuminated to welcome Christmas. (Source: AFP/VNA)

This Christmas season has also been warmer for three-year-old Aubree Fox, a cancer patient. Her spirits lifted when she got to play with Santa Claus and had the chance to share her wish with him.

Meanwhile, in New York City, the iconic Empire State Building is adorned with an energy-efficient LED lighting system that changes millions of colors in the blink of an eye.

This colorful display lasts for three days, from December 20-23, and afterwards, people will vote for the best lighting idea to be recreated on Christmas Eve.

According to VNA