ReportWire

Tag: Holidays

  • TPA among airports nationwide to see delays in the wake of winter weather

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    TAMPA, Fla. — According to the flight tracking web site Flight Aware, more than 9,000 flights across the U.S. were delayed or canceled Friday as winter weather impacted parts of the country.

    At Tampa International Airport, passengers faced 260 delays and 38 cancellations as of 9 p.m. out of a total 632 flights. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Friday was expected to be Tampa International Airport’s busiest day of the holiday travel season

    •  The airport expected nearly 82,000 people to fly through on Dec. 26

    •  Winter weather snarled travel nationwide, with Flight Aware showing a total of more than 9,000 delays and cancellations

    • TPA was also impacted, with more than 250 delays and dozens of cancellations


    Among the passengers spending more time at the airport than expected was the Jones family from Cincinnati, Ohio. They were trying to get back home after their annual holiday cruise.

    “The bad part about it — we got off the cruise at 8 (a.m.) this morning,” Danielle Jones said. “So, we already had to wait until 7 (p.m.) to fly, and now we’ve got to wait until 9-something and don’t get home until after midnight.”

    The Joneses were making the best of it. Several family members performed a dance near what will be the shuttle to the new Airside D.

    Mya King said she teaches line dancing and her family is always up to learning new routines.

    “They are, always — I grew up line dancing,” King said. “I got it from them.”

    “We’re the Jones family. We just dance everywhere, just try to keep everything positive,” said 22-year-old Jamari Tolbert.

    Raymon Jones, Sr., said the family spent the day at a nearby mall and the movies before heading to the airport.

    “It’s just tiring to see a delay, but we’ve gotta make something out of it, you feel me? We’re always hanging with family, kicking it,” said Tolbert.

    That’s what many passengers were doing in the days before they wound up at the airport. Friday was expected to be TPA’s busiest day of the holiday season, with nearly 82,000 passengers flying through. The airport’s communications manager, Beau Zimmer, said the holidays are always an all-hands-on-deck situation — from restaurants to shops to the guest experience team.

    “They’re handling it good,” 19-year-old Rayzier Jones said. “They’re doing the best they can.”

    “It’s the holidays,” said Rayanuna Jones, 20. “They’re here working and stuff, and they’ve still got a smile on their face.” 

    As for the Joneses, they said it’s all about perspective.

    “Just giving us more time to spend with each other,” said Danielle Jones.

    “Yeah, that’s it,” agreed Raymon Jones, Sr. “Family is everything for us, you know? The good and the bad. Everything’s not always great, but you work through it and you just have fun, like the kids said.”

    “Delayed, but never denied,” said Rayanuna. “We’re going to get there.”

    TPA recommends passengers check directly with their airline about their flight status before heading to the airport. Zimmer suggested passengers arrive two hours ahead of any domestic flights and three hours early if they’re flying internationally.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Study shows how freezing food could reduce food waste

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    OHIO — As the New Year arrives, with it comes the end of the holiday season, but one thing seems to linger on: leftovers. 

    While it could be a challenge to try to eat it all before it goes bad, many may think to put it in the freezer.

    It’s an efficient way to extend the shelf life of food, but also, as a study from Ohio State found, putting food in the freezer can help put a dent in decreasing food waste in U.S. households.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio State researchers used data from frozen food-related questions added to the summer 2022 wave of the U.S. National Household Food Waste Tracking Survey

    • The study revealed that food waste remains high, however, about 6% of wasted household food in the U.S. were discarded frozen items

    • The data pointed to households with people aged 45 years and older and living in households with three or more people as being the most efficient with frozen foods

    Ohio State researchers used data from frozen food-related questions added to the summer 2022 wave of the U.S. National Household Food Waste Tracking Survey. In that survey, 1,067 households participated.

    Those households were asked to estimate how much food they’ve thrown out in the previous seven days that had been frozen, and to clarify whether it was bought frozen or food that was later placed in the freezer. Respondents also were asked to state how often and how much frozen food they buy on average.

    The study revealed that food waste remains high, however, about 6% of wasted household food in the U.S. were discarded frozen items — making it a small contribution to food waste overall.

    “We found that households with home freezing behaviors are more likely to have less food waste than other households,” said Lei Xu, first author of the paper and a postdoctoral scholar specializing in agricultural and food economics at The Ohio State University. 

    Researchers say the findings suggest if consumers were to stock their freezers, it could help prevent premature disposal of food.

    “Food waste is not just an economic loss – it also causes environmental damage because more than 90% of wasted food goes to the landfill, and this can produce greenhouse gas emissions,” Xu said. “The findings suggest that in the future, if we can encourage households to have home freezing behaviors, this small change in food storage habits can have a large environmental impact.” 

    Additionally, the team found that 30% more of wasted frozen food came from the refrigerator and not the freezer.

    Brian Roe, professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at Ohio State, said it’s the first study to see how frozen food participates in food waste. While recent estimates have showed around 30% of food is wasted in the U.S., Roe said other research shows food waste is increasing.

    “The fact that food waste is still increasing may suggest to policymakers that campaigns could be useful to educate households about balancing purchasing behavior and making the most of the food they buy,” Xu said. 

    The study also found that 85% of U.S. households buy frozen foods. Among them, 55% of participants reported they bought frozen food to help reduce food waste. Those who bought more frozen food were more likely to shop a lot less, around two to three times per month.

    The data pointed to households with people aged 45 years and older and living in households with three or more people as being the most efficient with frozen foods. The researchers said it’s possible that a home-freezing routine comes later in life as experience with managing meals increases.

    “Thinking about why that happens, it might mean they don’t understand food storage techniques and don’t understand how long they should keep certain foods and where they should put it,” Xu said. “This suggests more explicit food storage instructions on food labels could educate consumers about how to correctly store foods to reduce waste.” 

    The researchers say if there is more consumer education about how the freezer can help prevent food waste, it can have an impact economically and environmentally, as well as help address the issue of food insecurity, in which 10% of U.S. households experience.

    “Half of consumers buy frozen food to reduce waste. What about the other half?” she said. “We want to increase social awareness of how to save food, and explain how people use frozen food and home freezing techniques to save food. And freezing is one of the most accessible techniques because essentially all households have a refrigerator and freezer.” 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Happy Kwanzaa! Here’s what to know about the celebration

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    What is Kwanzaa?

    Kwanzaa is a non-religious, seven-day-long holiday that celebrates African and African American history and culture.

    When is Kwanzaa?

    Kwanzaa is celebrated between December 26 and January 1 every year.

    When was Kwanzaa created?

    Kwanzaa was created by activist and author Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966. In establishing the holiday, Karenga hoped to introduce a nationally celebrated holiday that would bring Black Americans together and reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture. The holiday gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of the Black Power movement.

    Karenga drew on practices and celebrations used in harvest festivals all across Africa. The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.”

    How do you celebrate Kwanzaa?

    During the weeklong celebration, families come together to eat meals of African diaspora-inspired foods, recite the work of famous Black writers and thinkers and light one of the candles on the kinara, a seven-branched candelabra holding one black candle, three red candles and three green candles.

    The colors, which can also be found in the clothing worn by families and the decorations they put out for the holiday, honor the three-striped Pan-African flag. The red of the top stripe represents the historical struggle Black people have faced across the globe, while the bottom green stripe represents a hopeful future. In the middle, the black stripe embodies African-American people.

