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  • Fluffy Egg-Free Red Velvet Waffles That Feel Special (Perfect for Kids & Holidays)

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    These Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles are egg-free by design and made for families who want fun, safe, and reliable breakfast recipes. With over 12 years of egg-free cooking experience, I’ve tested this recipe until it delivers fluffy centers, crisp edges, and classic red velvet flavor using simple ingredients. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or weekend mornings, they’re also freezer-friendly for busy days. No one should ever feel left out at the breakfast table — and these waffles make sure of that.

    Looking for more egg-free waffle recipes to try at home? Check out my Eggless Classic Belgian Waffles, Eggless Chocolate Waffles, Eggless Banana Waffles, and Eggless Bacon Cheddar Savory Waffles.

    Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe

    Oriana Romero, creator of Mommy's Home Cooking and egg-free baking queen.

    These fluffy red velvet waffles were born because my boy loves anything red velvet, and I wanted him to enjoy a fun, special breakfast without a single worry. Red velvet always feels a little extra, and I love being able to bring that feeling to our breakfast table safely.

    This recipe is egg-free on purpose, just like everything I make. I didn’t want a “good enough” substitute — I wanted waffles that are truly fluffy inside, crisp on the outside, and worthy of a slow weekend morning or a special celebration.

    What really matters to me is that food allergies don’t take away those moments. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday morning, or a random Saturday when everyone wakes up hungry, these waffles help make those memories feel just as joyful and normal as they should.

    Why You’ll Want to Try My Recipe

    • Egg-Free by Design: No swaps, no compromises — this recipe was developed from the start to work beautifully without eggs.
    • Fluffy with Crisp Edges: Soft, Belgian-style centers with lightly crisp edges, just how waffles should be.
    • Family-Friendly Red Velvet Flavor: All the classic red velvet vibes without feeling fancy or intimidating.
    • Perfect for Special Mornings: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any morning you want to make feel special.
    • Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and thank yourself later on busy mornings.
    oriana's signature.oriana's signature.

    Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

    Top-down view of labeled baking ingredients in bowls and cups for Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs): flour, salt, baking powder, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking soda, red gel food coloring, sugar, butter, and buttermilk.Top-down view of labeled baking ingredients in bowls and cups for Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs): flour, salt, baking powder, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking soda, red gel food coloring, sugar, butter, and buttermilk.

    Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details, including measurements and instructions.

    • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and keeps the waffles soft but sturdy.
    • Cocoa Powder: Just enough for that classic red velvet flavor without overpowering.
    • Cornstarch: Adds a little extra crispiness on the outside. You can skip it, but I like the texture it gives.
    • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
    • Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to create fluffy, tall waffles without eggs.
    • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the cocoa flavor.
    • Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness while activating the baking soda. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own. Check out my Easy Homemade Buttermilk Substitute [Video] post.
    • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create crisp edges.
    • Oil: Adds moisture and helps with browning. Think vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.
    • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor.
    • Red Velvet Bakery Emulsion (Optional): Enhances color and flavor but isn’t required. This is the bakery emulsion I use.
    • Red Gel Food Coloring: Gives that signature red velvet look without watering down the batter.

    This recipe is naturally egg, nut, peanut, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.

    • Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
      • Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter, Trader Joe’s brand vegan butter, and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking. For the best flavor, use a vegan butter that tastes good. Use sticks or blocks, not tub (spreadable) butter.
      • Buttermilk: Make a homemade buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of non-dairy milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.
    • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend. I also like Doves Farm Freee Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, but this blend does not contain xanthan gum, so you need to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup (140 g) of gluten-free flour blend.

    Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos

    Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

    Mix the Dry Ingredients

    • Two glass bowls: the left holds unmixed dry ingredients for Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs); the right shows these ingredients blended together on a white surface.Two glass bowls: the left holds unmixed dry ingredients for Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs); the right shows these ingredients blended together on a white surface.
      Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until everything is evenly combined.

    Combine the Wet Ingredients

    • Two glass measuring cups on a light surface; one contains a pale yellow liquid, and the other holds a bright red liquid—perfect for making Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs).Two glass measuring cups on a light surface; one contains a pale yellow liquid, and the other holds a bright red liquid—perfect for making Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs).
      Mix the buttermilk, melted butter, oil, vanilla, red velvet emulsion (if using), and red food coloring. Mix gently just until smooth.

    Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

    • A glass bowl filled with fluffy red velvet waffles (no eggs) batter sits on a light marble surface.A glass bowl filled with fluffy red velvet waffles (no eggs) batter sits on a light marble surface.
      Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the waffles heavy. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

    Cook the Waffles

    • A waffle maker filled with Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) batter is ready to cook, with a stand mixer visible in the background.A waffle maker filled with Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) batter is ready to cook, with a stand mixer visible in the background.
      Pour the batter into your hot, greased waffle iron. Note: The amount of batter needed will vary depending on the size of your waffle maker. For standard waffle irons, about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle works well.
    • A fluffy red velvet waffle (no eggs) is baking in an open waffle maker, with a clear mixing bowl in the background.A fluffy red velvet waffle (no eggs) is baking in an open waffle maker, with a clear mixing bowl in the background.
      Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 3 – 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Pro Tip: Your waffles are ready when you no longer see steam coming out from the sides of the waffle maker.

    Keep Them Warm

    • Four fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) are cooling on a wire rack placed on a white textured surface.Four fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) are cooling on a wire rack placed on a white textured surface.
      To keep waffles warm while cooking the remaining batter, place them directly on the oven rack in a single layer in a 200°F (95°C) oven. This allows air to circulate and helps the waffles stay crisp.

    Recipe Tips For Success

    ➤ Troubleshooting Tips:

    • Waffles Feel Dense: Overmixing the batter can weigh it down. Pro Tip: Mix just until everything is combined and smooth, then stop.
    • Color Isn’t Bright Enough: Red velvet color can vary by brand. Pro Tip: Use gel food coloring and adjust slightly if needed for that classic red look.
    • Waffles Stick to the Iron: Cocoa batter can cling more than plain batter. Pro Tip: Lightly spray the waffle iron before each waffle, even if it’s non-stick.
    • Not Fluffy Enough: Skipping the rest time can affect texture. Pro Tip: Let the batter rest for the full 10 minutes so the leavening can do its job.
    • Always measure cocoa powder properly — too much can dry out the waffles.
    • Letting the batter rest really makes a difference in fluffiness. Don’t skip it.
    • Lightly grease your waffle iron before each batch, even if it’s nonstick.
    • Watch the steam, not the clock — when the steam coming out od the sides of the waffle maker slow downs, your waffles are usually ready.
    Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) sliced and topped with white icing and chocolate sprinkles, served on a pink plate with fresh raspberries and a strawberry.Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) sliced and topped with white icing and chocolate sprinkles, served on a pink plate with fresh raspberries and a strawberry.

    Variations & Additions

    • Add mini chocolate chips for extra fun.
    • Top cream cheese glaze for a dessert-style waffle.
    • Sprinkle with powdered sugar and fresh berries for a lighter option.
    • Serve with whipped cream topping for special occasions.

