Holidays

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: A man carries a bag on his head during Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

A woman looks at her email on a computer screen in Washington on November 23, 2010. Americans will take a break from the office over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays but most won't stop checking their work emails, according to a survey released on Tuesday. The Harris Interactive survey conducted for Xobni, an email software firm, found that 59 percent of employed American adults will consult work emails over the holidays. Fifty-five percent will check work emails at least once a day and 28 percent will do so multiple times throughout the day, the survey found.

A man looks at his email on a Blackberry in Washington on November 23, 2010. Americans will take a break from the office over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays but most won't stop checking their work emails, according to a survey released on Tuesday. The Harris Interactive survey conducted for Xobni, an email software firm, found that 59 percent of employed American adults will consult work emails over the holidays. Fifty-five percent will check work emails at least once a day and 28 percent will do so multiple times throughout the day, the survey found.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: A woman sells items to followers of Voodoo participating in Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: Followers of Voodoo participate in Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: Flowers are sold to observers of Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: Followers of Voodoo participate in Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: Followers of Voodoo participate in Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 01: A follower of Voodoo participates in All Saints Day (Day of the Dead) celebrations at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 1, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. All Saints Day is the first of two days devoted to the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead. The two days of celebrations are one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country. PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 01: Followers of Voodoo participate in All Saints Day (Day of the Dead) celebrations at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 1, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. All Saints Day is the first of two days devoted to the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead. The two days of celebrations are one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has killed at least 330 people. The epidemic has affected the central Artibonite and Central Plateau regions with over 4,000 cases so far on record. While authorities believe the outbreak is contained, they also believe it has not yet peaked. There is also fear that the deadly diarrheal disease could migrate to the sprawling camps for the hundreds of thousands of Haitians displaced by the earthquake. Haiti is also bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas that could reach the island by the end of the week, when there is potential that the storm could develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds of between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

A woman looks at her email on a computer screen in Washington on November 23, 2010. Americans will take a break from the office over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays but most won't stop checking their work emails, according to a survey released on Tuesday. The Harris Interactive survey conducted for Xobni, an email software firm, found that 59 percent of employed American adults will consult work emails over the holidays. Fifty-five percent will check work emails at least once a day and 28 percent will do so multiple times throughout the day, the survey found.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: A follower of Voodoo participates in Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

A man looks at his email on a Blackberry in Washington on November 23, 2010. Americans will take a break from the office over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays but most won't stop checking their work emails, according to a survey released on Tuesday. The Harris Interactive survey conducted for Xobni, an email software firm, found that 59 percent of employed American adults will consult work emails over the holidays. Fifty-five percent will check work emails at least once a day and 28 percent will do so multiple times throughout the day, the survey found.

PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 01: Haitians congregate on the streets during a national holiday for All Saints Day (Day of the Dead) celebrations November 1, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. All Saints Day is the first of two days devoted to the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead. The two days of celebrations are one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country. PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 01: Followers of Voodoo participate in All Saints Day (Day of the Dead) celebrations at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 1, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. All Saints Day is the first of two days devoted to the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead. The two days of celebrations are one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has killed at least 330 people. The epidemic has affected the central Artibonite and Central Plateau regions with over 4,000 cases so far on record. While authorities believe the outbreak is contained, they also believe it has not yet peaked.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: Flowers are sold to observers of Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 02: Followers of Voodoo participate in Day of the Dead celebrations which are held in conjunction with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 2, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. The two days make up one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country and are of particular importance this year following the death of an estimated 230,000 people in the January 12 earthquake. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people. Additionally the country is bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas which could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm may develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

A woman and a child holding burning incense sticks pray at a temple in Shanghai on October 4, 2010. China marked the 61st anniversary of communist rule on October 1 with a week-long 'Golden-week' holidays during which locals re-unite with family members and visit temples.

Afghans watch the ceremony at the Sakhi holy shrine in Kabul on March 21, 2009 as part of the celebrations surrounding Naw Roz, the start of the Afghan New Year, one of the biggest festivals of the war-scarred nation. Naw Roz is is one of the oldest holidays celebrated in Central Asia, and is marked by feasting and the annual raising of a pole and holy flags, a time in which some believe miracles can happen.

A motorcyclist smokes a cigarette as he queues up at a gas station in Nantes, western France, on October 24, 2010. French families faced fuel shortages at the start of half-term holidays, hit by strikes against raising retirement from 60 to 62 the day after the Senate backed the fiercely-contested reform.

A motorcyclist queues up with drivers at a gas station in Nantes, western France, on October 24, 2010. French families faced fuel shortages at the start of half-term holidays, hit by strikes against raising retirement from 60 to 62 the day after the Senate backed the fiercely-contested reform.

PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 01: Followers of Voodoo participate in All Saints Day (Day of the Dead) celebrations at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 1, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. All Saints Day is the first of two days devoted to the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead. The two days of celebrations are one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people as of Friday. The epidemic has affected the central Artibonite and Central Plateau regions with over 4,000 cases so far on record. While authorities believe the outbreak is contained, they believe it has not yet peaked. There is also fear that the deadly diarrheal disease could migrate to the sprawling camps for the hundreds of thousands of Haitians displaced by the earthquake. Haiti is also bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas that could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm could develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds of between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 01: Followers of Voodoo participate in All Saints Day (Day of the Dead) celebrations at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 1, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. All Saints Day is the first of two days devoted to the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead. The two days of celebrations are one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has so far killed over 330 people as of Friday. The epidemic has affected the central Artibonite and Central Plateau regions with over 4,000 cases so far on record. While authorities believe the outbreak is contained, they believe it has not yet peaked. There is also fear that the deadly diarrheal disease could migrate to the sprawling camps for the hundreds of thousands of Haitians displaced by the earthquake. Haiti is also bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas that could reach the island by the end of the week when there is potential that the storm could develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds of between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

A man puts flowers on the lid of a wall tomb at the General Cemetery in San Salvador, El Salvador, on the Day of the Dead on November 2, 2010. The Day of the Dead is celebrated by Catholics is some countries and occurs in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2.

Pakistanis enjoy a carnival ride during the Eid al-Adha holidays in Karachi on November 18, 2010, on the second day of Eid. The annual Islamic holiday, which falls from November 17 to 19 in Pakistan, is marked by the ritual sacrifice after morning prayers of sheep, goats, cows and other livestock whose meat is then shared with the poor.

US commander in Afghanistan Gen. David Petraeus (C) gives a thumbs up as he arrives to introduce US President Barack Obama at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on December 3, 2010 during the president's surprise visit for the holidays.

Spain's Queen Sofia smiles on board the Somni yacht during the first day of the Copa del Rey regatta, off the coast of Palma de Mallorca on August 2, 2010. The Royal Family spend their traditional summer holidays at the Marivent Palace on the island of Palma de Mallorca.

MENLO PARK, CA - DECEMBER 09: A Menlo Park fire fighter looks at the detroyed contents of a room consumed by fore from an out of control fireplace during a holiday safety live fire demonstration on December 9, 2010 in Menlo Park, California. The Menlo Park fire department held their annual holiday safety live fire demonstration to promote fire safety during the holidays. Demonstrations using live fire showed how quickly fires can consume a home when a dry Christmas tree comes in contact with fire or candles are left unattended.

A South Korean diver dressed as Santa Claus or Father Christmas swims with fish during a Christmas event at the Coex Aquarium in Seoul on December 11, 2010. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in South Korea with Christians forming over half the population.

The 22-meter-high, 50-tonne statue titled 'Hammering Man' by US artist Jonathan Borofsky stands in Seoul on December 12, 2010. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea where Christians account for more than half of population.

A South Korean woman looks at the 22-meter-high, 50-tonne statue called 'Hammering Man' by US artist Jonathan Borofsky in Seoul on December 12, 2010. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea where Christians account for more than half of population.

Shoppers browse goods inside a night market underneath Christmas decoration at a mall in Manila on December 13, 2010. Too many holidays are forcing many potential investors to avoid the country while raising costs for employers by tens of millions of dollars, according to a study published by seven foreign chambers of commerce on December 13.

US President Barack Obama (C) poses with First Lady Michelle Obama (3rd R), his mohter-in-law Marian Robinson (R) and his two daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (2nd L) and a group of children dressed as Santa's elves during a reception for Christmas in Washington, a charitable fundraiser and musical celebration of the holidays, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, December 12, 2010.

US President Barack Obama (C) poses with First Lady Michelle Obama (3rd R), his mohter-in-law Marian Robinson (R) and his two daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (2nd L) and a group of children dressed as Santa's elves during a reception for Christmas in Washington, a charitable fundraiser and musical celebration of the holidays, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, December 12, 2010.

A man holding burning incense sticks prays at a temple in Shanghai on October 4, 2010. China marked the 61st anniversary of communist rule on October 1 with a week-long 'Golden-week' holidays during which locals re-unite with family members and visit temples.

A woman (L) checks her mobile phone at a temple in Shanghai on October 4, 2010. China marked the 61st anniversary of communist rule on October 1 with a week-long 'Golden-week' holidays during which locals re-unite with family members and visit temples.

Elderly Chinese women burn incense sticks at a temple in Shanghai on October 4, 2010. China marked the 61st anniversary of communist rule on October 1 with a week-long 'Golden-week' holidays during which locals re-unite with family members and visit temples.

PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI - NOVEMBER 01: Followers of Voodoo participate in All Saints Day (Day of the Dead) celebrations at the National Cemetery in Port-au-Prince November 1, 2010 in Port au Prince, Haiti. All Saints Day is the first of two days devoted to the Gede family of spirits, the spirits of the dead. The two days of celebrations are one of the most important Voodoo holidays in the country. Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been further unsettled by an outbreak of cholera which has killed at least 330 people. The epidemic has affected the central Artibonite and Central Plateau regions with over 4,000 cases so far on record. While authorities believe the outbreak is contained, they also believe it has not yet peaked. There is also fear that the deadly diarrheal disease could migrate to the sprawling camps for the hundreds of thousands of Haitians displaced by the earthquake. Haiti is also bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Tomas that could reach the island by the end of the week, when there is potential that the storm could develop back into a hurricane with wind speeds of between 74 and 110 miles (119 and 177 kilometers) per hour.

A man puts flowers on the lid of a wall tomb at the General Cemetery in San Salvador, El Salvador, on the Day of the Dead on November 2, 2010. The Day of the Dead is celebrated by Catholics is some countries and occurs in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2.

A woman cleans a grave at the General Cemetery in San Salvador, El Salvador, on the Day of the Dead on November 2, 2010. The Day of the Dead is celebrated by Catholics is some countries and occurs in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2.

A file photo taken 04 September 2006 shows Rockstar Marvin Lee Aday, popularly known as Meat Loaf, gesturing as he speaks during a press conference in Hong Kong. Meat Loaf cancelled the remaining 11 gigs in his European tour 06 November 2007 after he was diagnosed with a cyst of his vocal cords. The 60-year-old singer said in a statement on his website: 'It really breaks my heart not to be able to perform these shows. I was really looking forward to capping off a great year and celebrating the start of the holidays with the fans.'

EMERYVILLE, CA - NOVEMBER 19: DVD movies on sale for the holidays are displayed at a Best Buy store on November 19, 2010 in Emeryville, California. With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, several retailers have started offering holiday discounts ahead of Black Friday in hopes of increasing sales.

Pakistanis enjoy a carnival ride during the Eid al-Adha holidays in Karachi on November 18, 2010, on the second day of Eid. The annual Islamic holiday, which falls from November 17 to 19 in Pakistan, is marked by the ritual sacrifice after morning prayers of sheep, goats, cows and other livestock whose meat is then shared with the poor.

Spain's Queen Sofia smiles on board the Somni yacht during the first day of the Copa del Rey regatta, off the coast of Palma de Mallorca on August 2, 2010. The Royal Family spend their traditional summer holidays at the Marivent Palace on the island of Palma de Mallorca.

Spain's Queen Sofia smiles on board the Somni yacht during the first day of the Copa del Rey regatta, off the coast of Palma de Mallorca on August 2, 2010. The Royal Family spend their traditional summer holidays at the Marivent Palace on the island of Palma de Mallorca.

MENLO PARK, CA - DECEMBER 09: A Menlo Park fire department cadet monitors a Christmas tree that is on fire during a holiday safety live fire demonstration on December 9, 2010 in Menlo Park, California. The Menlo Park fire department held their annual holiday safety live fire demonstration to promote fire safety during the holidays. Demonstrations using live fire showed how quickly fires can consume a home when a dry Christmas tree comes in contact with fire or candles are left unattended.

MENLO PARK, CA - DECEMBER 09: Menlo Park fire fighters monitor a fire in a room caused by an out of control fireplace during a holiday safety live fire demonstration on December 9, 2010 in Menlo Park, California. The Menlo Park fire department held their annual holiday safety live fire demonstration to promote fire safety during the holidays. Demonstrations using live fire showed how quickly fires can consume a home when a dry Christmas tree comes in contact with fire or candles are left unattended.

First Lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) picks up Megan Maurano as US President Barack Obama (3rd L) poses with children dressed as Santa's elves, his mohter-in-law Marian Robinson (R) and his two daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (2nd L) watch during a reception for Christmas in Washington, a charitable fundraiser and musical celebration of the holidays, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, December 12, 2010.

South Korean women walk past the 22-meter-high, 50-tonne statue called 'Hammering Man' by US artist Jonathan Borofsky in Seoul on December 12, 2010. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea where Christians account for more than half of population.

A man holding burning incense sticks prays at a temple in Shanghai on October 4, 2010. China marked the 61st anniversary of communist rule on October 1 with a week-long 'Golden-week' holidays during which locals re-unite with family members and visit temples.

A woman holding burning incense sticks prays at a temple in Shanghai on October 4, 2010. China marked the 61st anniversary of communist rule on October 1 with a week-long 'Golden-week' holidays during which locals re-unite with family members and visit temples.

A woman sells flowers outside the General Cemetery in San Salvador, El Salvador, on the Day of the Dead on November 2, 2010. The Day of the Dead is celebrated by Catholics is some countries and occurs in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2.