Sir Keir Starmer said he would be looking towards a “better, brighter future for every person” in a Christmas message following a turbulent year for the UK. The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”BBC bosses want to make a Gavin & Stacey spin-off show after the finale scored the highest Christmas Day TV audience for 16 years. A peak of 12.5 million saw Nessa and Smithy get hitched in the sitcom’s highly anticipated conclusion. Millions more are expected to have watched on catch-up. Insiders say execs are keen to coax more material from co-writers James Corden and Ruth Jones . A source said: “It would be madness to close the door on such a hit.” The spin-off could come in the form of a sitcom following warring couple Dawn and Pete, insiders said. A TV source said: “James and Ruth are adamant this is the last of Gavin & Stacey. But, when a programme achieves such results, execs will always hope for more. “At the end of the day, ratings talk and it would be madness to close the door on such a hit forever when fans loved it so much. “Bosses have had casual discussions about whether options like a Pete and Dawn spin-off could work. "They were always more separate to the main group and a new universe could be developed which didn’t involve any of the core cast, so James and Ruth’s involvement could be a little different.” The 2019 Christmas special, when Nessa, played by Ruth, proposed to Smithy (James) was supposed to be the final episode. But The Sun then sensationally revealed the gang were coming back five years on. Our source went on: “No one thought James and Ruth would ever return following 2019’s special, so it’s definitely considered a ‘never say never’ situation and bosses live in hope. "Even when news of this Christmas special broke , Ruth denied it publicly, so any plans will always be shrouded in secrecy. “At this point they are rightly so proud of what they delivered and why would they risk ruining it all? But no one can be blamed for one day hoping for more.” The BBC last night said there were no plans for a spin-off. Christmas Day’s classic finale saw Nessa and Smithy get the happy ending fans were hoping for. But other characters have obvious room for more, after Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe divorced then were reunited. There is also Stacey’s mum Gwen West finding love with Nessa’s ex Dave Coaches. Fan favourites such as Smithy’s sister Rudi and his mates Budgie, Chinese Alan and Fingers are also candidates. The BBC has had huge success with spin-offs that are based within the same “universe” as a popular show, such as Beyond Paradise and now Return To Paradise for cop show Death In Paradise. The source said: “As with any big shows, options are always discussed in planning meetings and there are obvious options within Gavin & Stacey. "It’s all down to James and Ruth whether anything will be developed, though.” The 2024 special surpassed its 2019 predecessor by more than half a million viewers. Yesterday, photos were released of the cast and crew posing for final photos on set. Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Ruth Jones and James Corden created a magical finale fans will treasure forever. “Their exquisitely written comedy creation is a show all about family, love and joy and it proved to be the unmissable TV event of the year.” The special was packed with twists and big reveals, kicking off with the dreaded Sonia being Smithy’s bride-to-be at the start of the episode, not Nessa. Christmas Day on the BBC brought people together in their millions. Actress Laura Aikman, who plays Sonia, told on the night how she kept it a secret from loved ones. She posted a video of her family gasping when she appeared. Laura wrote: “I take an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) very seriously! The moment my family realise Sonia is ruining Christmas again.” The finale crowned an epic Christmas Day for the BBC, which had all the top ten most-watched programmes. The return of Wallace & Gromit with Vengeance Most Fowl drew in the next biggest tally, with a peak of ten million, followed by stalwarts including Call The Midwife, Doctor Who and Strictly. ITV’s best efforts came from The Chase’s celebrity special with 2.9 million and Freddie Flintoff’s Bullseye special on 2.4 million. Ms Moore said: “Christmas Day on the BBC brought people together in their millions. I’m very proud the line-up was a showcase for the very best in British storytelling.” IT’S not Gavin & Stacey’s fault, but I’d started hating the Christmas special long before it came to screen. A resentment you can probably put down to personal failings and the fact that rolling news, the print media and even the BBC’s main bulletins seemed to be hyping the 90-minute episode’s expectations way beyond a point it could possibly deliver. Without anything else worth watching on Christmas Day, since the last Gavin & Stacey special in 2019, the longing was as understandable as it was damning, I suppose. But for the first half, at least, it seemed like all the pre-publicity had been a dreadful miscalculation. The storyline was going nowhere and everyone, bar James Corden and Ruth Jones, who’ve written themselves the two best parts, seemed to be performing instead of acting, to an annoying degree in the cases of Rob “Bryn” Brydon and Alison “Pam” Steadman. They clearly knew something we didn’t, though. Because, as soon as Smithy and Sonia’s abortive wedding scene kicked in, everything made perfect sense. It was an old-fashioned love story that had momentum, heart, soul, staggeringly good stars, Anna Maxwell Martin and Sheridan Smith, and also the good sense