Fort Worth PD Sweet Baby Jesus ... Guy Steals Nativity Scene's Main Attraction!!!

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christmas kidnapping!
Fort Worth Police Dept

Nothing is holy in 2022 -- not even a plastic baby Jesus around Christmas time ... just ask cops in Fort Worth, who are looking for a Grinch-y thief.

FWPD posted surveillance footage of what they say is a crook making off with the centerpiece of a life-size nativity scene Saturday morning that was set up downtown -- and sure enough, you can see the dude making a clean getaway with young JC himself!

The man casually strolls up to the outdoor exhibition around 2 AM, picks up the baby doll from its basket ... and then saunters away like nothing even happened.

Unfortunately for him, his mug shows pretty clearly on camera ... and the cops have a solid view of who they're looking for. Fort Worth police say he was later seen jumping into a tan or silver Chevy Tahoe (or a Pathfinder, perhaps) -- leading them to think he ain't alone.

They're asking the public for any help in identifying this fella, and go out of their way to call him a not-so-wise man. Tips can be sent to 817-392-3956, with Report# 2200325146.

Merry Christmas, you filthy animal!

Timberwolves Star Rudy Gobert Gifts $22,500 To Target Center Employees ... Happy Holidays!!!

Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert beat Santa to the punch this week -- bringing cash gifts to 450-plus Target Center employees just ahead of Christmas!!

The NBA player delivered the staffers $50 each on Monday ... a huge gesture, when you consider the final bill totaled over $22,500!!

According to the team, Gobert's presents were given to ushers, security personnel, concession staff, and changeover crew at the arena ... as a big thank you for all the hard work they've done this year heading into the holiday season.

Rudy knows firsthand how many hours people at the NBA venue have put in ... he was just traded to Minnesota this offseason from Utah -- and has assuredly leaned on them to get familiar with his new digs.

The veteran big man wasn't able to play in front of the workers on Monday -- he was inactive due to an ankle injury -- but he's been productive this season nonetheless ... averaging a double-double.

Of course, this isn't the first time Rudy has helped arena staffers ... in 2020, Gobert, then a member of the Jazz, donated $500,000 to support an employee relief fund at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

Gobert's donation also assisted families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic living in Utah and Oklahoma City ... as well as those in his native country of France.

Gobert, who stands 7'1", is known for being an imposing figure on the defensive end ... but fans are getting to see that there's also a gentle side to the giant.

Sharon Osbourne I Feel Like Shopping ... Better After Health Scare

Sharon Osbourne looks like she's feeling a lot better after suffering a terrifying medical emergency while shooting a TV show ... because she went on a shopping trip.

Sharon was feeling well enough Monday to hit up the James Perse store in Beverly Hills.

As you can see, Sharon was walking around the store looking at different clothes ... carrying a purse and a bottle of Fiji water ... all good signs in her first public sighting following her health scare.

TMZ broke the story ... Sharon fell ill Friday while filming a show at the Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula, CA ... with EMS transporting Sharon to a hospital.

Jack Osbourne told us his mom got the all-clear Saturday and was released from the hospital and went home.

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Sharon shared a picture of her Christmas tree and super cute pup Monday on her social media, thanking her fans for their well wishes ... and now it's good to see her out of the house.

Gotta love retail therapy!!!

NYT Crossword Swastika Design Draws Anger ... As Hanukkah Begins

People are calling out The New York Times for a recent crossword layout shockingly in the shape of a swastika, and to make things worse, it debuted on the first night of Hanukkah.

Sunday's tone-deaf puzzle debuted with a ton of criticism -- featuring a massive swastika in the dead center of the grid. The puzzle's designer described it as a simple "fun whirlpool shape," but obviously not everyone had the same thoughts.

Many blasted NYT for the antisemitic design -- regardless of whether or not it was intentional ... with one saying, "How did this get approved without somebody noticing?" and another noting, "A hidden Happy Chanukah message in today's @nytimes crossword?"

Even Donald Trump Jr. blasted the news org ... writing, "Disgusting! Only the New York Times would get Chanukah going with this is the crossword puzzle."

NYT seems to be sticking to its guns ... because a spokesperson for the company told The Jewish Chronicle, "This is a common crossword design: Many open grids in crosswords have a similar spiral pattern because of the rules around rotational symmetry and black squares."

Robert De Niro Christmas Gifts Almost Jacked By Home Intruder

UPDATE

11:18 AM PT -- De Niro's Grinch, Shanice Aviles, was just led out out the police station in handcuffs.

