Palestinians call for Christmas peace

Christmas celebrations have begun across the Middle East. In Jerusalem, free Christmas trees were handed out. While in Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus, children marched ahead of the holiday calling for peace.

The scene was set for Christmas celebrations in Jerusalem's Old City. Colorful decorations filled shop fronts, and free Christmas trees were handed out to locals.

Whitney, American Tourist, said, "We came here to get a Christmas tree because you can not have Christmas without a real tree so they gave them away here for free, so we are going to have our Jerusalem Christmas."

The West Bank City of Bethlehem prides itself on being the birth place of Christ. There, school children marched in the streets in one of many events ahead of Christmas eve.

As part of the Children without borders program, they carried a giant Palestinian flag and called for peace in the Holy Land.

Palestinians light candles during preparations to celebrate Christmas in the West Bank city of Ramallah December 19, 2009. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman