Thursday, 18th December 2025, offered a vivid tapestry of human and natural stories across the globe, captured through the lenses of the world's photojournalists. The Guardian's picture editors curated a selection that spans continents, from a rare wildlife event in the Canadian Arctic to festive traditions in the Holy Land and poignant statements in the heart of London.
A Tale of Two Bears and a Tree of Belonging
In the remote subarctic town of Churchill, Canada, a remarkable act of animal kinship was documented. A wild female polar bear was photographed with two cubs, one of which she has adopted. This event is exceptionally rare, marking only the 13th such recorded case in the country over the past 45 years, according to Polar Bears International. The image offers a touching glimpse into the complex social behaviours of these iconic Arctic predators.
Meanwhile, in London, a powerful symbol of unity was unveiled at Marylebone station to mark International Migrants Day. An artwork titled 'The Tree of Belonging' served as a focal point, reflecting on themes of migration, community, and identity in the UK capital.
Festivity and Conflict in the Middle East
The spirit of Christmas permeated the ancient streets of Jerusalem, where Christian Palestinian Issa Kassissieh continued her traditional tour of the Old City. She was photographed delivering festive greetings to residents, a personal ritual that highlights enduring cultural traditions amidst a complex political landscape.
Elsewhere in the region, contrasting scenes unfolded. In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian fishers were seen mending their nets, a daily act of resilience. In southern Lebanon, near Jbour, plumes of smoke rose following reported Israeli airstrikes, a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions.
Global Protests, Performances, and Daily Life
The day's events also captured widespread civic action and cultural moments. In Brussels, Belgian farmers staged a protest against a proposed free-trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc, voicing concerns over agricultural standards.
In Leeds, dancers were deep in a dress rehearsal for the Northern Ballet's interpretation of the classic festive tale, The Nutcracker. On the other side of the world, Sydney's Bondi Beach hosted a unique mental health initiative, with the One Wave surfing group holding an event to promote wellbeing.
From the technological to the traditional, other notable images included:
- Robots efficiently moving packages in a warehouse in Valencia, USA.
- Workers in Chattogram, Bangladesh, preparing salted fish to dry in the sun.
- A diver dressed as Father Christmas feeding fish at the Sea Life aquarium in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Dense fog enveloping the city centre of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- A new immersive art museum in Yokohama, Japan, previewing an exhibition featuring Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.
The collection concluded with scenes of conflict and diplomacy: a Ukrainian soldier navigating rubble in the frontline Donetsk town of Kostyantynivka, a US immigration raid in Chicago, and a meeting in Belgrade between the presidents of Serbia and Georgia. Together, these photographs from 18th December 2025 form a compelling, unvarnished diary of our world.