UPDATE

Robert De Niro almost became a victim of the real-life Grinch -- a home intruder who was legit trying to steal the dude's Christmas presents ... just days before the holiday.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the actor's NYC home was broken into early Monday, at around 3:30 AM, by what cops say was a 30-year-old woman who pried his door and slunk inside. Not quite Dr. Seuss-esque (down the chimney) -- but still scary nonetheless.

We're told the woman was caught red-handed in the act ... cops say she was attempting to clean out the bottom of RDN's tree of gifts -- but Bobby D himself, who we're told was home with family, came down to confront her when he heard all the commotion.

As you can imagine, the police were called ... and NYPD says they recognized this perp immediately. Apparently, she's been arrested pretty recently for similar crimes -- we're told her long-running M.O. is to case houses and break-in, much like she did at De Niro's.

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GRINCHMAS
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In this case ... they caught her, arrested her and took to her to jail. Sounds like they didn't wanna wait for her heart to grow three sizes and realize the error of her ways.

Christmas is saved at De Niro's crib!

Grinch-Esque Puppy Dyed Dog Goes Viral ... Owner Accused of Abuse

A dog owner's going through a ruff patch ... because she's gettin' called out for alleged animal abuse after making her pup look like the mean one himself, Mr. Grinch.

The TikToker showed off her dog's transformation, going from its natural color to getting dyed green -- and even red and white to resemble the titular character's Christmas sweater.

The now-viral clip's captioned "When your groomer slays making your dog into the Grinch," but it might've gained traction for all the wrong reasons -- because people are up in arms over the supposed mistreatment of the animal.

The comment section ran wild ... with some saying "Kinda looks like animal abuse to me," "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should," and "Poor Puppy." Some were in the owner's corner though -- mentioning some dyes are pet safe.

However, some puppies have skin allergies and could get severe reactions in the process, but it's unclear if this doggo fits that bill.

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CROSSING THE CHRISTMAS LINE
TikTok / @mondaygray

The owner clapped back to all the noise ... showing the dog chillin' on the bed with the sarcastic caption "He's super abused."

The pup's still a lot more charming than an eel, that's for sure!

Celebs On Hanukkah Lightin' Menorahs & Having Some Fun!

Hanukkah is upon us, and these celebs have lit the menorah and honored the holiday in style -- some with their closest loved ones!

Andy Cohen had the huge honor of lighting his neighborhood's massive menorah this year ... while 'Catfish's Nev Schulman snapped a pic of him doing the same from the comfort of his own home.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff lit the first candle together, too ... and looked pretty happy doin' it!

Mayim Bialik was smiling from ear to ear, rockin' a festive sweater and some earrings to match -- while "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" star and creator Rachel Bloom put on a paper crown with some stern words against the Nazi party.

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Even sister-rock group Haim posted a Hanukkah-themed TikTok over the weekend, putting a hilarious holiday spin on a viral trend.

Chag Sameach!

Colts' Isaiah Rodgers Cops Rudolph, Santa Cleats ... Xmas Swag For Vikings Game!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... and Isaiah Rodgers is certainly ready for it -- 'cause the Colts defensive back has copped some amazing light-up Rudolph and Santa cleats!!

TMZ Sports has learned the Indy star wanted to be decked out for the Colts' game against the Vikings on Saturday ... and reached out to cleat artist Rodney Jackson to get some Xmas-themed feet heat made.

Jackson -- who's been Rodgers' go-to shoe guy for several seasons -- tells us they both decided to go with the two most iconic Christmas characters for the spikes ... and they came out great.

The left cleat, featuring Santa, is wrapped in red velvet with white fur all over it.

The right shoe -- which comes with jingle bells -- has Rudolph's face painted on the toe with the bonus of a very shiny nose that lights up.

It wasn't an easy project ... Jackson told us it took two days to put the Nike cleats together -- from wiring the lights into the spikes to making Santa's beard on his own.

Happy holidays, indeed!

Daymond John Private 'Avatar 2' Screening for Holiday Party Ice T, CoCo & Others Attend

Daymond John knows how to throw a holiday party ... treating his employees, fellow sharks and even celeb friends to a private screening of the biggest movie on the planet.

The "Shark Tank" star hosted his annual Shark Group holiday party this week in the Big Apple  ... complete with a private screening of "Avatar: The Way of Water."

We're told Daymond wanted to make sure everyone on his team had a good night, inviting their family and friends as well.