    Serving Suggestions

    These waffles are perfect for:

    • Valentine’s Day breakfast
    • Birthday mornings
    • Holiday brunches
    • Weekend family breakfasts
    • Make-ahead weekday mornings straight from the freezer

    Storage and Freezing Instructions

    Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster until warm and crisp.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Close-up of Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) drizzled with white and dark chocolate on a pink plate, garnished with fresh raspberries.Close-up of Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) drizzled with white and dark chocolate on a pink plate, garnished with fresh raspberries.

    These Waffles Shines Even More Topped With

    Recipe Card

    A plate of Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) drizzled with white icing, topped with sprinkles, and served with fresh raspberries and a strawberry on the side.A plate of Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles (No Eggs) drizzled with white icing, topped with sprinkles, and served with fresh raspberries and a strawberry on the side.

    Eggless Red Velvet Waffles

    Oriana Romero

    These Fluffy Red Velvet Waffles are egg-free, soft inside, crisp outside, and full of classic red velvet flavor. Made with simple ingredients and a reliable method, they’re perfect for allergy-friendly breakfasts, special occasions, or make-ahead mornings. Fun, festive, and freezer-friendly.

    Prep Time 15 minutes

    Cook Time 16 minutes

    Total Time 31 minutes

    Servings 4 Belgian-style waffles

    You can find step-by-step photos above in the post and/or right here on the recipe card. They’ll walk you through the process and make everything super clear! Just click the camera icon button below on the right to show or hide them. Turn them off before printing if you prefer a cleaner copy!

    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.

    • Combine the buttermilk, melted butter, oil, vanilla extract, red velvet bakery emulsion (if using), and red gel food coloring. Mix just until smooth.

    • Mix dry and wet ingredients with a whisk, just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the waffles heavy. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

    • Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

    • Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the waffle iron. Note: The amount of batter needed will vary depending on the size of your wafflemaker. For standard waffle irons, about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle works well.

    • Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 3 to 4 minutes, or until the waffles are cooked through. Tip: Your waffles are usually ready when steam stops coming out of the sides of the waffle maker.

    • To keep waffles warm while cooking the remaining batter, place them directly on the oven rack in a single layer in a 200°F (95°C) oven. This allows air to circulate and helps the waffles stay crisp.

    • Serve warm with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, whipped topping, or maple syrup, and finish with fresh berries for a classic red velvet touch.
     
    Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
     
    To freeze, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. 
     
    Reheat in the toaster until warm and crisp.
     
    Food Allergy Swaps:
    This recipe is naturally egg, nut, peanut, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.

    • Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
      • Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter, Trader Joe’s brand vegan butter, and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking. For the best flavor, use a vegan butter that tastes good. Use sticks or blocks, not tub (spreadable) butter.
      • Buttermilk: Make a homemade buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of non-dairy milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.
    • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend. I also like Doves Farm Freee Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, but this blend does not contain xanthan gum, so you need to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup (140 g) of gluten-free flour blend.

     
    Recipe Tips For Success:
    ➤ Troubleshooting Tips:

    • Waffles Feel Dense: Overmixing the batter can weigh it down. Pro Tip: Mix just until everything is combined and smooth, then stop.
    • Color Isn’t Bright Enough: Red velvet color can vary by brand. Pro Tip: Use gel food coloring and adjust slightly if needed for that classic red look.
    • Waffles Stick to the Iron: Cocoa batter can cling more than plain batter. Pro Tip: Lightly spray the waffle iron before each waffle, even if it’s non-stick.
    • Not Fluffy Enough: Skipping the rest time can affect texture. Pro Tip: Let the batter rest for the full 10 minutes so the leavening can do its job.

     
    ➤ Extra Tips:

    • Always measure cocoa powder properly — too much can dry out the waffles.
    • Letting the batter rest really makes a difference in fluffiness. Don’t skip it.
    • Lightly grease your waffle iron before each batch, even if it’s nonstick.
    • Watch the steam, not the clock — when the steam coming out of the sides of the waffle maker slows down, your waffles are usually ready.

     
    ➤ Variations & Additions:

    • Add mini chocolate chips for extra fun.
    • Top cream cheese glaze for a dessert-style waffle.
    • Sprinkle with powdered sugar and fresh berries for a lighter option.
    • Serve with whipped cream topping for special occasions.

     

    Recipe reviews on the website are extremely valuable to other readers online. So, please don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.

    Calories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 666mgPotassium: 178mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 361IUCalcium: 259mgIron: 3mg

    Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

    Course Breakfast

    Cuisine American

    Calories 404

    Keyword egg-free recipe red velvet waffles

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    Oriana Romero

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  • Freely surpasses one million weekly users over Christmas – Tech Digest

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    Freely, the UK’s free-to-air streaming platform, recorded over one million weekly users during the Christmas period, according to new data from its parent company Everyone TV.

    The organization reported that the service reached this milestone during the week commencing 22 December 2025, marking a doubling of the user base since September, when it reached half a million users.

    Based on this growth trajectory, Everyone TV claimes Freely is the UK’s fastest-growing TV platform for 2025. The service, which is a joint venture backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, provides a single interface for both live and on-demand content delivered via broadband.

    Engagement remained high throughout the festive week, it claims, with 55% of the million-strong user base accessing the platform every day. Usage data also highlighted a shift in viewing habits, as two-thirds of Freely’s audience now stream all of their television content.

    Public service broadcasting channels remained the most popular choice for live streaming. BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, and ITV2 led the rankings over the holiday. On-demand viewing was dominated by traditional British titles, including soaps such as Coronation Street and EastEnders, alongside dramas including The Night Manager and entertainment favourites such as The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing.


    The individual broadcasters reported record-breaking digital performances. BBC One was the most-watched channel on Christmas Day, with The King’s Speech and The Scarecrow’s Wedding collectively drawing millions of viewers. Channel 4 recorded its highest Christmas week linear share since 2012, while Channel 5 saw a 34% year-on-year increase in its on-demand streaming figures.

    Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, stated that the milestone indicates a clear consumer preference for a unified way to access free-to-air content. “Surpassing one million weekly users is an exciting milestone for Freely, signalling that there is audience demand for a simple way to stream live British TV and discover great on-demand shows – all in one place,” he said.

    Thompson added that the platform’s performance in 2025 demonstrates the efficacy of cross-broadcaster collaboration. “Freely was the largest growing TV platform in 2025, showing the power of the UK’s public service broadcasters working together to make brilliant British TV easy to discover and stream,” he noted. The platform is expected to continue its expansion in 2026 as it is integrated into more smart TVs and plug-in streaming devices.