    Families also decorate with other symbols inspired by African culture, such as a woven mat called a Mkeka, an ear of corn for each child in the house (Muhindi), fruit to represent the harvest (Mazao) and gifts (Zawadi).

    What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa?

    Each day of Kwanzaa, families light a candle on the kinara, a seven-branched candelabra, representing one of the seven principles celebrated during the holiday. Each day is dedicated to one of the following principles or Nguzo Saba:

    • Umoja (Unity)
    • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
    • Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
    • Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
    • Nia (Purpose)
    • Kuumba (Creativity)
    • Imani (Faith)

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    Julia Yohe

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  • Weekend Guide: Lakers vs. Rockets, HiHo Cheeseburger & More

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    Plus, holiday cocktails at The Spare Room and Bar Etoile Sunday chicken frites dinner

    Every Thursday, Los Angeles magazine curates a list of the best events in and around Los Angeles. Craft a great last-minute schedule with our Weekend Guide to L.A., and don’t forget to sign up to have the guide delivered to your inbox every week by clicking HERE.

    Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets — Dec. 25 

    LeBron James beat Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Abdul-Jabbar's career total of 38,387 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
    LeBron James celebrates at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2023.
    Credit: Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

    The basketball hometown heroes throw down on their own turf for a Christmas Day face-off against the Houston Rockets beginning at 5 p.m. 

    Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans — Dec. 27 

    Los Angeles Chargers v RamsLos Angeles Chargers v RamsCredit: Los Angeles Chargers

    Justin Herbert and co. also take on Texas for a Saturday afternoon game, bringing game day excitement to the lull between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. 

    Bar Etoile: Special Sunday Service with Chicken Frites a la Bruto — Dec. 28 

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    Bar Etoile 2025Bar Etoile 2025Credit: Kort Havens

    Opening up for a noteworthy afternoon service, Bar Etoile honors Poulet Frites du Dimanche in Paris’s 11th Arrondissement with a family-style menu of roast chicken frites served with a chicory salad and chocolate mousse. Plant-based eaters can opt for the tagliatelle with vegetarian bolognese.  

    Holiday Cocktails at The Spare Room — Through December 

    The Spare Room holiday cocktails 2025The Spare Room holiday cocktails 2025
    Seas & Greetings
    Credit: Courtesy The Spare Room

    Make a round of bowling festive with a visit to The Spare Room, serving holiday-themed drinks alongside its lineup of games. Menu highlights include the Seas and Greetings with run, cinnamon and dash of mole bitter and the herbal and the tequila-based Pardon My Poinsettia. 

    Holiday Prix Fixe at Andaz West Hollywood — Through December 

    The Sunset StripThe Sunset Strip
    Andaz West Hollywood is located on the Sunset Strip.
    Credit: The Sunset Strip

    Enjoy a $55 prix fixe at Riot House, serving dishes like winter salad, surf and turf with garlic butter shrimp and flat iron steak and cheesecake.  

    The Shay Food Bank Drive — Through Jan. 16 

    The Shay 2025The Shay 2025Credit: Courtesy The Shay

    The Shay, a Destination by Hyatt, in Culver City makes giving back throughout the holidays easy with its Westside Food Bank lobby donation bins. Bring by non-perishable food items and canned goods between visits to Butterfly for rooftop cocktails and dinner at Zaytina.  

    HiHo Cheeseburger Pasadena — Now Open 

    HiHo Pasadena 2025HiHo Pasadena 2025
    The HiHo Triple
    Credit: Hungry in LA

    On Dec. 16, HiHo Cheeseburger brought its cheesy goodness to Pasadena. Stop in to try its signature menu alongside fried chicken dishes made in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning Willie Mae’s Scotch House in New Orleans and house-made desserts like milkshakes and banana cream pie in a to-go cup. 

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    Haley Bosselman

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Winter Skate Spectacular, Holiday Record Swap … and more! – WTOP News

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    From Dec. 27 through Feb. 9, the National Building Museum is hosting an indoor synthetic ice-skating experience to keep the holiday spirit going into the new year.

    The National Building Museum’s Winter Skate Spectacular is a unique indoor skating experience hosted in the museum’s Great Hall.(Photo courtesy National Building Museum)

    Keep the holiday spirit going into the new year with the National Building Museum’s Winter Skate Spectacular. Running from Dec. 27 through Feb. 9, the museum’s Great Hall is hosting an indoor synthetic ice-skating experience.

    This second year of the Winter Skate Spectacular includes early hours for younger skaters, themed nights, plus festive snacks and drinks. There are also lively after-hours events planned for adults.

    Aileen Fuchs, president and executive director of the National Building Museum, said this event also coincides with the installation of a public artwork suspended above the Great Hall, called “The Wave.” The massive work measures 55 by 180 feet, led by Catholic University of America professor Tonya Ohnstad in collaboration with students and industry partners.

    “It’s going to be a really spectacular, beautiful element, we think, for our visitors who are often excited to experience architecture and design in new, fun, cool ways,” said Fuchs.

    Tickets for the skating experience cost $20 for adults and $17 for youth, seniors and students.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Looking for New Year’s Eve events? Check out WTOP’s party guide here.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Holiday Record Swap and Vinyl Market
    Add some new tunes to your music collection. In Northeast D.C., metrobar is hosting a record swap and market. The event is free to attend.

    MLK Bargain Basement Books & Shop
    The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is selling used books and library merch with proceeds going directly to the MLK Library Friends. The event is this Saturday. Can’t attend? The Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library is also hosting a book sale with donated titles on Friday.

    Kwanzaa and “Kujichagulia” at Anacostia Community Museum
    The Playback Theatre is hosting an interactive Kwanzaa experience at the Anacostia Community Museum where audience members are invited to share real-life moments that are turned into dynamic theatrical performances. The event on Saturday is free to attend.

    “Family Day: Winter Wishes”
    In the Great Hall of the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building, expect a family-friendly seasonal celebration where guests can use winter-themed imagery from the Library’s collection to create holiday cards or bookmarks. The event is free, but tickets are required.

    D.C. Gals Vision Board Night
    Get ready to manifest your dreams by heading to SALAZAR in Northwest D.C. on Tuesday for a vision board night. Tickets cost approximately $13 per person.

    New Year’s Eve Swing Ball
    Still need New Year’s plans? Head to Black Cat to see musical performances from Peaches O’Dell and Her Big Band Orchestra, plus Tony Anthony & His Malvivants. Tickets cost roughly $42. For more New Year’s Eve parties to consider, check out WTOP’s guide.

    Maryland

    Special Saturday Night Open Mic Night
    The Hyattsville, Maryland, location of Busboys and Poets is hosting an open mic on Friday with professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies and musicians. Tickets cost approximately $7 in advance and $8 at the door.

    A Dickens Literary Tea
    For those who’d love to discuss “A Christmas Carol” or anything else regarding Charles Dickens, the Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House in Elkridge, Maryland, has an afternoon tea planned with delectable treats inspired by the English novelist’s literary works. Tickets for the event on Monday cost approximately $70.

    Adobo’s NYE
    Kiss 2025 goodbye at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland. This New Year’s event is hosted by the Adobo DMV multicultural experience with DJ sets by Pedro Night. The event costs approximately $35 per person.

    Virginia

    Mamma Mania!
    For lovers of ABBA, the State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia, has the tribute band, Mamma Mania!, performing Saturday. Tickets cost $22 ahead of time or $25 on the day of the show.

    Holiday Hoedown
    Jammin Java at Vienna, Virginia, has the blues and roots band, The Nighthawks, performing this Saturday as part of their Holiday Hoedown event. Tickets for the event cost $27 per person.

    Holiday For The Hounds
    On Saturday, Shipgarten has a paws-itively pup-friendly holiday celebration planned. Expect a dog park, homemade treats from doggie vendors, games and contests, as well as a special dog menu. Human companions can also enjoy over 40 breweries to sample from, plus pics with Santa.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

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

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    Michelle Goldchain

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  • How to cut back on holiday food waste

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    OHIO — The holiday season is known for many things like Christmas music or hot cocoa, but many people may not think about the waste that accompanies the giving season, especially with food.

    What You Need To Know

    • There’s a lot of extra food waste during the holiday season 

    • There are ways to cut back 

    • Consider using your leftovers in future meals or donating extra food

    In an article from the nonprofit Each Green Corner, it notes that food waste increases by approximately 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

    Here’s how they recommend cutting back on the waste:

    • You should expect to have leftover food and ensure you have the plastic containers to store it
    • If you have extra food, you can also consider donating it to a local food bank
    • If possible, don’t let your holiday guests leave without taking some leftovers with them
    • Plan your holiday meal shopping carefully to avoid purchasing an excess amount of food. Not only can this help cut back on waste, it’s also helpful to your wallet.
    • Some foods can be composted as well, which is a much better outcome than a landfill

    If you’re looking to creatively use your leftovers, consider this list of recipes to make from post-holiday extras.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Son decorates home for Christmas to remember late mother

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    SUMMERFIELD, N.C. — The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate with family and friends. For some, annual holiday traditions have a deeper meaning, especially after loved ones pass away. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Sterling Nix of Summerfield keeps a tradition of putting up Christmas decorations each year

    • He started out as a young boy, helping his mother put them up at the family home

    • His mother died in 2023, and he says the tradition now helps him remember her

    “This is the accumulation of several years of just loving this hobby, and I enjoy sharing the spirit with others,” said Sterling Nix, a Summerfield resident. 

    Sterling Nix moved to Summerfield from Florida with his family in 2019. He has helped put up Christmas decorations at his family’s home each year since he was a young boy. It started out as a fun, annual chore with his mom. 

    “When I was young, I was obsessed with things that plugged in as a baby,” said Nix. “My mom always told me that I was getting into the lamps and stuff, just walking around, plugging them in and unplugging them, so I guess it’s just kind of a natural connection.”

    Things took a turn in March 2023 when Nix’s mom, Beth, passed away from heart failure.

    “Inside [our home] we don’t have nearly as many decorations as we did before, because I was always the outside person and he would take care of the inside,” said Nix. “There’s always a spot missing.”

    Each year since, Nix has carried on the family tradition. He says his mom’s favorite part was the nativity scene because it helped share the true meaning behind the holiday.

    “You can easily get lost in all the commercial aspects,” said Nix. 

    Nix says it takes nearly a month to set everything up. The display includes dozens of inflatables, lights and other festive decor including rare or hard-to-find items. 

    “I haven’t seen them in a while,” said Nix. “I plug them up and I’m like, dang, I forgot how big these things were.”

    When cars pass by to look at the display, Nix feels joy knowing that his work is appreciated by many and hopes they’ll take away something from it.

    “You don’t have to lose the magic of Christmas as you get older,” said Nix. “You can always look at the things that brought you joy. They don’t have to stop bringing you joy.”

    All while remembering his mother.

    “She loved bringing people joy, so this is what she would have loved,” said Nix. “She’d probably think it’s a little insane with the amount I’ve gone, but she’d love it.”

    Nix says power and wind can be the most challenging aspects when it comes to managing the display. He also sets up decorations for Halloween. He plans to buy more Christmas decor in the coming months and hopes to have a bigger display next year. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Poinsettias: Rethinking a Christmas Cliché – Gardenista

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    Happy holidays! This week we’re revisiting our favorite festive stories from years past, like this one:

    The poinsettia revolution was a long time coming. But worth waiting for.

    It’s been nearly 200 years since Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. diplomat to Mexico, shipped Euphorbia pulcherrima back to South Carolina to propagate. From then, it was only a matter of time before bright red poinsettias became a Christmas cliché.

    Luckily nowadays poinsettia breeders have come up with so many new varieties and colors—pink, apricot, white, cream, gold—that the poinsettia feels new again. This holiday season we’re liberating our potted poinsettias and turning them into cut flowers:

    Photography by Michelle Slatalla.

    Poinsettias in a wide variety of colors and with patterned bracts are widely available during the holiday season. (I found these at shops near my Mill Valley, California home. The plants pictured above came from Nancy Ann Flowers in Sausalito, Berkeley Horticultural Nursery, and a local Whole Foods.)
    Above: Poinsettias in a wide variety of colors and with patterned bracts are widely available during the holiday season. (I found these at shops near my Mill Valley, California home. The plants pictured above came from Nancy Ann Flowers in Sausalito, Berkeley Horticultural Nursery, and a local Whole Foods.)

    For years the Ecke family of Encinatas, California had the market cornered on poinsettias—and deserves the credit for developing pink and white varieties decades ago. In recent years, varieties such as ‘Autumn Leaves’ (yellow) and ‘Envy’ (chartreuse) and ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ with splatter-pattern red and white bracts have broadened the offerings.

    Poinsettia �216;Christmas Beauty Marble�217; has dusty pink bracts outlined in cream.
    Above: Poinsettia ‘Christmas Beauty Marble’ has dusty pink bracts outlined in cream.

    The colorful parts of poinsettia plants are not petals but rather are bracts that radiate outward. Poinsettia flowers are the unobtrusive cluster in the center.

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  • More than a meal: Charlotte nonprofit spreads hope on Christmas Day

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christmas Day is often about tradition, family and celebration. But for many in Charlotte, it was also about community and compassion.

    Block Love Charlotte spent the holiday serving hot meals and offering support to people experiencing homelessness, turning a day that can be especially difficult into one filled with warmth and hope.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Block Love Charlotte served hot meals on Christmas Day to people experiencing homelessness across the city

    •  Volunteers also handed out toys, clothing, toiletries and books

    •  Founder Deborah Phillips says Christmas can be especially hard for families unsure where their next meal or paycheck will come from

    • Organizers plan to continue the tradition into the next Christmas


    The effort was marked by smiles, laughter and even a familiar holiday sound — the laugh of the Abominable Snowman — as volunteers worked to create a festive atmosphere for those they served.

    “It’s been big, like we’ve been crying literally all morning, everybody saying thank you,” said Deborah Phillips, founder of Block Love Charlotte.

    Volunteers spent the day handing out meals, toiletries, clothing and toys, focusing not just on providing necessities but on making people feel seen and valued during the holidays.

    “There’s nothing like waking up on a Christmas morning in, and you’re in a motel room. You don’t know where your next paycheck is coming from, you don’t know how you’re going to get the kids gifts, and you may not even know where your next meal is coming from,” Phillips said. “So we wanted to change all of that. Let’s give people their mind, give their minds some ease in knowing that somebody is going to show up today. So that’s why we do it.”

    For some volunteers, the event marked the start of a new holiday tradition.

