1. On Santa's busiest day, he is getting a little help from postal workers in Washington DC. Some employees gathered today to make sure all the last-minute express packages got delivered in time for the holiday.

2. It was a white Christmas for US troops in Afghanistan as more than 6 inches of snow fell near Kabul. Soldiers say they are feeling the spirit of Christmas despite being thousands of miles away from loved ones.

3. New Yorkers are reacting with sadness to the death of James Brown. The Godfather of Soul influenced generations of musicians across a range of genres from rap to rock with his revolutionary rhythms, rough voice and flashy footwork.

4. This surfing Santa is braving the freezing cold waters near Niagara Falls. The brave businessman puts on a Santa suit each year and takes to the water to raise money for troubled teens and homeless charities.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. genre : N-COUNT
A genre is a particular type of literature, painting, music, film, or other art form which people consider as a class because it has special characteristics.

2. flashy : ADJ
If you describe a person or thing as flashy, you mean they are smart and noticeable, but in a rather vulgar way.

3. footwork : N-UNCOUNT
Footwork is the way in which you move your feet, especially in sports such as boxing, football, or tennis, or in dancing