    Most streamed on-demand shows on Freely (24.12.25 – 02.01.26)

    1. Emmerdale (ITV)
    2. Coronation Street (ITV)
    3. Eastenders (BBC)
    4. The Hunting Wives (ITV)
    5. Red Eye (ITV)
    6. The Traitors (BBC)
    7. Call the Midwife (BBC)
    8. The Night Manager (BBC)
    9. All Creatures Great and Small (5)
    10. Home Alone (Channel 4)
    11. World’s Strongest Man 2025 (5)
    12. The War Between the Land and the Sea (BBC)
    13. Titanic Sinks Tonight (BBC)
    14. Midsomer Murders (ITV)
    15. The Inbetweeners (Channel 4)

    Most streamed on-demand shows on Freely, Christmas Day 2025

    1. Emmerdale (ITV)
    2. Coronation Street (ITV)
    3. EastEnders (BBC)
    4. The King’s Speech – 2025 (BBC)
    5. Only Fools and Horses: Greatest Christmas Moments (5)
    6. Finding Father Christmas (Channel 4)
    7. Home Alone (Channel 4)
    8. Mrs Brown’s Boys – 2025 Specials Mammy’s Bottles (BBC)
    9. Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)
    10. Amandaland – Christmas Special (BBC)
    11. Call the Midwife – Christmas special 2025 (BBC)
    12. All Creatures Great and Small (5)
    13. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Channel 4)
    14. Call the Midwife – Christmas special 2023 (BBC)
    15. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance most fowl (BBC)


    For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv

    Discover more from Tech Digest

    Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

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    Chris Price

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  • Ice Castles is a winter wonderland

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    NORTH WOODSTOCK, N.H. — The wait is over for the return of Ice Castles to the White Mountains region, the family friendly destination up north that has been bringing winter fairy tales to life since its inception in 2011.

    According to a press release, crews worked around the clock over the Christmas holiday to put the finishing touches on this year’s castle. The Dec. 27 opening marked the earliest opening date ever for the Ice Castles located at 24 Clark Farm Road in North Woodstock, one of five locations around the country and the only one on the East Coast.

    “We are excited to open the icy gates in our cherished North Woodstock community with a historic December debut,” said Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird. “Celebrating 15 years, we’re proud to welcome guests into a beautifully crafted castle filled with winter magic over the holiday season.”

    Sunrise at Ice Castles in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, which opened for the season last month. (COURTESY JAMO SAMS)

    Founder Brent Christensen developed the patented process used to create Ice Castles while building a winter playground for his kids in the front yard of their home in Utah. The project drew crowds who came out to tour Christensen’s frozen creation and since then and as a result, Ice Castles has turned into an internationally renowned tourist attraction with multiple locations across North America.

    Guests are able to step into a world of wonder at the New Hampshire spot, exploring a landscape filled with ice slides, towers, tunnels and caverns. The experience features stunning new sculptures crafted by internationally renowned ice sculptors along with the thrill of the tubing hill and enhanced features on its Mystic Light Walk and sleigh ride trail.

    The icy fortress also features a frosty twist with the Frozen Tap Ice Bar, the coolest spot in town to enjoy beverages in a one-of-a-kind ice bar experience, and guests can also warm up with hot drinks and indulgent sweet treats available at on-site concessions.

    For more information and to purchase tickets and visit icecastles.com.

    Ice Castles in North Woodstock, New Hampshire is winter fun for all ages. (COURTESY AJ MELLOR)
    Ice Castles in North Woodstock, New Hampshire is winter fun for all ages. (COURTESY AJ MELLOR)

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    Danielle Ray

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  • Can tab drive benefits Ronald McDonald House

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    PEABODY — State Rep. Tom Walsh dropped off about 30,000 can tabs at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Charlestown just before Christmas to support sick children and their families.

    This is his fourth annual can tab drive since his first in 2022. This year, Walsh brought in about the same number of can tabs from around the North Shore as last year’s drive.

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  • Marjorie Taylor Greene Made Waves. Her Constituents Don’t Agree on Whether It Was Worth It

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    DALTON, Ga. (AP) — President Donald Trump says Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is a traitor. But for Jackie Harling, who chairs the local Republican Party in Greene’s northwestern corner of Georgia, she’s still “mama bear.”

    “Every thought that we had in our minds, she seemed to be very good at verbalizing,” Harling said.

    Saying things that no one else would say may be Greene’s most durable legacy as she steps down on Monday, resigning halfway through her third term in Congress. First, it was her embrace of conspiracy theories and incendiary rhetoric, turning her into a national symbol of a political culture without guardrails. Then it was her willingness to criticize Trump, a schism that made her position in Washington untenable.

    In interviews in Greene’s district, constituents described her over and over as a “fighter.” For Republicans like Harling, that was enough.

    “We got a lot of satisfaction,” Harling said. “She was our voice.”

    It was less satisfying for an independent like Heath Patterson, who struggled to think of ways that Greene’s fame and notoriety made a difference for her district during her time in the U.S. Capitol.

    “I don’t know of anything that she did do here except, certainly, got her voice heard. But where did we, how did we benefit from that?” he said. “I don’t think we did.”


    From MAGA warrior to exile

    Greene began clashing with Trump last year, criticizing his focus on foreign policy and his reluctance to release documents involving the Jeffrey Epstein case. The president eventually had enough, saying he would support a primary challenge against her. Greene announced a week later that she would resign.

    She has kept up the criticism since then, including over Trump’s decision to strike Venezuela this weekend.

    “This is what many in MAGA thought they voted to end,” Greene wrote on social media on Saturday. “Boy were we wrong.”

    The split was surprising because, until that point, Greene’s trajectory had mirrored Trump’s own rise to power. She didn’t become politically involved until his presidential campaign in 2016 and first ran for Congress in 2020. Greene considered trying to represent Georgia’s 6th congressional district, which includes the Atlanta suburbs, before relocating to the 14th, where the Republican incumbent was retiring.

    She remained loyal to Trump after he lost to President Joe Biden, promoting his falsehoods about a stolen election. When Trump ran again in 2024, she toured the country with him and spoke at his rallies while wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat.

    Her Georgia district is one of the most Republican-leaning in the state, although it wasn’t always that way. The region once backed Democrats like Zell Miller, a governor and U.S. senator who spearheaded Georgia’s lottery program that still bankrolls college scholarships and early childhood education programs.

    But residents have felt left behind by years of change, said Jan Pourquoi, a Belgian native who emigrated in 1987, became a U.S. citizen and later won local office in Whitfield County.

    His county’s population has grown by roughly by 32% since 1990, which pales in comparison to statewide growth of 74%. As the U.S. becomes more urban, secular, and diverse, Pourquoi said residents believe they’re “culturally oppressed.”

    “They see themselves as great Americans, proud Americans, Christian Americans, and that doesn’t fit the American model anymore as they see it,” said Pourquoi, who said he left the Republican Party because of Trump. Greene exemplified the political backlash, which he summarized as “stick it to them — any possible way you can.”

    Georgia leaders, like those in many other states, have spent years drawing congressional districts to pack like-minded voters together. That means in red areas, whoever wins the Republican primary is virtually guaranteed to come out on top in the general election, incentivizing candidates like Greene with more hardline views.

    The political landscape means former Republicans like Pourquoi or independents like Patterson say they have no shot at helping a centrist win.