Daymond's celeb pals, including Ice-T, Coco and Molly Burnett were all in attendance. Daymond's fellow sharks Kevin O’Leary and Barbara Corcoran also made it to the screening.

Also super noticeable in the pics is Daymond's weight loss -- he's lost 40 lbs since the summer and is clearly having a fun time showing it off.

Floyd Mayweather Gifts Friends Custom Chains, 'GOAT' Jackets ... For Holidays 🎅🎁

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PART OF THE MONEY TEAM

Floyd Mayweather is in the giving mood this holiday season -- hooking up his closest friends (and himself) -- with over a million dollars worth of bling from famed jeweler, Johnny Dang!

TMZ Sports is told 50-0 Mayweather hit up the Houston-based grill king -- one of the most popular jewelers amongst celebs and athletes -- and commissioned two giant "TMT" pendants and chains.

But, that's not all Floyd bought. Not even close.

We're also told he copped 50 chains, each costing $25K, to give to his closest family and friends. One of the pieces went to Deon Taylor, producer of Floyd's upcoming docuseries, "The G.O.A.T.," who he surprised with the jewelry.

Speaking of the doc, Mayweather also ordered 100 customized "GOAT" jackets ... again, for some of his closest people.

This particular jacket was given to Money's good friend, Jona Rechnitz, and features two Stars of David on the right sleeve. Fellow doc producer James McNair also received a jacket.

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VARSITY STATUS

Of course, Mayweather is one of, if not the highest-earning athlete over the last decade. For 30 minutes of ring time with Conor McGregor, Floyd reportedly raked in around $300 million.

Floyd-a-Claus is coming to town!🎅🎁

Luka Doncic Plays Santa In Dallas ... Surprises Pediatric Patients With Party & Gifts!!!

Luka Doncic did his best Santa Claus impression Wednesday -- throwing a surprise party for pediatric patients in Dallas ... while doling out a bunch of gifts!!

The Mavericks superstar planned and funded the special day for kids at the Scottish Rite for Children medical facility ... and check out all the pics and vids -- the tots loved it!

While Luka couldn't be there in person -- he had a game against the Cavaliers to prepare for -- he made sure around 200 patients got NERF basketball hoops, NERF blasters, Jordan Brand apparel and some chess-themed goodies.

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SUPPORTING THE TOTS
Redwood Stories

He also made sure the patients had a day filled with cookie decorating, face painting, photo booths, hot cocoa and more.

"I hope this makes them happy and puts a smile on their face," Luka said of the afternoon. "They are so brave and strong, and I want them to know I’m thinking of them during the holidays and wishing them all the best in the New Year!"

Luka brought gifts for 25 health care workers, too -- hooking them up with lower-bowl tickets to the Mavs' Christmas Day game against the L.A. Lakers.

Doncic has plans to help out even more next week -- arranging the delivery of gifts and treats for around 150 pediatric patients in his home country of Slovenia.

Of course, the amazing charity work is nothing new for the 23-year-old ... just last year, he sent a bunch of gifts and autographs to patients in Ljubljana as well.

Move over, Kris Kringle!!!

Grinch Riding Shotgun Woman Hit With Traffic Citation ... Cops Say She Used HOV Lane With Inflatable Pal

A woman in AZ just found out the hard way inflatable green companions don't count for the carpool lane ... even during the holiday season.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety says the driver was spotted in the HOV lane Tuesday morning with a "Seusspicious-looking 'passenger.'"

The dept. says a trooper stopped the woman and discovered the passenger cruising with her was an inflatable Grinch. What's more -- cops snapped a pic of the infamous Whoville resident as proof the woman tried to pull a fast one.

The department continues, "While we appreciate the festive flair, this is illegal & the driver received a citation for the HOV violation." It then goes on to ensure AZ drivers are educated on traffic laws, especially with an increase in cars on the road during the holidays.

Rumor has it the driver's insurance costs grew 3 times that day!

Kardashians Throw Work Office Christmas Bash ... Celebrating ALL Our Biz!!!

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SLEIGH SEASON

'Tis the season, and the Kardashians threw a lavish workplace Christmas party to toast a year of success, just like your office does. Well, maybe a little more lavish than yours.

The celebration went down Tuesday night at the fam's longtime go-to restaurant, Casa Vega ... and Kylie Jenner made sure we got a glimpse at all their decorations and, of course, a good look at her fit for the night.