    “We’ve supported monetarily. We’ve supported with food. And this was just an awesome time for us, to support in person and experience the reason for Christmas, and sharing gifts and just pouring out and reflecting God’s love to the community,” said volunteer Cindy Beasley.

    Beasley and her husband worked the toy table, helping children pick out gifts, something she says no family should have to go without during the holidays.

    “We’re able to do that, so why shouldn’t everybody be able to do that? And as a parent or grandparent, it’s just so special to be able to to give,” she said.

    Phillips said the children are often the most impacted by the outreach.

    “But the kids the most, like that toy table. Thank you all for everybody that donated. But it’s really big. This is bigger than Santa Claus,” she said.

    In addition to meals and toys, volunteers handed out clothing, toiletries and books. Organizers say the goal is simple — to show up when people need it most.

    Block Love Charlotte plans to continue the tradition next Christmas, continuing its mission to bring comfort and care to the community during the holiday season.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Jordan Kudisch

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  • What You’ll Find in (Almost) Every Hallmark Holiday Movie: Santa, More

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    Credit: Robert Clark/Hallmark Media

    Traveling by Planes, Trains, Cars — and Even Through Time

    Traveling at the holidays is a time-honored tradition among Hallmark characters and viewers alike. Whether it’s a shared car ride that ends in romance, like 2015’s A Christmas Detour, or traveling by cruise ship over the holidays like 2025’s A Keller Christmas Vacation, Hallmark has you covered on all modes of transportation in their films.

    Beyond train travel, flying — we’re looking at you 2025’s Christmas Above the Clouds — and climbing a literal mountain on Christmas Eve — cough, 2025’s An Alpine Holiday, cough — Hallmark has added time travel to his “travel” category for holiday movies and it has Us beaming with excitement.

    Take 2025’s A Newport Christmas, for example, in the film, socialite Ella (Ginna Claire Mason) takes a boat — see, another form of transportation— out on the water in 1905 and magically transports to 2025 Rhode Island. There she falls in love with Nick (Wes Brown), who owns the same boat she came in on but in modern times. It’s pure magic and makes Us want to go sailing and yes, travel through time.

    Most Festive Films With This Item:

    A Christmas Detour, Journey Back to Christmas, Cross Country Christmas, A 90s Christmas, Jingle Bell Run, A Newport Christmas, A Keller Christmas Vacation, An Alpine Holiday, Christmas Above the Clouds, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas.

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    Johnni Macke

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  • Last-minute holiday shopping frenzy in San Francisco

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    Shoppers in need of last-minute gifts were out in full force in San Francisco on Christmas Eve.

    From Union Square and Stonestown Galleria to the Mission and Noe Valley, shoppers took advantage of a break in stormy conditions to make purchases – a welcome sight for vendors.

    NBC Bay Area’s Sergio Quintana has more in the video report above.

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    Sergio Quintana

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  • 4 Signs Your Dog Is Over Holiday Socializing | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Holidays can be full of parties and socializing, and it’s natural for us to want to include our dogs in these celebrations. But many dogs, like humans, may have a limit for how much socializing and partying they’re up for. Knowing when your dog has had enough holiday socializing is an important part of keeping everyone safe.

    Should Fido Be at the Gathering?

    The first thing to consider is whether or not you should even include your dog in holiday gatherings. You need to know their personality type, as well as their likes and dislikes. For example, if your dog loves people, then a holiday party might be the highlight of their week. However, forcing them to socialize when they don’t want to can make them uncomfortable and potentially put others at risk. Be sure to take your dog’s preferences, and those of your holiday guests, into consideration.

    Social and Behavioral Issues to Think About Before Holiday Socializing

    Is your dog an introvert or extrovert? Do they love meeting new people and hanging out, or do they prefer cozy couch snuggles with their familiar, trusted people? If your dog is more of an introvert or is sensitive to strangers, crowds, or loud noises, then a holiday party may not be the best place for them.

    Does your dog steal or guard food? Party guests won’t be as careful as you are at managing where you put food down, especially if there will be kids at the party.

    Does your dog jump to greet or otherwise have less than perfect manners? This may be fine when it’s you alone, but if there will be children or elderly people attending, a dog jumping on them could be dangerous.

    Finally, will there be children? If so, who is going to be supervising dog and child interactions? You can’t assume dogs and kids will be comfortable with each other, and there should always be adult supervision.

    4 Signs Your Dog Might Be Done with Holiday Socializing

    1. They Stop Greeting New People Coming In

    If your dog is normally a social butterfly and they stop greeting people coming or going, that could indicate they’re tired or have had enough.

    2. They Start to Avoid or Retreat for Some Peace and Quiet

    If you notice your dog starts to avoid interactions, like walking away if someone tries to engage with them or ducking their head when someone tries to pet them, this could also be a sign they’re done with socializing. More obvious signs would be complete retreat where they go off into a back bedroom or hop out the dog door to escape the chaos of the party.

    3. They Get Clingy with You

    Some dogs may get clingy to you, their trusted, familiar adult, hoping you’ll give them relief from the situation. If you ignore this plea, the dog may decide they need to take more drastic measures to ask for relief, like snapping or vocalizing.

    4. They Get Aggressive

    Dog aggression, which can look like growling, barking, lunging, snapping, or biting, doesn’t usually happen out of the blue. In fact, there are usually earlier, less subtle signs of stress or discomfort, such as:

    • Yawning
    • Lip licking
    • Hard stare
    • Whale eye

    Once a dog’s subtle communication signs have been ignored, they may escalate their communication to be louder and clearer to tell you they need space or relief from the situation.

    Knowing your dog’s social limits, preferences, and communication is essential for happy, safe holiday socializing and will protect guests and your dog from discomfort.

    Post Views: 59


    Kate LaSala, CTC, CBCC-KA, PCBC-A, CSAT, owner of Rescued by Training, is a multi-credentialed behavior consultant specializing in fear, aggression, and separation anxiety, helping dogs and their people worldwide. She is also a pet death doula, supporting grief and loss, including stigmatized experiences such as behavioral euthanasia and rehoming cases.

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    Kate LaSala

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  • Rich Aunty Oils, Affordable Must-Haves & Premium Essentials: BOSSIP’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

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    Source: Brown Sugar Babe

    It’s that wonderful time of year where we scramble to find the perfect gift for our loved ones (or just buy gift cards and be done with it) while wearing ridiculous sweaters to house parties, delighting in the merry Mariahmas spirit, and watching Home Alone for the millionth time.

    For many, it’s the most stressful time of year which is why we put together this (amazing) gift guide to make your shopping experience easier, especially online.

    This holiday season, we’re featuring a carefully curated collection of must-haves headlined by Brown Sugar Babe—the “internet’s favorite body oils” that just might change your life—no, seriously.

    Founded by Maekaeda Gibbons who started making her own versions of high-end fragrances as a self-care ritual, the multimillion-dollar empire exploded into one of the most bankable brands in the melanin-thin space.

    “This desire in me is to make sure that the girls that look like me feel seen,” said Gibbons in an interview with Essence.

    “I don’t think that’s the case for regular fragrance brands. And I use the term regular, meaning their marketing strategy does not include Black women in a prominent way.”

    With Black women as 85% of her loyal customer base, Gibbons is primed for an even bigger 2026 with her coveted collection of luxurious products that sell out just as fast as they’re restocked.

    Are you a Brown Sugar babe? If so, which oil is your fave? If not, what’s your go-to fragrance? Tell us down below and enjoy (and bookmark) our Holiday Gift Guide on the flip.

    Brown Sugar Babe

    BSB is everything you need to achieve main character status in any room you’re in. The luxury, the self-care, the swoon-worthy scents (Rich Aunty! Wild Card! Brand New!), it’s an absolute must-have this holiday season, especially if you want to attract a husband or wife.

    At this point, you could say they’re the Beyoncé of body oils after moving over 20,000 units during their recent Black Friday sale.

    B. Stuyvesant Champagne

    The premium French champagne elevates moments with every pop while seamlessly merging tradition and innovation. It’s elegant, it’s prestigious, it’s Black-woman owned.

    Elle Vie

    There are body butters, scrubs, and shea oils. And then there’s Ellie Vie‘s award-worthy collection of body butters, scrubs, and shea oils made from quality ingredients with self-love at the forefront of the brand’s mission.

    Polo Ralph Lauren’s Oak Bluffs Popover Shirt (4th slide)

    The salt-washed, sun-faded statement shirt (which was sold out for months but recently restocked on the site) embodies the essence of Oak Bluffs—a town in Martha’s Vineyard that thrived as a cultural haven for the Black community since the early 20th century and continues today.

    Cavo

    A candle that smells like Direct Deposit alerts, Matcha, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Musk? Yes, absolutely!

    (You may want to light this while eating your collard greens on New Year’s Day for a big money bonus.)

    Ralph Lauren & Usher’s Ralph’s Club New York Eau de Parfum

    This buzzy partnership connects Usher’s modern style with Ralph Lauren’s classic legacy in a distinctive bottle bursting with juicy blackcurrant accord—used for the first time in a men’s fragrance—creamy vanilla, and warm sandalwood notes.

    Disney Cruise Lines

    The spectacle, the wonder, the magical moments, the Grand Hall—there’s no sailing experience like the Disney Cruise which, if you want to splurge for your favorite family members or parents, can be booked for up to 35% off on the site right now.

    Bombas

    You’re probably buying your dad, uncle, and pop-pop socks for Christmas and that’s OK. Most of us are. But this year you should consider leveling up to the ultra-comfortable Merino Wool Blend Calf Socks which, according to Google, are one of the hottest essentials this holiday season.

    Gap × BÉIS Sport Sling

    The eye-catching denim blue collection blends Gap essentials with the thoughtful design details of BÉIS for a trendy travel piece that balances style and utility.

    Medase

    The premium zero-proof cocktail brand celebrates wellness, joy, and meaningful connection with high-quality ingredients as an enticing option for the mocktail drinkers.

    With flavors like Lemon Drop, Old Fashioned, and Margarita, the bubbling brand gives you the goods without the buzz.

    Papatui

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s emerging skincare and grooming brand is an impressive collection of well-made products including an aluminum-free deodorant with science-backed clean ingredients.

    Cakeworthy

    The dreamy fashion label specializes in unisex streetwear apparel and accessories for the pop culture lover. Looking for a unique gift? They have something for everybody including an epic 40th Anniversary celebration of the Golden Girls.

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    Alex Ford

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  • Things to do in Denver this weekend, Dec. 26-28

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    By Cassidy Ritter, Special to Denverite

    Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa!

    If you’re celebrating the holiday season, take a drive to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for Christmas in Color, enjoy the lights at Hudson Gardens or take a jog at the Stanley Marketplace’s Onesie 5K & Holiday Party.

    If you’re recovering from festive celebrations and looking to take it easy this weekend, consider visiting D’art Gallery for an exhibition tour or laughing at a comedy show at Comedy Works.

    The Colorado Mammoth, the state’s professional lacrosse team, is also playing at Ball Arena on Saturday. 

    Whatever you do, make it a great weekend!

    Notes: Events with an * are taking place virtually or outdoors.

    Friday, Dec. 26

    Just for fun

    ICE! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Gaylord Rockies, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora. 9 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Starting at $37. 

    Clock Tower Self-Guided Tours. Denver Clocktower, 1601 Arapahoe St. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (children ages 5 and under), $8 (Historic Denver and Molly Brown House Museum members), $10 (general public).

    Magical Winter Nights. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4:15-9 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under), $19.95 (guests ages 3-18), $21.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $24.95 (adults). Discounted rates for members.

    *Christmas in Color. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 4:30-10 p.m. Starting at $44.99.

    *Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele St. 4:30-10 p.m. Free (ages 2 and under), $23 (ages 3-15), $30 (ages 16 and older).

    Elitch Holidays (formerly Luminova Holidays). Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle. 5-9 p.m. $29.99.

    *Mile High Holidays Drone Show. Seen throughout Denver with the best places to watch at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the rooftop of Le Méridien Denver Downtown and Peaks Lounge. Starting at 7 p.m. Free. (Learn more about the second annual show here.)

    *Trail of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. 7-8 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $10-$12 (children ages 3-15), $16-$18 (ages 65 and older), $18-$20 (adults).

    Kids and family

    *Snow Days. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr. Opens at 9 a.m. Free (children under 1 year of age and members), $17.75 (1-year-olds and visitors ages 60 and older), $19.75 (ages 2-59). All ages.

    Patch Lab DIY Party. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Prices vary. All ages.

    Disney’s “Frozen”. Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prices vary. Ideal for ages 4 and older.

    *Hudson Holidays. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. 5-9:30 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $17.06 (ages 3-12), $20.26 (ages 65 and older), $22.40 (adults).  

    Comedy and theater

    Josh Blue. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. Two shows: 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. $30-$35.

    The Unteachables. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 7 p.m. $25. 

    “A Christmas Carol”. Wolf Theatre, 1350 Arapahoe St. 7 p.m. Prices vary.

    “The Notebook”. Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary.

    “Ben Roy’s Ha-Ha Holiday Comedy Show”. Denver Comedy Underground, 675 22nd St. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. $27.50. 

    Triple Threat. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 9 p.m. $15. 

    Art, culture, and media

    Moments That Made U.S. History Colorado, 1200 Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (children ages 18 and under), $15 (adults).

    The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (members and children age 18 and younger), $22-$27 (students, teachers, active military members, veterans, seniors ages 65 and older), $25-$30 (adults). 

    D’art 360 2nd Annual Holiday Art Market. D’art Gallery, 900 Santa Fe Dr. Noon-4 p.m. No cover.

    Eat and drink

    Blitzen’s at Shep’s. Omni Interlocken, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield. 11 a.m.-midnight. No cover.

    Ski Jorts City. Lady Justice Brewing Co., 3242 S. Acoma St., Englewood. Noon-10 p.m. No cover.

    Jingle Bao Rock. Bao Brewhouse, 1317 14th St. Noon-midnight. No cover.

    Sushi 101. Stir to Learn, 3215 Zuni St. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $120. Advance registration required.

    The Chalet. Kimpton Claret, 6985 E. Chenango Ave. 5-8 p.m. No cover.

    Music and nightlife

    Laser Billie Eilish. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prices vary.

    The 5 Points Nutcracker. The Savory Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St. 7-8:30 p.m. $71.21. Advance registration required.

    Want more live music? Check out the Indie 102.3 concert calendar.

    Sports and fitness

    *Ice Skating. Throughout the Denver metro, locations listed here. Times vary. Costs vary.

    Saturday, Dec. 27

    Just for fun

    ICE! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Gaylord Rockies, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora. 9 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Starting at $37. 