    “I’m kind of square in the middle,” said Patterson, adding that it sometimes feels like he’s “the only one around here who’s that way.”


    Republicans plan their path forward

    Whitfield County Republicans gathered at a local restaurant last month for their annual Christmas party, where seasonal decor and a visit from Santa Claus were intermingled with the red, white and blue regalia and a smattering of MAGA paraphernalia.

    There was still deep affection for Greene and plenty of talk about the cultural issues she championed.

    “I think it’s just the fact that she was unwavering in ‘America First,’” said Gavin Swafford, who worked on Greene’s initial campaign.

    Swafford called her “an accountability representative” because of her clashes with Republican leaders.

    Lisa Adams, a party volunteer, called Greene “our stand-up person.”

    “Look at her stance on transgenderism. That’s a big one,” she said. “Abortion. That’s a big one.”

    None of Greene’s inconsistencies — real or perceived — were a problem, they said.

    For example, Greene has praised the Korean-owned solar panel factories in the district even after voting against Biden-era policies intended to boost production. She broke with Republicans, Trump included, and sided with Democrats who wanted to extend premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance customers.

    None of the Republicans at the Christmas party expressed any interest in taking sides between Trump and Greene.

    “I think it’s inevitable when you have two firebrands that are both stubborn,” Swafford said.

    Asked whether the district missed having a more traditional lawmaker, the kind who might cut bipartisan deals and bring as much federal money as possible back home, Swafford was unconcerned.

    “The biggest thing that Marjorie contributed wasn’t even in legislation,” he said.

    Still, there was also a sense among some that Greene, for all her bare-knuckle politics, could have gone further.

    Star Black, a Republican who is running to replace Greene, was already planning a primary challenge before she announced her resignation.

    “You had a great representative who was a fighter. Well, you know what? I want to take it one step further,” Black said.

    “Not only do you need a fighter,” Black said, “you need someone who is going to listen. You need someone who is going to represent you.”

    Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – December 2025

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  • When is it time to take down holiday decorations? DC locals and tourists weigh in. – WTOP News

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    WTOP polled tourists and locals at the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse, and other D.C. locations, who gave a range of opinions.

    While Christmas was more than a week ago and we are now in a new year, there is a question a lot of us are asking ourselves: Is it time to take down the holiday decorations?

    WTOP polled tourists and locals at the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse, and other D.C. locations, who had a lot to say on the topic.

    “That’s a good question. The older I’ve gotten, the longer I’ve sometimes left them up,” Lori, from Northern Virginia, said. “I used to be a lot more rigid when I was younger.”

    Lori said she was disappointed the National Christmas Tree is no longer lit at night. The last night for the tree was on Jan. 1.

    While normally, Lori said her family takes down their decorations after the Epiphany on Jan. 6, her husband, Rich, said he follows the golden marriage rule when it comes to decorations.

    “We’ll take them down when Lori says it’s time to take them down,” Rich said, while laughing.

    Outside the Willard Hotel, which is still decorated for the holidays, Perla from Ottawa, Canada, who’s taking in the sights, said she is on the same page as Lori.

    “A week after New Year’s. It’s a tradition, yeah,” Perla said. “We wait until Jesus’ baptism, which is supposed to be around January 6th.”

    Near the White House, Chris from Capitol Hill thinks decoration removal should be a day earlier than Lori and Perla.

    “That answer is pretty easy for me, the end of the 12 Days of Christmas,” Chris said. “So, we are liturgically in the Christmas season right now.”

    Chris pointed out that the first day of Christmas is on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

    “Traditionally, people would set up decorations on Christmas Eve and then keep them up for the 12 days,” he said.

    It seems like Chris was a tad early with the tradition this year, because his family put up their Christmas tree on Thanksgiving weekend.

    Not far away from Chris and his family was Jamella and Anthony.

    While Jamella admitted that she doesn’t enjoy taking down decorations and has been known to keep hers up until spring, Anthony, who is visiting from Brooklyn, said he knows the best time to take them down.

    “When the tree is on the curb,” he said.

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    Jimmy Alexander

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  • 4 Laufey Songs To Add To Your Winter Playlist

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    There’s no better time of year—festive vibes everywhere—to dive back into jazz. The holiday season is peak cozy, and jazz sets the mood perfectly. This winter, we’re putting Laufey at the top of our playlists. Picture it: snow gently falling outside, a crackling fireplace, a steaming cup of cocoa in hand, a romance novel by your side, and Laufey’s Christmas songs playing softly in the background. That’s the holiday vibe we’re chasing!

    To make it happen, here are four Laufey songs we’d recommend adding to your winter playlists.

    1. ‘Winter Wonderland’

    We would be mistaken if we didn’t include a song or two from Laufey’s A Very Laufey Holiday on this playlist. Your Laufey winter playlist starts with ‘Winter Wonderland’ to set the mood right, and we can’t imagine “walking in a winter wonderland” with any other artist.

    Listen to ‘Winter Wonderland’ here!

    Image Source: Courtesy of Awal

    2. ‘Silver Lining’

    We move into our second recommendation, ‘Silver Lining’ from Laufey’s 2025 album A Matter of Time. Even though ‘Silver Lining’ isn’t an official holiday song, it matches the vibes of this season perfectly. If you’re falling in love under the mistletoe this Christmas, we know you’ll absolutely adore this song and be replaying it all December long.

    Listen to ‘Silver Lining’ here!

    Image Source: Paige Powell

    3. ‘Misty’

    A hint of fog and misty cold air is just what we need this wintertime. Our third Laufey recommendation for your playlists is ‘Misty’ from Laufey’s 2023 album, Bewitched. The beautiful jazz instrumentals throughout this song remind us of Christmas morning, unwrapping gifts with our loved ones. If there’s only one artist you’re going to listen to this festive season, make it Laufey.

    Listen to ‘Misty’ here!

    Image Source: Gemma Warren

    4. ‘Love to Keep Me Warm’

    We’re ending this short but sweet playlist with another one of our favorites from A Very Laufey Holiday. ‘Love to Keep Me Warm’ is a classic Christmas love song, and we absolutely adore Laufey’s rendition of it. To keep us warm this season, we’re sipping peppermint hot chocolates, listening to Laufey’s music, and hugging our loved ones tight.

    Listen to ‘Love to Keep Me Warm’ here!

    Image Source: Emma Summerton

    Which of these four Laufey songs are you adding to your winter playlists? Will you be listening to ‘Winter Wonderland’ on Christmas morning like us? Let us know all about it in the comments or on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

    Searching for more Laufey content? See what we’ve got, honeybee!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUFEY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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    Alana

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  • NBA Christmas viewership hits 15-year high with 47M viewers. And social media numbers set records

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    NEW YORK — The NBA saw its best Christmas Day viewership numbers in 15 years, the league announced Wednesday.

    More than 47 million people in the U.S. watched at least some of the five-game slate on ABC and ESPN, which represents a 45% increase over last year. And there was an average of 5.5 million viewers for the games, up 4% from a year ago.

