 Classic Media | Movies for the holidays
From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Rudolph,” “Elf” and more, these films bring out the spirit of the season. |
 AP | Christmas at the White House
From a gingerbread "Bo," to giant trees and official White House ornaments, Christmas is in full effect at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. |
 National Geographic | ‘Polar Obsession’
National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen captures images of life in the polar reaches and the effects of climate change. |
 AP | Curtain calls of 2009
Some big names in entertainment bid us farewell this year, including Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and Patrick Swayze. |
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 AP | Scenes of winter
The season comes in with a vengeance, covering regions around the world with a blanket of snow that is both picturesque and dangerous. |
 TIME | TIME Persons of the Year 1999-2009
A look at TIME magazine's Person of the Year covers over the past decade reveals an eclectic mix reflecting the temper of shifting times. |
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 IUCN | Flagship species
View 10 animals and plants identified in a new report as ‘flagship species’ for climate change. |
 TLC | Celebrity breakups of 2009
Some we saw coming, and some we didn’t. From the Gosselins to the Gibsons, take a look back at this year’s failed relationships. |
 | Photos of the year
All year long, you’ve been voting for your favorite travel photos sent in by msnbc.com readers. Here is a collection of the year’s very best. |
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 EPA | Let there be lights!
Cities and towns across the globe have illuminated and unveiled decorations in anticipation of the upcoming holidays. |
 Getty Images | Fashion gone Gaga
Pop sensation Lady Gaga’s eccentric style ranges from pantless getups to blinding face masks. |
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 Julien's Auctions | The stuff of rock legend
Clothing and memorabilia from Britney Spears, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Madonna are being put on the block by Julien’s Auctions. |
 AFP - Getty Images | Unlikely friends
A pig and a tiger, a monkey and a rabbit, a duck and a dog – these best buddy pairs make some very odd couples. |
 Children of war | Children of war
Photographer Bobby Sager captures the pain and surprisingly joyous moments of kids in conflict regions. |
 Thomas Shahan | Eye-popping bug photos
Photographer Thomas Shahan specializes in spectacular portraits of insects and arachnids, taken very up close and personal. |
 Neiman Marcus | World’s most extravagant gifts
Times may be tight, but Neiman Marcus still offers the most over-the-top holiday gifts money can buy in its 2009 Christmas Book. |
 Guinness World Records | |
 Geoff Robinson | Latest pet craze: Teacup pigs
These little piggies are so popular in England that they’re bringing up to $1,100 each. They’re called “teacup pigs” for their tiny size. |
 Studio Foto | Brides get down and dirty
In swamps and other less-than-glamorous locations, wedding gowns make messy final appearances in "trash the dress" photos. |
 Tracy Raver and Kelley Ryden | Sleeping beauties
Photographer Tracy Raver captures the calm contentment of napping newborns in these adorable portraits. Click through to see her work. |
 Courtesy of the Malnik family | Jackson’s children unveiled
Michael Jackson shares intimate moments with children Prince Michael II (nicknamed Blanket), Paris and Prince Michael in these previously unseen photos. |
 Denis Reggie | Leigh and Nick say ‘I do’
Go behind-the-scenes as the winning couple of “TODAY Throws a Wedding” finally take the plunge on Rockefeller Plaza. |
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