Boston Mayor Menino Released From Hospital

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is heading home after a lengthy hospital stay, just in time for Christmas.

The longest serving mayor in the city's history was released Sunday from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and told reporters from inside a sport utility vehicle that it's great to be out for Christmas.

He joked that city government has been running well, even without him, and handed out chocolates on his way from the hospital to the Parkman House on Beacon Hill.

Menino went to Spaulding to continue his recovery last month after spending about six weeks at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a respiratory infection that developed during a vacation in Italy.

While at the hospital he suffered complications including a compression fracture in a vertebra in his spine. Menino also was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

A spokesman said the mayor has not made a decision about his work schedule.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom