5 things you need to know this weekend
A weekend full of bowl games
Looking for something to get over the post-Christmas blues? College football has an answer: Saturday will bring a day full of bowl games from across the country. Six games are scheduled, starting at 11 a.m. EST and running past midnight. Among the highlights is Frank Beamer's final game as coach of Virginia Tech when the Hokies face Tulsa in the Independence Bowl. Also, Luke Falk and Brad Kaaya, two of country's top quarterbacks, meet in the Sun Bowl when Washington State squares off with Miami (Fla.). The nightcap features traditional powers UCLA and Nebraska in the Foster Farm Bowl.
In Canada, Britain and elsewhere, it's Boxing Day
A holiday about boxing? That's what Canadians and other members of the former British Empire often are asked, somewhat quizzically, about Boxing Day, an official holiday that falls on December 26. Put your gloves away! The moniker comes from the tradition of "Christmas boxes," gifts of money or goods given to tradespeople and servants on the day after Christmas. These days, however, Boxing Day has turned into a major shopping extravaganza in the countries where it is marked. It also is the biggest day of the year for fox-hunting, an activity usually followed — and sometimes preceded — by a drink at the pub.
Big weekend storm targets central U.S.
As the storm that blasted U.S. Wednesday and Thursday winds down, yet another one is forecast to bring a messy mix of snow, ice, rain and thunderstorms to much of the central U.S. over the weekend. The storm will bring everything from heavy snow and blizzard conditions to ice, flooding rain and severe thunderstorms.
If you're looking for a deal, it's time to get shopping
If you're among those flocking to the stores to make all those post-Christmas returns, you won't be alone. The day after Christmas is a top-10 sales day for retailers, and the third-biggest day for holiday season traffic in stores, according to ShopperTrak. And deal-savvy shoppers know that Dec. 26 can feature even better bargains than Black Friday. The deepest discounts are on apparel. This weekend is also the time to stock up on next year's wrapping paper, garlands, ornaments and seasonal dinnerware — all of which will be deeply discounted to make room for new inventory.
Get ready for even more holiday travel
The week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest times for travel. About 100.5 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home for the holidays, starting from this past Thursday through Jan. 3, 2016. This season's traveler numbers are up 1.4% from 2014, making it the seventh year in a row that the number has grown. What's helping fuel the uptick this year? Lower oil prices and rising incomes. Here are some tips to make your travel go as smoothly as possible (hint: leave your hoverboards at home).
The weekend essentials:
Which films are worth your popcorn? Here's a look at what's in theaters this holiday weekend.
Ready for some football? Here's the college football bowl game schedule and Paste BN Sports' picks for Week 16 of the NFL.
Need a break? Try playing some of our games.