NICEVILLE, FL (AP) -- Authorities in Okaloosa County are keeping a lookout for a prankster who has been placing Christmas trees in a man's driveway. 

SPRINGVILLE, UT -- More than 50 people took a freezing plunge into a freezing Utah pond to ring in the New Year.  

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. -- Two dozen brave souls started the New Year with a shiver, a shake and water skis. It's all part of the annual "Frozen Bun Run" in northern California which for many is a unique way to embrace the new year.  

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Revelers in Australia staked out prime spots along Sydney's iconic Harbor Bridge foreshore Monday, ready to be among the first to usher in 2008 with a massive fireworks display. 

BROOKSVILLE, FL (AP) -- New York has the ball drop. Brooksville, Florida, will have its tangerine drop. 

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) -- This former Soviet republic has mountains honoring Communist and Russian leaders. Just in time for Christmas, authorities say they plan to name a snowy peak "Mount Santa Claus." 

By Ashley Coleman
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- For many people on the First Coast, the time clock didn't stop on Christmas just because it's a holiday. 

By Ryan Duffy
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- With most people at the airport Christmas Day taking a last minute flight to be with loved ones, one family was saying goodbye.