    Elitch Holidays (formerly Luminova Holidays). Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle. 4-9 p.m. $29.99.

    Magical Winter Nights. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4:15-9 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under), $19.95 (guests ages 3-18), $21.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $24.95 (adults). Discounted rates for members.

    *Christmas in Color. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 4:30-10 p.m. Starting at $44.99.

    *Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele St. 4:30-10 p.m. Free (ages 2 and under), $23 (ages 3-15), $30 (ages 16 and older).

    *Hudson Holidays. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. 5-9:30 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $17.06 (ages 3-12), $20.26 (ages 65 and older), $22.40 (adults). 

    *Trail of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. 5:30-8 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $10-$12 (children ages 3-15), $16-$18 (ages 65 and older), $18-$20 (adults).

    *Mile High Holidays Drone Show. Seen throughout Denver with the best places to watch at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the rooftop of Le Méridien Denver Downtown and Peaks Lounge. Starting at 7 p.m. Free. (Learn more about the second annual show here.)

    Kids and family

    *Snow Days. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr. Opens at 9 a.m. Free (children under 1 year of age and members), $17.75 (1-year-olds and visitors ages 60 and older), $19.75 (ages 2-59). All ages.

    Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made with LEGO Bricks. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under and members), $20.95 (guests ages 3-18), $22.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $25.95 (adults). (Learn more about the exhibit here.)

    Disney’s “Frozen”. Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prices vary. Ideal for ages 4 and older.

    Comedy and theater

    “The Nutcracker”. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Price vary.

    “A Christmas Carol”. Wolf Theatre, 1350 Arapahoe St. 1:30 and 7 p.m. Prices vary.

    “The Notebook”. Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Prices vary.

    The Unteachables. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. 6:30 p.m. $25. 

    Vinnie Montez. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 6:30 p.m. $25-$30.

    “Ben Roy’s Ha-Ha Holiday Comedy Show”. Denver Comedy Underground, 675 22nd St. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. $27.50. 

    Naughty & Nice Showcase. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 8:30 p.m. $22.

    Josh Blue. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. 8:45 p.m. $30-$35.

    Art, culture, and media

    Moments That Made U.S. History Colorado, 1200 Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (children ages 18 and under), $15 (adults).

    Demo Artist: Miriam Dubinsky. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. Noon-3 p.m. Free (members and children age 18 and younger), $22-$27 (students, teachers, active military members, veterans, seniors ages 65 and older), $25-$30 (adults). 

    D’art 360 2nd Annual Holiday Art Market. D’art Gallery, 900 Santa Fe Dr. Noon-4 p.m. No cover.

    Lumonics Immersed. Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery, 800 E. 73rd Ave., Unit 11. 8-10 p.m. $15-$25. Advance registration required.

    Eat and drink

    Blitzen’s at Shep’s. Omni Interlocken, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield. 11 a.m.-midnight. No cover.

    Kick-Knack Auction. Call to Arms Brewing Co., 4526 Tennyson St. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. No cover. (Read more about the closing business here.)

    Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory. Little Man Ice Cream Factory, 4411 W. Colfax Ave. Noon-10 p.m. No cover.

    Jingle Bao Rock. Bao Brewhouse, 1317 14th St. Noon-midnight. No cover.

    The Chalet. Kimpton Claret, 6985 E. Chenango Ave. 5-8 p.m. No cover.

    Dim Sum. Cook Street, 43 W. 9th Ave. 6-9:30 p.m. $132 (per person). Advance registration required.

    Music and nightlife

    The 5 Points Nutcracker. The Savory Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Starting at $44.52. Advance registration required.

    Laser Billie Eilish. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 3 p.m. Prices vary.

    Want more live music? Check out the Indie 102.3 concert calendar.

    Sports and fitness

    Rainforest Yoga. Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster. 7:45 a.m. $12 (member), $15 (non-member). Advance registration required.

    *Denver Nuggets at Orlando Magic. Watch on Altitude 2 or listen at 950 AM. 5 p.m.

    Georgia Swarm at Colorado Mammoth. Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle. Watch on ESPN+. 7 p.m. Prices vary.

    *Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights. Watch on Altitude. 8 p.m. 

    *Ice Skating. Throughout the Denver metro, locations listed here. Times vary. Costs vary.

    Sunday, Dec. 28

    Just for fun 

    ICE! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Gaylord Rockies, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora. 9 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Starting at $36. 

    Clock Tower Self-Guided Tours. Denver Clocktower, 1601 Arapahoe St. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free (children ages 5 and under), $8 (Historic Denver and Molly Brown House Museum members), $10 (general public).

    *Christmas in Color. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 4:30-10 p.m. Starting at $44.99.

    *Trail of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. 5-8 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $10-$12 (children ages 3-15), $16-$18 (ages 65 and older), $18-$20 (adults).

    Elitch Holidays (formerly Luminova Holidays). Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle. 5-9 p.m. $29.99.

    *Hudson Holidays. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. 5-9:30 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $17.06 (ages 3-12), $20.26 (ages 65 and older), $22.40 (adults).  

    Kids and family

    Disney’s “Frozen”. Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. 1 p.m. Prices vary. Ideal for ages 4 and older.

    Magical Winter Nights. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4:15-9 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under), $19.95 (guests ages 3-18), $21.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $24.95 (adults). Discounted rates for members.

    *Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele St. 4:30-10 p.m. Free (ages 2 and under), $23 (ages 3-15), $30 (ages 16 and older).

    *Mile High Holidays Drone Show. Seen throughout Denver with the best places to watch at Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus, Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the rooftop of Le Méridien Denver Downtown and Peaks Lounge. Starting at 7 p.m. Free. (Learn more about the second annual show here.)

    Comedy and theater

    “The Nutcracker” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. 1 p.m. Price vary.

    “The Notebook” Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 1 p.m. (ALS Interpretation) and 6:30 p.m. Prices vary.

    “A Christmas Carol” Wolf Theatre, 1350 Arapahoe St. 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prices vary.

    Geoff Tice Family Show. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 6 p.m. $7-$14. 

    Holiday Roast. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. 7 p.m. $14.

    Art, culture, and media

    Moments That Made U.S. History Colorado, 1200 Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (children ages 18 and under), $15 (adults).

    The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (members and children age 18 and younger), $22-$27 (students, teachers, active military members, veterans, seniors ages 65 and older), $25-$30 (adults). 

    D’art 360 2nd Annual Holiday Art Market – Last Look. D’art Gallery, 900 Santa Fe Dr. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. No cover.

    Open For Discussion: Stories From a Woman’s Perspective – Exhibition Tour. D’art Gallery, 900 Santa Fe Dr. 1-2 p.m. No cover.

    Eat and drink

    Drag Queen Bingo Brunch. Denver Milk Market, 1800 Wazee St., Suite 100. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. No cover.

    Blitzen’s at Shep’s. Omni Interlocken, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield. 11 a.m.-midnight. No cover.

    Ski Jorts City. Lady Justice Brewing Co., 3242 S. Acoma St., Englewood. Noon-8 p.m. No cover.

    Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory. Little Man Ice Cream Factory, 4411 W. Colfax Ave. Noon-10 p.m. No cover.

    Music and nightlife

    The 5 Points Nutcracker. The Savory Denver, 2700 Arapahoe St. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Starting at $44.52. Advance registration required.

    Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: Swingin’ in the New Year. Dazzle at The Arts Complex, 1080 14th St. 6 p.m. Prices vary.

    Sports and fitness

    Rainforest Yoga. Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster. 7:45 a.m. $12 (member), $15 (non-member). Advance registration required.

    *Onesie 5K & Holiday Party. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora. 9:15 a.m.-noon. Free.*Ice Skating. Throughout the Denver metro, locations listed here. Times vary. Costs vary.

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  • Nostalgic Christmas village at 3 Daughters is 40+ years in the making

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    ST. PETE. Fla. — Inside of 3 Daughters Brewing by downtown St. Pete sits a tiny city filled with Christmas memories.

    It started tiny.

    Now, the village of small holiday figurines sits upon 18 tables and spans down two sides of the brewery.

    It’s the work of owner Mike Harting’s dad, Bruce.

    Bruce says the Christmas village used to be inside his home. It started in the early 1980s when his mom brought the very first piece home from her job at the Hallmark store. The first piece is one that Bruce calls ’Scrooge’s House’ and is from the original Department 56 North Pole collection.  It used to have a revolving function where you could see the small figurines dancing in the window. While it doesn’t turn anymore, it has its spot front and center.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Christmas village is on display until January 10

    •  Located at 3 Daughters Brewing at 222 22nd St S in St Pete

    •  This year’s village has roughy 400 houses, 500 people, and 80 animated pieces

    • Village is now 18 tables long 


    When Mike and his wife opened 3 Daughters Brewing in 2013, the family decided the brewery would be the perfect spot for the Christmas village.

    Quickly, Bruce says, it caught on. They started expanding, and as the village grew more and more people visited the brewery hoping to donate their family’s pieces.

    Bruce says every season they have people who walk through the door with a piece from their late parent or grandparents collection that they want to donate. Bruce marks those special pieces with an ‘X’ and makes sure they get put out every year.

    “When we rebuild, we look at the bottom of the piece and if they’re special marked they go back in,” he explained.


    The Christmas village has turned into a patchwork of memories from families throughout the community.

    “It just caught on because all of us are kids at heart,” he said.

    One of Bruce’s favorite spots is a series of gondolas in the corner. It reminds him of his time in the U.S. Army, when he and his wife were living in Europe. While they were there, they would ride the gondolas together. There’s one section that’s lower, so small children can see. There’s trains, arenas, and full-blown winter scenes. A newer section, is inspired by the Ringling Brother’s circus.

    This year, the village has roughly 400 houses, 500 people, and 80 animated pieces. There’s also a large, red button that powers some of the animated pieces that guests can push. It’s all strung together to one power switch, so the staff can easily turn it off when closing up at the end of the night.

    Bruce says it takes about 4 weeks to put the village up each year. It will be on display until January 10.

    Photojournalist Anthony Sande contributed to this report. 

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    Angie Angers

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  • If Mom Wants Her Christmas Stocking Filled, Should She Have to Ask?

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    Too many moms will wake up Christmas morning to empty Christmas stockings. Although they’ve filled stockings for the rest of the family, no one will have filled theirs. Saturday Night Live lampooned this all-too-predictable phenomenon. And recently, CNN raised the issue after a young wife’s Instagram video about it went viral.

    But if Mom’s empty stocking is a problem that should be fixed, who’s responsible for fixing it? That question has caused some debate across social media in recent days. One wife and mother interviewed by CNN made a point of telling her husband to put some items in her stocking. She urged other moms to do the same. “Dads can’t help us if they don’t know. You just need to be bold and speak up for yourself and what you want,” she said.

    For many readers, that solution misses the point. Buying a few stocking stuffers is neither difficult nor expensive. It’s a small effort of caring that mothers make for their partners and children year after year. Those mothers should not have to explain that they’d like the same caring in return. As one Reddit member put it: “Women somehow know they need to take care of these things but men need to be told? Another thing on Mom’s to-do list.”

    It’s about emotional labor.

    Even if you’re unmarried or, like me, never had a Christmas stocking tradition, you should care about this question. It goes straight to the issue of how women’s roles are perceived, both at home and at work. It’s part of the debate over emotional labor, defined as the work we do to take care of other people’s feelings. Arranging get-togethers, putting up holiday decorations, remembering to celebrate birthdays and retirements–these are all examples of emotional labor. And they are all tasks that women more commonly perform than men.

    HR professionals, business leaders, and advocates for gender equality have woken up to this fact in the past few years. Because if the women in the office always organize going away parties, find just the right gift for that key team member, and lend an ear when someone needs to vent, that’s bound to affect their productivity. No one will ever get a bonus for remembering other employees’ birthdays. Yet those kinds of tasks add value, because they keep your team feeling like a team, rather than a random group of people who all happen to work in the same place.

    In an ideal world, business leaders who brag about their company culture would reward the emotional labor that helps create that culture. Everyone of every gender would share in that effort. No one would ever fall behind because they put in too much time making sure other team members felt valued. And no Mom would ever have to explain that, just like everyone else, she would like her stocking filled.

    Go inside one interesting founder-led company each day to find out how its strategy works, and what risk factors it faces. Sign up for 1 Smart Business Story from Inc. on Beehiiv.

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    Minda Zetlin

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  • Staying on track with nutrition during the holidays

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    For many people, the holidays are filled with family, food — and temptation. But if you’re trying to stick to a nutrition plan or make a long-term lifestyle change, experts say you don’t have to choose between enjoying the season and staying on track.

    Benjamin Williams, an online nutritionist and personal trainer and the founder of The Beginners Club, said the holidays don’t have to be all or nothing. You can enjoy your favorite foods without completely falling off your plan — it just requires mindfulness.

    Williams said the key is focusing on balance instead of restriction. By eating healthy foods about 80% of the time, he said, you can allow yourself to indulge in less-healthy options for the remaining 20%.

    “What if you’ve had a small breakfast, for example, go and enjoy those mince pies,” Williams said. “Go and enjoy the chocolate log or the Christmas pudding because you’ve kind of saved those calories from earlier in the day and you can have them later on. So it’s just kind of thinking, where can I kind of save some calories and where can I go and enjoy myself?”

    He also recommends prioritizing protein and limiting higher-fat foods.

    “We really want to get a large quantity of protein. So leaner meats. So turkey is a traditional one, chicken,” Williams said. “We just want to make sure we’re getting larger quantities of the good stuff, leaner protein, vegetables, which are all tasting really good around the holiday time and just limiting, say, the not so good stuff.”

    Williams added that being mindful of alcohol and dessert intake can make a big difference. He suggests alternating alcoholic drinks with water and deciding ahead of time which desserts you really want, so portions stay manageable.

    “I’ve learned the hard way, you know, we can be getting over 200 calories in one pint of beer,” Williams said. “And so, you know, if you have three of those at 600 calories and that might be killing your deficit coming into the holiday kind of season. So quantity control and just making smart choices when it comes to beverages.”

    Another tip: prioritize conversation over constant snacking. Instead of mindlessly eating, focus on connecting with people you may not see often to stay occupied.

    The takeaway, Williams said, is to enjoy the celebrations — and not let one indulgent day turn into a season of guilt. He also stressed that movement still matters, recommending a walk with family or even some solo time outside after a meal.

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    Taylor Bruck

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  • Online shopping leads holiday sales as N.C. spending expected to hit $43B

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    GREENSBORO, N.C. — As holiday shopping season peaks, new numbers show more Americans are choosing to shop online rather than in stores. Some warehouses in North Carolina are feeling that surge.