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MERRY KRIS-MAS

The party was all about honoring the Kardashian-Jenner business empire ... partly comprised of Kim Kardashian's shapewear collection SKIMS, Kylie's makeup line, Khloe Kardashian's Good American line and Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila.

Mama Kris made sure to give her daughters a shoutout ... as she boasted about their thriving companies.

Looked like a really good turnout ... not just for the family, but for all the folks who work behind the scenes on their various teams -- including Kim's longtime friend and a brand executive at her company Tracy Romulus.

All the guests were in for major treats -- beyond the open bar -- as the fam prepped huge goodie bags filled with lots of gifts, including some items from Kim's SKIMS line.

Of course, the night had an open bar full of Kendall's 818 Tequila and a very festive menu ... with specialty cocktails like the "Holiday Hibiscus Paloma," the "Mistletoe Margarita" and the "Merry + Bright."

Sounds like a night to remember ... or maybe not! 🍹🎄

Floyd Mayweather Gives 5 Kids $1,000 Each At LAC Game For Early Christmas Gifts!!!

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THANKS UNCLE FLOYD !!
TMZSports.com

Floyd Mayweather isn't waiting until Dec. 25 to put on his Santa hat -- the legendary boxer gave a group of 5 kids $1,000 each as a Christmas present after the Clippers game!!

TMZ Sports is told ... Mayweather met with the kids following the Clippers' 113-93 victory over the Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on Monday ... and made their day unforgettable by surprising them with some holiday cash.

The video is really adorable -- the kids were ecstatic that Mayweather, who they refer to as "Uncle Floyd," chose to hook them up with the dough ... adding that "TBE" always looks out for them when they run into each other.

"You always help us out when we see you," one kid said ... as another added, "We love you, Floyd."

Of course, these are the same youngins who Floyd sent to the Clippers game against the Pelicans in October ... holding up on his promise that he'd give them the amazing experience on his dime -- after spotting them selling candy outside the Ritz-Carlton in LA.

Floyd also got some facetime with Celtics star Jaylen Brown while hanging in Crypto on Monday night - but the kids' reaction to his generosity was the best part of the night.

Don't spend it all in one place!!

Too Short Gets Oakland Day & Street Sign!!! Cube, Sway, F.A.B. Show Love

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$HORT A SIGN
TMZ.com

Too Short is officially getting his flowers from his hometown of Oakland -- he now has a street sign in his honor for his years of community service!!!

The ceremony was a full circle moment … the Bay Area rap legend was honored inside his '84 alma mater Fremont High School, where he was a standout drum player.

As a result, Mayor Libby Schaaf proclaimed December 10 as "Too Short Day" and renamed the stretch of Foothill Boulevard after the legendary rap star.

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MAJOR RESPECT
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Oakland OGs Sway Calloway and Mistah F.A.B., who himself just received the key to city, were also on hand to show love -- which Short passionately lobbed back to the people of the Bay, touching on many key points that shaped his globally successful career.

Short's Mount Westmore bandmate Ice Cube also shared some emotional words … crediting the "Blow the Whistle" rapper for creating his own rap lane and bringing hope to the state of California as a whole.

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A NEW DAY
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It was Mayor Schaaf's last proclamation in office as her term is ending at the end of the year, but she left Short with some bars of her stating, "You have told the stories of Oakland’s streets, so it’s only right that Oakland gives you a street!!!"

$hort is as legendary as rappers come … earning dozens of platinum plaques throughout his discography -- which now includes his new Mount Westmore project with Cube, Snoop Dogg and E-40.

King Charles Sends Out 1st Christmas Card ... As New 'Harry & Meghan' Trailer Goes After Royals

King Charles is spreading Christmas cheer for the first time as the UK monarch ... but it comes at the exact moment Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are taking some fresh shots at the royal family.

KC3'S festive, but simple card features a pic of himself and Queen Consort Camilla, wishing recipients "A very Happy Christmas and New Year."

The photo of the King and his wife was taken in Scotland ... just 5 days before Queen Elizabeth II died.

Far less holiday cheerful is the new trailer Charles' youngest son dropped to hype volume 2 of "Harry & Meghan" on Netflix ... which feature's the couple diggin' even deeper into Harry's bloodline.

Looks like they're focusing on the Duke and Duchess fleeing the UK for America ... and they're calling out the royals for "institutional gaslighting." As Harry puts it, "They were happy to lie to protect my brother, they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us."

The final 3 episodes of the Netflix doc come out Thursday, and it's clear a ton of royal tea will be spilled.