this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.

It’s Wednesday, December 25 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• Russia’s holiday attack on Ukraine

• The hybrid “Chrismukkah” tradition

• Christmas cheer from the International Space Station

• 6 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Russia’s holiday attack

Guardian-series.co.uk: Russia's missile barrage on Ukraine's power grid during Christmas included over 50 downed missiles and caused pre-emptive outages across the country.

Brecorder.com: Despite Ukraine intercepting 58 missiles, two Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles slipped through leaving parts of Kharkiv without power.

Echo News: Sir Keir Starmer criticized Russia's relentless aggression and lauded Ukraine's resilience amid the Christmas Day strikes.

CNN: The widespread explosions on Christmas were deemed strategic to undermine Ukraine’s resilience.

Yahoo: Local authorities confirmed the attacks, underscoring the massive and direct impact on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Chrismukkah

This Substacker says his Jewish dad helped teach him the meaning of Christmas: She says her father upheld Jewish traditions while allowing her to experience Christmas joy.

The author of this NY Post Op shared a different experience: Her Jewish family absorbed Catholic customs, merging Hanukkah and Christmas for unity. Her family mixed decor and upheld both holidays despite religious differences.

MomentMag endorses the practice: Blending Christmas and Hanukkah (aka practicing Chrismukkah) makes for a joyous end-of-year celebration. The combination allows interfaith families to enjoy both traditions!

On the other hand, Fox News shares a Jewish father's view of Christmas: He strips away the religious meaning of the holiday, seeing it as a celebration of love and joy. Decorating trees is just part of a heartwarming tradition, not a religious act.

Christmas cheer from space

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station shared a special Christmas message with people on Earth, sharing holiday wishes and reflecting on the joy of holiday preparations.

Check out the message for yourself here.

Adding to the holiday mood, NY Post shows the astronauts maintaining morale with smiles and Santa hats: The group seems to be in good spirits despite their prolonged stay on the ISS.

Sky News: Yup! Even though they're stranded due to technical issues, ISS astronauts shared weightless candy canes and holiday greetings with those on Earth.

CNBC-TV18 offered a different take, though: The space station unites a diverse crew, sending a peaceful Christmas message that showcases international teamwork.

1) Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashes in Kazakhstan: 67 aboard, 28 survivors identified.

2) Trump and Musk's $2.5 trillion plan to cut Social Security and Medicare for tax breaks faces criticism.

3) For decades, the bald eagle symbolized freedom. Now, it officially becomes the US national bird thanks to Biden's signature.

4) Subway crime has NYC on edge despite a 6% dip in overall violence, with 11 homicides this year compared to 5 last year.

5) Trump vows to reinstate federal executions after Biden commuted sentences of 37 federal death row inmates.

6) A ferocious storm slammed the West Coast, with 60-foot waves posing deadly threats to coastal communities.