    The Cleveland-New York game was the most-watched Christmas game ever that started at noon Eastern, with an average of 6.4 million viewers. The San Antonio-Oklahoma City game was the most-watched in the 2:30 p.m. Christmas timeslot since 2017 and the Dallas-Golden State game was the most-watched in the 5 p.m. timeslot since 2019.

    Also, the league said it was the “most-viewed brand across social media” on Christmas, with its content generating 1.6 billion views. That’s up 23% over Christmas 2024.

    ___

    AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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  • How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree (And Why It Matters) – Garden Therapy

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    After the magic of Christmas and the glitter of New Year’s Eve have passed, it’s time to close up the holiday chapter, including getting rid of your real Christmas tree. Rather than send it to the landfill in your garbage bin, participate in a local Christmas tree recycling program or give it a second life in your own backyard.

    I live in Vancouver, which is a very green city. Both in the sheer amount of greenery and nature that surrounds us, and also in our daily practices. The correlation between the two is significant, I’m sure!

    When it comes to my Christmas tree, it’s always been a no-brainer for me to get a locally sourced, fresh one. I’ve visited the tree farm itself as well as gotten a permit to cut down one on crown land.

    And when Christmas has come and gone, it’s also a no-brainer for me to drop off the Christmas tree to be recycled or chop it up to decompose naturally in my garden.

    Here’s how and what to expect when you recycle your Christmas tree.

    The Artificial vs Real Christmas Tree Debate

    Depending on who you ask or where you read, you’ll get a different answer for whether an artificial or a real tree is better for the environment; it depends on how you use and dispose of your tree.

    Fake Christmas trees are made of plastic that won’t break down and are nearly impossible to recycle. They come wrapped in packaging, and many now come with the lights pre-installed on the tree. They’re also produced overseas for many regions.

    But if you consistently use an artificial tree year after year, these environmental effects are minimized.

    A real Christmas tree is almost always going to be better for the environment simply because it’s biodegradable. It’s easy to find local Christmas tree recycling to dispose of them in the New Year. However, they can become a waste issue when people aren’t chopping and mulching them down.

    How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree (And Why It Matters)How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree (And Why It Matters)
    Real Christmas trees must be properly disposed of to be environmentally conscious.

    Christmas Tree Recycling Programs

    Why should you recycle a tree? Like all compost and organic matter, you want to avoid sending it to a landfill. Since there is no oxygen, organic matter can’t break down properly. In fact, compost needs air, moisture, greens, and browns to really break down. In a landfill, the compost will break down into methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas.

    According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs in the USA. Most people in urban areas will have access to a nearby program.

    How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree (And Why It Matters)How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree (And Why It Matters)
    In early January, look for a local recycling program for your Christmas tree. Usually, this is a drop-off location.

    How many trees actually make it to these recycling programs, I’m not sure. And that’s the key to keeping your real Christmas tree environmentally friendly. Out with the tinsel, in with the mulch!

    Before recycling your Christmas tree, remove all decorations, lights, and ornaments. If you decided to flock your tree, unfortunately, it is no longer recyclable due to the artificial ingredients in the flocking powder.

    Most municipalities have a Christmas tree recycling program where they will pick up your Christmas tree curbside, have a collection point, or allow you to dispose of it at a compost facility.

    There, the city will chop up the tree and turn it into compost or mulch.

    Beware, the dates for tree disposal can be quite early. The one in Vancouver is set for January 10, and I’ve seen it be even earlier.

    natural leaf mulchnatural leaf mulch
    Most Christmas trees are recycled into mulch.

    How to Recycle a Real Christmas Tree at Home

    If you don’t have access to Christmas tree removal, you can easily give your tree a second life in your own backyard.

    If you have the space, you can use the tree as a habitat in your yard. Set it somewhere out of the way and allow for creatures to move in and nest there. It will naturally break down over time.

    In the past, I’ve used an old Christmas tree as garden edging. You can also have it chopped up and used as mulch.

    Use the branches and logs as the base of a Hügelkultur bed or to economically fill the bottom of a raised bed.

    hugelkulturhugelkultur
    A Hügelkultur bed.

    If you’re feeling crafty, I have a whole list of ideas on how you can reuse your Christmas tree and turn it into various pieces of décor.

    It’s important that we close the loop on our waste. Even when it comes to natural and organic materials, we must be mindful of how we dispose of them. I hope your Christmas tree gets a second life in the garden this year!

    More Helpful Tips!

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • ‘We won’t survive’: Small retailers missing out on Boxing Day sales

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    Australian shoppers are splashing big cash in the post-Christmas sales, but some small businesses say they are not feeling the love.

    The week between Christmas and New Year is expected to generate $3.83 billion in spending nationally, up 4.4 per cent on last year, according to forecasts by the National Retailers Association.

    Demand is being driven by Boxing Day discounts and the redemption of Christmas gift cards.

    Diana Derek’s Canberra homewares store has been running at a loss since Christmas and she’s worried consumers have overlooked small businesses. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    But at Diana Derek’s Canberra homewares store and boutique Hive, sales have plummeted, and she has been running at a loss since Christmas.

    “There’s been a massive drop off … we didn’t plan for that,” Ms Derek said.

    “I assumed that it was just because everyone goes to the coast [after Christmas], but I went into the Canberra Centre and did see a lot of Canberrans shopping.

    “Unfortunately, it does look like they’ve chosen the malls over the little businesses.“

    Crowd of shoppers walking through a shopping centre.

    Canberra Outlet Centre was packed with shoppers searching for a bargain on Boxing Day.  (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

    Her small store is unable to compete with the sweeping discounts offered by large retailers.

    “People just get so overwhelmed with the word sale, [but] it doesn’t mean it’s quality — mainly what we see is quantity,” Ms Derek said.

    The Canberran took over the shop six months ago with the hope of keeping the almost 30-year-old independent business running.

    “You start wondering if you’ve done the right thing,” she said.

    “It would be great if people kept supporting it because we won’t survive and we will get pushed out by the big guys.“

    A woman shopping in a homewares store.

    Ms Derek says if shoppers always overlook small businesses, they will soon disappear. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    Sales a double-edged sword

    Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Greg Harford said big sales periods like Black Friday and Boxing Day could be a double-edged sword.

    “[They] can put real pressure on retailers,” Mr Harford said.

    “[There’s] an opportunity there of course, because customers are out looking for bargains, but every discount a retailer offers is money off the bottom line and at the small end of retail in particular, margins are really, really narrow.

    “The reality is for many small retailers, they’re never going to be able to compete with larger chains on sales — they’ll have to compete on service or range or offering.”

    A man wearing a suit and glasses.

    Greg Harford says small retailers can’t match the sales discounts of large outlet chains. (Supplied: Greg Harford)

    While Mr Harford expected this year’s local Boxing Day figures to be stronger than 2024, he said Canberra was grappling with a “two-speed economy”.

    “The best advice for retail customers is get out and support local businesses,” he said.

    “We really do need to support them, otherwise there’s a risk that they will disappear.“

    Making conscious choices

    A woman standing in a bookstore in front of shelves of books.

    Tayanah O’Donnell doesn’t offer Boxing Day or Black Friday sales at her Canberra bookshop. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    At Canberra’s oldest independent bookshop, owner Tayanah O’Donnell has resisted the temptation to provide discounts to compete with the major retailers.

    “We don’t offer Black Friday sales or Boxing Day sales or anything like that,”

    she said.

    “Occasionally you have those quiet moments late at night where you think, ‘perhaps we should this year succumb to offering a discount’, but it has been a deliberate choice.

    “We just operate on the basis that people coming into the store will get the best possible book at the best possible price and we really pride ourselves on the experience of people coming into the store taking as long as they need to browse.”

    Rows of bookshelves in a bookstore.

    Paperchain “will never replicate what the bigger stores are doing”, owner Tayanah O’Donnell says.  (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    While the store is quieter now than during the pre-Christmas rush, the business is still thriving.

    In the face of rabid sales marketing, Ms O’Donnell encouraged shoppers to make conscious choices.

    She said choosing to buy one perfect book was preferable over madly purchasing 10 that may never be read.

    “There is something to be said for a slower, more thoughtful way in which we buy things, consume things, honour those things and pass them on to others,” she said.

    “We’ll never try to replicate what the bigger stores are doing.

    “We stick to our knitting, as my grandma would say.“

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  • Wildlife refuge repurposes Christmas trees for tigers and lions

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    Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is collecting real Christmas trees for its lions and tigers. “This time of year is really fun because Christmas trees are great enrichment for the big cats,” Laurie Vanderwal, a zoologist and co-curator at Turpentine Creek said. “They do like the smell of cedar and fir trees. It’s also something different and novel that they don’t get all the time.”Vanderwal said the refuge receives trees from locals and tree farms. They take trees with the decorations removed.Turpentine Creek has 123 animals, from big cats to grizzly bears, and even a hyena. Some of their animals are from the park in the popular show “Tiger King.””It was just such a relief because we knew those animals had not been getting proper care for many years,” Vanderwal said. The animals at the sanctuary were neglected by their past owners. She said caring for the animals goes beyond providing food and water. These animals cannot return to the wild because they were born and bred in captivity.”They don’t know how to hunt. They wouldn’t know how to survive,” Vanderwal said. “Because they’re coming from captive situations and abusive situations and neglect, they tend to come with veterinary issues.” Vanderwal said she’s in a profession she hopes doesn’t have to exist in the future. “Hopefully, that, you know, eventually people will not own these cats as pets anymore,” Vanderwal said. “People will not try to keep them in horrific conditions anymore. And the rescue part will not have to exist.”Vanderwal said they provide scent enrichment year-round. In spring and summer, they grow a garden of various spices like catnip, basil and oregano for the animals. Eureka Springs is located in the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas.

    Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is collecting real Christmas trees for its lions and tigers.

    “This time of year is really fun because Christmas trees are great enrichment for the big cats,” Laurie Vanderwal, a zoologist and co-curator at Turpentine Creek said. “They do like the smell of cedar and fir trees. It’s also something different and novel that they don’t get all the time.”

    Vanderwal said the refuge receives trees from locals and tree farms. They take trees with the decorations removed.

    Turpentine Creek has 123 animals, from big cats to grizzly bears, and even a hyena. Some of their animals are from the park in the popular show “Tiger King.”

    “It was just such a relief because we knew those animals had not been getting proper care for many years,” Vanderwal said.

    The animals at the sanctuary were neglected by their past owners. She said caring for the animals goes beyond providing food and water. These animals cannot return to the wild because they were born and bred in captivity.

    “They don’t know how to hunt. They wouldn’t know how to survive,” Vanderwal said. “Because they’re coming from captive situations and abusive situations and neglect, they tend to come with veterinary issues.”

    Vanderwal said she’s in a profession she hopes doesn’t have to exist in the future.

    “Hopefully, that, you know, eventually people will not own these cats as pets anymore,” Vanderwal said. “People will not try to keep them in horrific conditions anymore. And the rescue part will not have to exist.”

    Vanderwal said they provide scent enrichment year-round. In spring and summer, they grow a garden of various spices like catnip, basil and oregano for the animals.

    Eureka Springs is located in the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas.

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  • Roses in the rain? New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena gets wet forecast

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    For the first time in 20 years, rain is expected to intrude on the Rose Parade in Southern California, a venerable New Year’s Day event that attracts thousands of spectators and is watched by millions more on TV.

    Storms caused Christmas week flooding, mudslides and other miseries across the region. Now comes a 100% chance of rain Thursday in Pasadena, the National Weather Service said.

    “We try not to say that word around here,” joked Candy Carlson, a spokesperson for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the organization behind the 137th Rose Parade, which precedes the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff game.

    Arctic air is meanwhile expected to blanket much of the eastern two-thirds of the country, the weather service said.

    In New York City, forecasters predict temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit (around zero degrees Celsius), which is not unusual, when the ball drops in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Light rain is possible in Las Vegas, where several casinos will be shooting fireworks from rooftops.

    During Nashville’s Big Bash, a New Year’s Eve event at a park, temperatures will be in the low 30s when an illuminated music note drops at midnight in the Tennessee city. New Orleans will be in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius) for a free concert and fireworks along the Mississippi River.

    At the Rose Parade, it has rained only 10 times in the parade’s history — and not since 2006, Carlson said.

    Rare wet weather is unlikely to keep floats, marching bands, entertainers and others from participating. Carlson said people riding on floats will have rain gear if necessary, and tow trucks will be standing by in case of mechanical problems.

    Spectators will need to prepare, too. Umbrellas are not allowed in parade seating areas that require tickets, though the ban doesn’t cover people who simply line up along the nearly 6-mile (10-kilometer) route. Curbside camping — no tents — begins at noon Wednesday. Rain also is predicted that day.

    “Last year’s parade theme was ‘Best Day Ever!’ and six days later it was the worst,” said Lisa Derderian, spokesperson for the city of Pasadena, referring to the devastating Eaton wildfire in Los Angeles County. “We want to start the new year on a high note. Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates with the weather.”

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  • Where can you dispose of your Christmas tree or holiday decorations in the DC area? – WTOP News

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    The end of the holiday season is here, which may mean it’s time to take down that Christmas tree and garland in the house.

    The end of the holiday season is here, which may mean it’s time to take down that Christmas tree and garland in the house.

    But what do you do with it now? Here is a list of places in the D.C. region where you can get rid of them.

    DC

    The D.C. Department of Public Works is collecting holiday trees and greenery from Jan. 2 through Feb. 28 from DPW-serviced households. After Feb. 28, all holiday trees and greenery need to be placed at your normal point of collection for trash and recycling. The District asks you to use the curbside tree boxes and holiday tree drop-off options to compost all holiday trees and greenery.

    You can drop off your tree Monday through Friday at:

    • Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant St. NW), 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St. NW), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • DPW Salt Storage Facility (2700 South Capitol St. SE), 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

    Maryland

    Anne Arundel County

    Christmas trees and wreaths are considered yard waste and are picked up year-round in Anne Arundel County. Put them out with your yard waste on the curb before 6 a.m. Officials are asking residents to cut very tall trees in half so they can fit into the contractor’s truck.

    The county asks that you remove the tree stand, tree bags, lights, metal ornament hangers and all decorations.

    Charles County

    You can recycle your Christmas tree into free mulch by dropping it off at one of 12 different locations in the county through Jan. 10. Look for the Christmas tree recycling sign at the following locations:

    • Breeze Farm Recycling Center: 15950 Cobb Island Road, Cobb Island
    • Calvary Gospel Church: Route 228, 11150 Berry Road, Waldorf
    • Charles County Courthouse: Talbot Street, La Plata
    • Billingsley Road Recycling Center: 12305 Billingsley Road, Waldorf
    • Gilbert Run Park Recycling Center: 13140 Charles St., Charlotte Hall
    • Pinefield Park: Pinefield Road, Waldorf
    • Piney Church Road Mulch Facility: Piney Church Road, Waldorf
    • Pisgah Recycling Center: 6645 Mason Springs Road, La Plata
    • Route 5 Park N’ Ride: Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf
    • Radio Station Road: Across from Laurel Springs Park in La Plata
    • Ruth B. Swann Memorial Park: Ruth B. Swann Drive, Bryans Road (off Route 210)
    • St. Nicholas Drive: St. Nicholas Drive, Waldorf (off Smallwood Drive)

    Frederick County

    Frederick does not collect Christmas trees curbside but does have a place where you can drop off your natural, cut tree at the Reichs Ford Road facility. 

    Trees can be brought there Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The facility is closed Jan. 1. Find more information on their website.

    Howard County

    It’s Merry Mulch season in Howard County, with the option to both have your tree picked up and to drop it off at nine different locations.

    If you have yard trim collection at your home, you can set your tree out the night before or the day of by 6 a.m. Trees must be cut into less than 4 feet in lengths and tied. Bundles must weigh less than 40 pounds.

    They can also be dropped off at the following spots:

    • Clarksville: Kendall Hardware (12260 Route 108)
    • Columbia: Cedar Lane Park (5081 Cedar Lane)
    • Elkridge: Rockburn Park (5400 Landing Road)
    • Ellicott City: Old Circuit Court upper parking at Court House Drive (just past Ellicott Mills Drive, on the right)
    • Highland: Schooley Mill Park (12975 Hall Shop Road), Marriottsville
    • Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area (2350 Marriottsville Road)
    • Savage: Savage Park (8400 Fair St.)
    • Woodbine: Western Regional Park (14800 Carrs Mill Road)

    Montgomery County

    Trees are accepted year-round during curbside yard trim recycling collection. Residents can leave their trees on the curb by 7 a.m. on their recycling collection day.

    You can request a bulk trash pickup for your artificial trees.

    Prince George’s County

    Residents with county-provided yard trim collection in Prince George’s County can leave their Christmas trees on the curb by 6 a.m. on Mondays through January.

    Virginia

    Alexandria

    Those who receive city collection can place natural Christmas trees at their regular yard waste collection point, on their regularly scheduled collection day after Jan. 1 and before the end of the month.

    The trees will be composted and should be prepared by removing all ornaments, tinsel, lights and stands. Trees should be out before 6 a.m.

    To prepare natural wreaths and roping for collection, you should separate the greens from the wire.

    Arlington

    Get rid of your Christmas trees in Arlington with a special pickup on the first two full weeks of the new year.

    Trees collected in January are turned into mulch available from county facilities.

    From Jan. 5 through Jan. 16, place trees at the curb no later than 6 a.m. along with carts on your regular trash collection day after removing all decorations, nails and stands.

    After Jan. 16, the trees are handled at curbside as part of regular year-round yard waste collection.

    Fairfax County

    In Fairfax County, natural Christmas trees will be collected from Jan. 5 to 16 for recycling.

    After Jan. 16, you can schedule a brush special pickup to have the natural tree removed. Lights, decorations and stands must be removed.

    Loudoun County

    In Loudoun County, residents can leave their trees at these locations until mid-January:

    • Claude Moore Park (use Loudoun Park Lane entrance, follow Loudoun Park Lane until it ends) on 46150 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling
    • Franklin Park on 17501 Franklin Park Drive in Purcellville
    • Loudoun County Landfill Recycling Dropoff Center on 21101 Evergreen Mills Road in Leesburg
    • Lovettsville Game Protective Association on 16 South Berlin Pike in Lovettsville
    • Meadows Pool Parking Lot on 42920 Center St. in South Riding

    Prince William County

    In Prince William County, as part of its yard waste collection program, residents can leave their cut Christmas trees on their scheduled yard waste collection day during the first two full weeks of January.

    Residents may also drop off their trees at the following locations during their hours of operation:

    • Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) on 5399 Wellington Branch Road in Gainesville (This drop-off area is in the parking lot and outlined with safety cones next to the building. It is only operational from Dec. 26 until Jan. 13).
    • The Compost Facility on 13000 Hansen Farm Road in Manassas
    • The Prince William County Landfill on 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Valerie Bonk

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  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve’ tour to Detroit – Detroit Metro Times

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    Neoclassical metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra rocked Little Caesars Arena with its annual holiday tour, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More” on Saturday.

    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon
    Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 27. Credit: Joe Maroon


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    Joe Maroon

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  • How to recycle your Christmas tree

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    Christmas trees for sale in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood. Dec. 1, 2023.

    Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

    You decorated, took time off from work, made merry, ate roast beast and argued with the inlaws. But now the holidays are over and you need to do something with that tree shedding in the corner of your living room. But what?

    Denverites can drop trees on their curbs for regular large-item pickup days (find your schedule here). But those trees will end up in a landfill — and there are better options.

    The city is once again offering treecycling, in which your old jolly evergreen is ground down into mulch and redistributed to area yards. It’s part of Denver’s growing effort to divert waste from the city dump.

    How to treecycle your Christmas tree:

    Weekday drop-offs are available from Dec. 29 through Jan. 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

    • Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Ave.)
    • Havana Nursery – 3685 Havana St.
    • Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (next to the Denver Animal Shelter)

    There are a few weekend drop-off days, too.

    Five sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 3:

    • Sloan’s Lake Park northwest parking lot — W. Byron Pl. and Yates St.
    • Fred Thomas Park — 2400 Quebec St.
    • Evie Dennis School Campus — 4800 Telluride St.
    • John F. Kennedy High School — 2855 S. Lamar St.
    • Central Platte Campus — 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.

    Nine sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 10 and 17:

    • Sloan’s Lake Park northwest parking lot — W. Byron Pl. and Yates St.
    • Bruce Randolph School — 3955 Steele St.
    • Fred Thomas Park — 2400 Quebec St.
    • Evie Dennis School Campus — 4800 Telluride St.
    • Central Platte Campus — 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.
    • Carson Elementary — 5420 E 1st Ave.
    • John F. Kennedy High School — 2855 S. Lamar St.
    • Congress Park — E. 9th and Josephine St.
    • University Park Elementary — 2300 S St Paul St.

