Google Doodle wishes you a Merry Christmas

Santa gets a break.

Natalie Weinstein Former Senior Editor / News

I spent a decade as a reporter and editor before joining the CNET News staff as a copy editor in 2000, right before the dot-com bust.

Expertise Copy editing. Curating, editing and reading newsletters of all stripes. Playing any word-related game, specifically Scrabble, Wordle and Boggle. Credentials

I've been a journalist for more than three decades. I was a finalist in the 2021 Digiday Media Award for Best Newsletter.

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Natalie Weinstein

Dec. 25, 2018 9:48 a.m. PT

Google

Google celebrated Christmas Day with two Doodles.

Most of the world saw a slightly animated Santa and Mrs. Claus relaxing in rocking chairs beside a Christmas tree, as two reindeer snooze nearby. Apparently, they've all been pretty busy and are finally getting a break. The bold colors – yellow, blue, red and green -- are cheerful and bright.

However, a small scattering of countries – the UK, Ireland, Italy, Slovakia and the Czech Republic – were treated to a completely different static Doodle, with no Santa in sight. Muted shades of blue, tan and maroon create a peaceful scene with the phases of the moon on display. A leaping rabbit, birds, foxes and huskies fill the space. There is a human presence too, but it seems they're snuggled in their homes for the moment. There's a subtlety to the artwork and a sense of transition as another Christmas comes and goes.