    What You Need To Know

    • New data shows online shopping is now the most popular way to shop during the holidays and some warehouses in the state are feeling that surge 

    • Projections from Appalachian State University’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association estimate total holiday sales in the state will reach $43.97 billion in 2025, between November and December sales 

    • Those numbers are reflected inside local warehouses like Replacements Limited, where employees work year-round to ship tableware and collectibles across the globe

    • Nationwide, the National Retail Federation projects total retail sales for November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% compared with 2024, signaling continued strength in consumer spending



    The state is seeing a significant boost in holiday spending.

    Projections from Appalachian State University’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association estimate total holiday sales in the state will reach $43.97 billion in 2025, between November and December sales. 

    Those numbers are reflected inside local warehouses like Replacements Limited, where employees work year-round to ship tableware and collectibles across the globe.

    “During this time of the year, it’s very busy,” said Cassandra Goins, a trainer and shipper who has worked at the company for more than 25 years. 

    She says many shoppers are going online to find holiday gifts, including herself.

    “I think that a lot of people nowadays are enjoying shopping online,” Goins said. “It’s a convenience and they love it just as well as I do.”

    Company officials say more than 90% of their sales now happen online, with daily shipments doubling during the holiday season.

    “We’re just getting our orders out the door as fast as we can,” Goins said.

    The National Retail Federation’s 2025 October Holiday Consumer Survey found 55% of shoppers plan to make purchases online this season, outpacing every other shopping option.

    Grocery stores followed at 46%, with department stores at 44% and discount stores at 42%.

    Clothing and accessories stores came in at 30%, while small businesses accounted for 21%.

    Nationwide, the National Retail Federation projects total retail sales for November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% compared with 2024, signaling continued strength in consumer spending.

    As shoppers continue to prioritize convenience, businesses and workers are adapting to meet demand, ensuring holiday gifts arrive on time, whether they’re traveling across town or across the world.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Ashley Van Havere

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  • Restaurants open and closed for Christmas Day in Ohio

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    OHIO — Whether it’s wanting to go out for Christmas dinner, not wanting to cook a meal or simply because you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s certain you should still have dinner. 

    Spectrum News 1 compiled a list of chain restaurants that will either be open or closed on Christmas Day to help Ohioans plan ahead. 

    Here’s what we found:

    Restaurants that are open

    • Applebees
    • Burger King
    • Dunkin
    • IHOP
    • McDonalds
    • Red Lobster
    • Starbucks
    • Subway
    • Wendy’s

     

    Restaurants that will be closed

    • Bibibop
    • Chick-Fil-A
    • Chipotle
    • Cracker Barrel
    • First Watch
    • Hardee’s
    • Jimmy John’s
    • Olive Garden
    • Texas Roadhouse

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Choosing holidays that grow with your family – Growing Family

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    Collaborative post

    Family life is constantly evolving. Children grow, routines shift and priorities change, often more quickly than we expect. Holidays that once felt perfect can suddenly feel less suitable, and trips that worked well a few years ago may no longer meet everyone’s needs. As families move through different stages, it’s natural to reassess what kind of time away feels most supportive.

    Many parents begin to look for holidays that offer consistency alongside flexibility, rather than novelty alone. This is where some families start considering options such as family cruises – not as a fixed solution, but as a travel format that can adapt as children grow and family dynamics change.

    flat lay of items to pack for a family day out

    How travel needs shift as children grow

    Travelling with babies often centres around sleep schedules, feeding routines and easy access to familiar comforts. Parents may prioritise simplicity and predictability over busy plans. As children grow into toddlers, energy levels increase, emotions become more intense, and days need to balance stimulation with rest.

    School-aged children often enjoy structure and shared activities, while older children and teenagers may want more autonomy and space. Planning a holiday that suits everyone can feel complicated, especially when each stage brings new needs.

    Holidays that can accommodate these shifts tend to feel more sustainable. They allow you to return to a familiar structure while adjusting how you spend your time within it.

    The comfort of familiarity

    As families grow, familiarity can feel reassuring. Knowing roughly how a holiday will unfold can reduce anxiety for both parents and children. Familiar settings often help everyone settle more quickly, allowing you all to relax and enjoy being together rather than constantly adjusting to new surroundings.

    Familiarity doesn’t mean repetition or boredom. Instead, it creates a sense of safety that makes it easier to enjoy new experiences. This can be especially helpful for children who find change challenging or who rely on routine to feel secure.

    Supporting independence over time

    As children get older, their desire for independence naturally increases. Holidays that allow children to make age-appropriate choices about how they spend their time can support this development in a positive way.

    Parents often find it easier to relax when children have opportunities to explore safely and at their own pace. This balance between shared time and personal space can reduce tension and help everyone enjoy the holiday more fully.

    family outlined against sunsetfamily outlined against sunset

    Making room for parental wellbeing

    Family holidays often focus heavily on children’s enjoyment, but parents’ wellbeing matters too. When parents feel rested and supported, they’re more emotionally available and better able to enjoy time together.

    Holidays that reduce the mental load – fewer decisions, less constant planning – can help you step out of problem-solving mode. This creates space to be present, notice small moments and genuinely relax.

    Flexibility without pressure

    One of the challenges of family travel is the pressure to make every moment count. This can lead to over-packed days and a sense of rushing, which often leaves everyone feeling tired.

    Flexible holidays allow families to respond to how they’re feeling on the day. Some days might be busy and energetic, while others are quieter and slower. Removing the pressure to do everything can make time away feel more restorative.

    Creating meaningful shared memories

    Holidays can offer rare opportunities for connection away from everyday routines and responsibilities.

    The memories that tend to last aren’t always the biggest or most exciting moments. Often, they’re found in repeated rituals, like shared meals, familiar walks, relaxed evenings and unhurried conversations. These moments build a sense of belonging and togetherness that continues long after the holiday ends.

    a family splashing in a pool at the beacha family splashing in a pool at the beach

    Navigating different interests

    In growing families, interests naturally diverge. Younger children, older siblings and parents may all want different things from a holiday. Travel that doesn’t require everyone to follow the same schedule can help reduce frustration.

    When each family member feels their needs are acknowledged, holidays tend to feel calmer and more balanced. This consideration can be particularly important for families with children at very different ages.

    Letting go of the idea of perfection

    It’s easy to feel pressure to plan the “perfect” family holiday, especially as children grow and time together feels increasingly precious. However, perfection isn’t what makes holidays meaningful.

    Allowing space for quiet days, changes of plan and moments of rest can make holidays feel more realistic and enjoyable. Children often remember how a holiday felt emotionally rather than exactly what was done.

    Choosing holidays that last beyond one stage

    Many families return to travel styles that work for them, adapting details as children grow. Holidays that can evolve alongside family life offer continuity, even as circumstances change.

    This sense of continuity can be comforting, providing a familiar framework that supports growth rather than resisting it. It allows families to focus less on logistics and more on connection.

    Final thoughts

    Choosing holidays that grow with your family means accepting that needs will change over time, and that this is a natural part of family life. Travel doesn’t need to look the same at every stage to be meaningful.

    By prioritising flexibility, familiarity and balance, you can create time away that supports wellbeing and connection. Often, it’s the calmest holidays – the ones that leave space to slow down and simply be together – that have the most lasting impact.

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    Catherine

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