Gifts will be given and traditions will be observed as the world celebrates Christmas on Tuesday. Here's a look at some of the other stories CNN is following this week.
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Congress returns —
The Senate will be back in action on Thursday to contend with the fiscal cliff negotiations. Lawmakers have one week left to strike a deal that would avert automatic tax increases and spending cuts due January 1.
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Nadal returns —
Rafael Nadal will return from a six-month absence from tennis when he competes in the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament. Nadal was sidelined with a knee injury, called Hoffa's syndrome, after his shocking loss in June to 100th-ranked Czech Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon.
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Maine begins same-sex marriages —
In November, Maine became the first state to approve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples through a majority vote on a ballot measure. On Saturday, the state is set to start issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
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Chuck Pagano returns —
It is possible that Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano, diagnosed with "acute promyelocytic leukemia," a cancer of the bone marrow tissue, will return for Sunday's regular season finale against the Texans, according to reports that the coach has been medically cleared.