    And while the tree might need to go sooner than later, don’t forget: Denverites are supposed to keep their lights up until the National Western Stock Show is over. It’s tradition!

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  • Firefighters extinguish vacant house fire in Globeville on Christmas night

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    Denver firefighters responded to a house on Thursday night that was “fully involved” in a fire, extinguishing the blaze in the Globeville neighborhood in less than 15 minutes.

    Division Chief of Operations Robert Murphy said the house, at 43rd Avenue and Cherokee Street, was vacant and no one was injured in the fire.

    The Denver Fire Department got the call on a one-alarm blaze around 8:40 p.m. Christmas night, Murphy said, and seven trucks and emergency vehicles responded to the scene.

    “There was nobody there when we got there,” he said. “We started attacking from the outside. There are still parts of the house standing, but it’s going to have to come down.”

    Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.

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  • Asian shares are mixed in quiet holiday trading after a lackluster post-Christmas day on Wall St

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    BANGKOK — Asian shares were mixed on Monday after a lackluster post-Christmas session on Wall Street, despite a ratcheting up of tensions over Taiwan.

    U.S. futures were little changed.

    The Chinese military said it had dispatched air, navy and rocket troops to conduct joint military drills around the self-governed island, which Beijing claims as its territory, to warn against what it called separatist and “external interference” forces. Taiwan said it was placing its forces on alert and called the Beijing government “the biggest destroyer of peace.”

    The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at U.S. arms sales to the territory and a statement by Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, saying its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that the world’s second-biggest economy says must come under its rule. But the Chinese military did not mention the United States and Japan in its statement on Monday morning.

    Taiwan’s benchmark gained 0.8%, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong was up 0.3% at 25,887.33. The Shanghai Composite index added 0.3% to 3,975.92.

    Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.2% to 50,663.90.

    In South Korea, the Kospi jumped 1.9% to 4,207.36, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gave up 0.3% to 8,732.70.

    The price of gold fell 0.4% to $4,535.50 per troy ounce, while silver gained 3% to $79.87. It has jumped to record levels on supply constraints.

    Earlier surges in gold prices partly reflected worries during the U.S. government shutdown. Expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates further in the new year, weakening the dollar against other currencies, have also fueled buying of gold.

    Both precious metals have risen this year as investors have looked for safe havens outside of stocks and bonds. Miners posted solid gains Friday. Freeport-McMoRan climbed 2.2%.

    Trading is light with institutional investors largely closed out for the year.

    Reopening Friday from the Christmas holiday, the S&P 500 index fell less than 0.1% to 6,929.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell less than 0.1%, to 48,710.97, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1% to 23,593.10.

    With three trading days left in 2025, the S&P 500 has climbed nearly 18% this year, helped by the deregulatory policies of the Trump administration and investor optimism about the future of artificial intelligence.

    In other dealings early Monday, U.S. benchmark crude oil gained 60 cents to $57.34 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, advanced 62 cents to $60.86 per barrel.

    On Friday, U.S. crude oil fell 2.8% and Brent crude fell 2.6%.

    The U.S. dollar fell to 156.28 Japanese yen from 156.56 yen. The euro was unchanged at $1.1770.

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  • Say Hello To Your Stepmom! Karrueche Tran and Deion Sanders Take Their Relationship To The Next Level With A Sanders Family Christmas

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    The holiday season is all about bringing families together, but when you’re part of the Sanders crew, that introduction comes with a side of high-stakes humor and viral clips. Karrueche Tran and Deion Sanders have officially moved past the speculation stage and into the family phase of their relationship, and it seems the legendary Coach Prime isn’t wasting any time bringing his partner into the family.

    Source: Frazer Harrison/ Andrew Wevers

    In a series of festive videos shared by Deion’s sons, Shilo and Deion Jr., fans were given a front-row seat to how the actress and model has integrated into the family dynamic. According to TheShadeRoom, Shilo Sanders recently took to his vlog to reveal exactly how his father introduced the Claws star to the group. Shilo stated there was no timid “this is my friend” speech; instead, Deion jumped straight to the point. “I remember when I first met Karrueche,” Shilo recalled. “Dad said, ‘Say hello to your stepmom!’”

    Karrueche and Deion Bring “Stepmom” Energy To Christmas

    The playful “stepmom” label has quickly become the running joke of the holiday season for the Sanders. Shilo, who spent Christmas at his father’s house, noticed a glaring disparity under the Christmas tree that signaled just how much favor the new lady in the house holds. While filming the stack of neatly wrapped presents, Shilo realized his own name was nowhere to be found. Instead, every single tag was addressed to “Mrs. K.”

    “Bro, everything says Mrs. K on here,” Shilo joked while filming the pile of Christmas presents. “That means Karrueche. She has so much stuff. What if all this is just for her? And I didn’t get anything?” Despite the faux-outrage over the missing presents, the vibes were clearly lighthearted, as Shilo even teased a future joint interview with his father and Tran for his YouTube channel, asking fans for “toey” questions, a reference to Deion’s previous medical complications involving his amputated toes.

    13th Annual NFL Honors - Arrivals
    Source: Jeff Kravitz / Getty

    While the “stepmom” jokes are all in good fun, the relationship between Karrueche and Deion appears to be rooted in something much deeper than social media humor. Karrueche first became a staple in the Sanders family vlogs earlier this year during a period of extreme vulnerability for Coach Prime. She was by his side throughout his hospitalization and recovery from bladder surgery.

    The bond was on full display as Karrueche hit the shops with Deion Jr. during a recent holiday outing. In a viral clip from the Well Off Media channel, Tran was spotted rocking an all-black ensemble on an escalator, buried under shopping bags. “I got to get my stepson a gift,” she joked before the two burst into laughter. Later, Deion Jr. proudly showed off his gift, a sleek pilot case, and made sure to thank his “stepmom” for the thoughtful surprise.

    Of course, the internet had plenty to say about the 37-year-old actress being called “mom.” While some fans joked that Karrueche looks more like their sister than their stepmother, the consensus seems to be one of genuine happiness for the pair.

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    Kerbi Lynn

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  • Broncos’ Bo Nix explains fear of dogs to Kirk Herbstreit after first interaction went viral

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    We continue to learn things about Bo Nix that surprise us.

    Last year, we found out he does not curse. On Christmas Day, he revealed his fear of dogs to Kirk Herbstreit after an awkward meeting with the broadcaster’s famous golden retriever Peter went viral last month.

    Herbstreit reunited the pair, with Nix petting the pup during warmups before the Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 20-13.

    “My wife (Izzy) will be shocked,” Nix said.

    Herbstreit travels the country with Peter, who took over the role of unofficial ambassador after his brother Ben passed away last November following a battle with leukemia and lymphoma.

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    Troy Renck

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  • SARMA (Croatian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

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    SARMA (Croatian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)  |  Kitchen Nostalgia

















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