A Taiwanese woman takes a photo of a Christmas tree decoration at a street in Taipei, Taiwan,13 December 2015. (Photo by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA)

A Santa Claus taking a selfie on a surfboard is seen in the yard of a home in the Sleepy Hollow area of Torrance, California, United States, December 15, 2015. In many neighborhoods of Los Angeles, homeowners compete for the most lavish and creative holiday light displays. Torrance's Sleepy Hollow is one such neighborhood where every home outdoes the next: surfing Santas, life-size nativity scenes, ferris wheels, and giant inflatable snowmen line the lawns on every street. (Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

A couple hugs while standing near a Christmas tree made out of plastic bins and plastic hampers outside the Museum of History in Monterrey, Mexico, December 4, 2015. The humble Christmas tree has a rich history, from evergreen trees used to symbolise eternal life in Ancient Egypt to tree worship among pagan Europeans. The modern version has its origins in Germany, where the song “O Tannenbaum” is still a festive favourite. Today the traditional tree with lights and decorations appears in cities including Washington, Moscow and Beirut. Alternative constructions range from recycled rubbish in Mexico City to old window frames in Rakvere, Estonia. Whatever the shape or size, the message is the same: Merry Christmas. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

People hold out money as butchers sell their remaining produce of the year at discounted prices during the traditional Christmas Eve auction at Smithfield's market in London December 24, 2015. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

An Ethiopian Orthodox monk prays within a rock hewn church ahead of Ethiopian Christmas in Lalibela, January 6, 2017, which is celebrated on January 7. (Photo by Tiksa Negeri/Reuters)

The shoemaker in Turkey, the potato seller in Vietnam, and the weaver in Bolivia are among the billions of low-income entrepreneurs who make the world go round. They are also the type of people who can benefit significantly from microfinance. Every year, the Consultative Group To Assist The Poor (or CGAP) hosts a photo contest asking entrants to submit photos based around the idea of microfinance.The purpose of the contest is to give amateur and professional photographers a chance to show the different ways that poor households manage their financial lives and make their lives better through financial inclusion. Photo: South Asia Regional Winner – “Bricks Worker”, Bangladesh. A private enterprise worker is working at a brick field. These small businesses are creating new job opportunities for many poor people. (Photo by Moksumul Haque)

“Boom, a three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who loves birds and rabbits. He has already acquired a legion of fans on his Facebook page, and who can blame them? He might actually be the cutest pup we've ever laid eyes on (and his little buddies seem to agree). Check out these pics and see if you don't fall in love!” (Photo by Boom)