The spirit of Christmas has started gripping people.

Celebrations have already begun as the world prepares for the biggest festival season. The worsening economic climate or the biting winter is not enough to dampen the excitement of revellers, shoppers and children. Everyone, every home and every region in the world is getting decked up for the season.

Here, we are showcasing some early Christmas sights from across the globe:

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A Hindu man writes "Happy Christmas" in Hindi (India's national language) on his forehead on the banks of the Ganges river in Allahabad, India. Reuters
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Chacon, a Guatemalan firefighter dressed as Santa Claus, walks on an abandoned railway track before he rappels down the Belize bridge in Guatemala City. Reuters
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A man wearing a costume hugs a disabled boy during a Christmas celebration organised for disabled children in Lima, Peru. Reuters
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A Christmas tree decorated with 8,000 lights that are charged by 15 stationary bicycles is seen in Puebla, Mexico. Reuters
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Cyclists wearing Santa Claus costumes begin their cycling tour in Sintra village, north of Lisbon. Reuters
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Prince Albert II of Monaco participates in traditional dance from Tahiti with dancers during the traditional Christmas bath. Reuters
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Two people dressed as Mickey Mouse stand next to a Christmas tree made out of lights as they wait to perform for children at Madrid's landmark Puerta del Sol square. Reuters
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Bolivia's President Evo Morales (C) participates in a ceremony to turn on Christmas lights at Murrilos square in La Paz, Bolivia. Reuters