to flag up its own plot holes, on the final chase to Southampton Docks. As I’m sure the whole audience was screaming “Give her a ring,” long before Joanna Page’s Stacey said “I’ll try her on her mobile” and Jason replied “Why didn’t we just call her in the first place?” They would have looked daft, of course, if the show hadn’t delivered the ending the audience craved and deserved. But it gave the people what they wanted, a Smithy and Nessa wedding, and spared them from the one thing that infected other significant parts of the BBC’s Christmas Day TV, preachiness. For there were no gear-crunching references to diversity, as we got in the King’s Speech and EastEnders, nor was there any bleating about the arms trade, as in Doctor Who. For 90 minutes on Christmas Day, TV was a glorious, happy, woke-free zone again. And if you think the BBC will learn from Gavin & Stacey’s triumph and cut the political lectures in 2025? Well, I’d settle back and watch the Christmas special again and again, if I were you.Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2024 is set to redefine aviation simulation, and at the forefront of this revolution is the introduction of the highly anticipated Airbus A350. This cutting-edge aircraft is renowned for its advanced technology in the real aviation world, and its digital twin promises to bring a new level of realism and innovation to the virtual skies. Unmatched Realism The A350 is a marvel of modern engineering known for its fuel efficiency and impressive range. MSFS 2024 developers have dedicated themselves to authentically replicating its intricate flight systems and aerodynamic performance. This commitment ensures that virtual pilots will experience unprecedented realism, from the handling dynamics to the nuances of its cockpit instrumentation. Advanced Technology Integration MSFS 2024 leverages new technologies to enhance every flight experience. The integration of real-time weather data, groundbreaking AI, and ultra-high-definition graphics allows the A350 to glide through breathtaking skies under realistic weather conditions. With a newly enhanced physics engine, the simulator promises to capture the essence of flying this iconic aircraft with unprecedented fidelity. A Look into the Future The inclusion of the A350 in MSFS 2024 sets the stage for an exciting future in flight simulation. This advancement hints at the potential for even more sophisticated aircraft models and tools, paving the way for a richer, more immersive experience. As technology continues to evolve, MSFS 2024 is poised to remain at the cutting edge, serving as a beacon for enthusiasts who yearn for the closest experience to real-world aviation from the comfort of their homes. Discover the Future of Aviation Simulation with MSFS 2024 Introduction to MSFS 2024 and the Airbus A350 Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark in the evolution of aviation simulation, particularly with the inclusion of the much-awaited Airbus A350. While the original excitement centers around this model’s cutting-edge features, several new elements and insights further enhance what MSFS 2024 has to offer to virtual pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Key Features and Innovations # Enhanced Real-Time Weather Simulation One of the most anticipated features in MSFS 2024 is its enhanced real-time weather simulation. Real-world data integration not only reproduces current weather conditions accurately but also allows for dynamic weather changes mid-flight. This innovation enables pilots to experience the challenges and beauties of flying under varied conditions, from thunderstorms to serene sunsets, giving a true-to-life experience. # Breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence MSFS 2024 incorporates advanced AI systems to improve both air traffic control and aircraft behavior. The AI is designed to provide realistic interactions not only with live players but also with AI-controlled aircraft, offering a more authentic simulation of real-world aviation dynamics. This feature significantly elevates the learning and engagement aspects for users aiming to enhance their piloting skills beyond basics. # Cutting-Edge Graphics and Visuals With ultra-high-definition graphics, MSFS 2024 stands out for its visually stunning environments. Pilots can fly over impeccably rendered cities, landscapes, and natural wonders seized in breathtaking detail. This visual upgrade enhances the realism and immersion, likely making MSFS 2024 one of the most visually ambitious flight simulators to date. Predictions and Market Insights # Increased Demand for High-Performance Simulation PCs With the advanced graphics and processing requirements of MSFS 2024, there is an expected increase in demand for high-performance PCs and peripherals optimized for gaming and simulation. This trend may also stimulate market growth in the computer hardware industry, particularly for graphics cards, processors, and other gaming-centric components. # Expansion of Aviation Enthusiast Community MSFS 2024 promises to not only retain its current fanbase but also expand it, attracting new users interested in both casual flying experiences and serious flight training simulations. The realism and incredible attention to detail are expected to draw those who may have previously been uninterested in flight simulation. FAQs Q: What systems are required to run MSFS 2024 smoothly? A: While specific system requirements may vary, a high-performance PC with a powerful graphics card and substantial RAM is recommended for the best experience. Q: Can MSFS 2024 be used as an actual flight training tool? A: MSFS 2024 offers highly realistic simulation capabilities that can complement flight training, but it should not be considered a substitute for certified aviation training programs. Sustainability and Future Developments # Commitment to Sustainability In a nod towards environmental consciousness, MSFS 2024 developers have worked on optimizing energy usage within the game’s framework, reducing its overall computational footprint. This step aligns with broader trends in software development that prioritize sustainability. # Ongoing Updates and User Engagement MSFS 2024 plans to release periodic updates to incorporate new aircraft, scenarios, and technological advancements. The community is encouraged to provide feedback, ensuring the simulator evolves in line with user expectations and technological progress. Conclusion Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 continues to push the boundaries of aviation simulation with the introduction of the Airbus A350 and beyond. As this innovative software rolls out, both existing enthusiasts and newcomers can expect an unprecedented level of engagement, realism, and community interaction. Experience the skies like never before with the unparalleled immersion MSFS 2024 offers. For more information, visit the official website of Microsoft .
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LeBron James is going to have to make room for the NFL. Wednesday's doubleheader on Netflix set records as the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history, with numbers nearly five times more than the NBA. The Baltimore Ravens' 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million while Kansas City's 29-10 win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen on Thursday. Nielsen also said there were 65 million U.S. viewers who tuned in for at least one minute of one of the two games. The NBA's five-game slate averaged about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, according to the league and Nielsen. “I love the NFL,” James said in his televised postgame interview Wednesday night. “But Christmas is our day.” While the NBA's Christmas lineup has its best viewer numbers in five years, the NFL has made Christmas one of its tentpole events during the regular season, joining Kickoff Weekend and Thanksgiving. “The numbers speak for themselves and LeBron can have his own view, and I’m sure more people will look at that because of this," said Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of NFL Media. "But, you know, we’re focused on the NFL and we’re thrilled with the results this year with the Christmas on Netflix and we’re excited to continue to build that over the next couple of years.” Both NFL games surpassed the previous mark of 23 million for last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs on Peacock. Viewership for Ravens-Texans peaked with the Beyoncé Bowl. The 20-minute halftime performance averaged over 27 million viewers. The viewer figures include the audience on Netflix, mobile viewership on NFL+ and those who tuned in on CBS stations in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore and Houston. Global ratings and final U.S. numbers are expected to be available on Tuesday. The NFL's Christmas numbers decreased from last season, but not at the rate that usually happens when something goes from broadcast to streaming. Last year’s three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million on CBS. Once global and Netflix's first-party data is released, both Christmas games should surpass 30 million. The NBA's lineup saw an 84% rise over 2023. One reason for the increase is that all five games were on ABC, compared to two last year. The Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors — a game pitting Olympic teammates LeBron James and Stephen Curry — averaged 7.76 million viewers and peaked with about 8.32 million viewers toward the end of the contest, the league said. Those numbers represent the most-watched NBA regular season game in five years. The NBA said all five Christmas games on its schedule — San Antonio at New York in Victor Wembanyama's holiday debut, Minnesota at Dallas, Philadelphia at Boston, Denver at Phoenix and Lakers-Warriors — saw year-over-year viewership increases. Wednesday's numbers pushed NBA viewership for the season across ESPN platforms to up 4% over last season. The league also saw more than 500 million video views on its social media platforms Wednesday, a new record. For the NBA, those are all good signs amid cries that NBA viewership is hurting. “Ratings are down a bit at beginning of the season. But cable television viewership is down double digits so far this year versus last year," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “You know, we’re almost at the inflection point where people are watching more programing on streaming than they are on traditional television. And it’s a reason why for our new television deals, which we enter into next year, every game is going to be available on a streaming service.” Part of that new package of television deals that the NBA is entering into next season also increases the number of regular season games broadcast on television from 15 to 75. AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA
Golden Knights take on the Utah Hockey Club after Barbashev's 2-goal performance
US sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the name, image and likeness era. Cowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issue FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb with two games remaining after their 2023 All-Pro receiver spent the second half of the season dealing with a sprained right shoulder. The team says additional exams revealed enough damage to keep Lamb off the field Sunday at Philadelphia and in the final game at home against Washington. The team says surgery isn't expected to be required. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before last weekend’s 26-24 victory over Tampa Bay. At least 65 million tune in for Netflix NFL Christmas Day games. NBA holiday ratings also skyrocket LeBron James is going to have to make room for the NFL. Wednesday’s doubleheader on Netflix set records as the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history, with numbers nearly five times more than the NBA. The Baltimore Ravens’ 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million while Kansas City’s 29-10 win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen on Thursday. Nielsen also said there were 65 million U.S. viewers who tuned in for at least one minute of one of the two games. The NBA’s five-game slate averaged about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, according to the league and Nielsen. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Penn State offensive coordinator Kotelnicki's creativity has the Nittany Lions humming in the CFP Penn State's offense is thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The Nittany Lions are one of a handful of Power Four schools averaging 200 yards per game rushing and receiving heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State. Penn State has one of the most unique offensive weapons in the country in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren has 92 receptions this season and has become a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Organizers say two sailors have died in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid wild weather conditions SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. City is languishing in seventh place while United is 14th after a 2-0 loss at Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. First-place Liverpool beat Leicester 3-1 in foggy conditions at Anfield and leads by seven points. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Letter: Single Political Party System
It's getting harder to stay on the PGA Tour. Here's whyEvery year on Christmas Eve, nine reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh through the sky so he can deliver presents to children throughout the world. Their names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. In the popular song and film about Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer is male, and the film implies the other reindeer are also male. But viral posts claim all of Santa’s reindeer are actually female because male reindeer lose their antlers in the winter. Some people online also claim real reindeer can have red noses like Rudolph, too. So is there more fact than fiction behind the legend of Santa’s sleigh team? Here are 3 VERIFIED facts about the real animals that inspired our favorite fictional reindeer. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts newsletter here . There isn’t a clear-cut answer to this question. Santa’s reindeer could be female or castrated males. Unlike most other deer species, both male and female reindeer grow antlers every year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and San Diego Zoo . Reindeer also shed their antlers every year, but the timing differs between males and females, our sources say. Male reindeer usually drop their antlers in the late fall and don’t regrow them until the following spring. Pregnant female reindeer, on the other hand, keep their antlers through winter until their calves are born in the spring, the FDA and San Diego Zoo say. Non-pregnant female reindeer lose their antlers in the winter, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service . But castration can impact when male reindeer lose their antlers. Craig Roberts, an agricultural zoologist and professor of social psychology at the University of Stirling in Scotland, says castrated males “ have antler cycles similar to those of females .” All of this means Santa’s reindeer could be female or castrated males, since they usually keep their antlers during Christmastime. There’s truth behind the legend of Rudolph’s red nose. Some real reindeer noses can turn a reddish color due to an adaptation that helps them survive in cold climates. A 2012 study examined the noses of two reindeer and five humans. It concluded the reindeer had a 25% higher density of blood vessels in their noses compared to humans. This helps reindeer keep their noses warm, allowing them to heat up incoming cold air before they breathe it in, according to the Orlando Science Center . The extra blood vessels also mean their noses can turn a reddish color. “Exposure to extreme cold or exercise increases blood flow, and with so many extra blood vessels in their noses, they can turn a light rosy color,” the Orlando Science Center says. A popular Christmas song called “Up on the Housetop” says Santa’s reindeer go “click, click, click.” Real reindeer that aren’t out delivering presents actually make clicking sounds, too. But that clicking doesn’t come from their hooves hitting the ground. The clicking sound happens when a reindeer’s tendons snap over bones in their feet when they walk, according to an article published by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences . Both OSU and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens say biologists think the clicking sounds helps members of a reindeer herd stay together, especially in snowstorms where they cannot see each other.