Keeping it Together: Christmas looks different this year, but that's OK
Surprise! We're coming to you early this week! Instead of sending this week's newsletter on Saturday when you may be busy with holiday plans, we're sending you a Tuesday update on our latest content.
And since we're just a few days before Christmas, I've got to admit, this week has me feeling all the vibes of the holiday classic "Silver Bells."
"It's Christmas tiiiime in the city..."
Although New York has been getting into the holiday spirit for weeks, this week feels especially jolly since we're only a few days away from the big day and my siblings are visiting me.
It's the first time we've all been able to hang out for an extended period of time since the pandemic, so I'm really looking forward to having this quality time together.
And of course, we'll be getting in some touristy things, both holiday and non-holiday related.
This is definitely a different Christmas than usual. Typically my whole family gets together for full-on celebrations with cookies and presents and more, but this year we decided to keep things low-key.
Hopefully next year we'll be able to get back to our typical family-filled festivities, but for now, I'm finding joy in the time I have with the loved ones I'm able to see.
Just a heads up that we'll also be sending next week's newsletter on Tuesday so it doesn't interfere with the New Year's holiday. Talk to you then!
Looking for some joy? Try baking and craft shows
My colleague Erin Jensen found a "recipe for joy" through baking and craft shows that helped her make it through another pandemic year. Here's an excerpt from her joy-filled TV show round-up:
"Baking It" (Peacock)
Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg jazz up this "Making It" spin-off, as the hosts indulge viewers with musical performances. Eight pair of contestants cook up sweet and savory dishes for a chance to win some cheddar. But the real stars are the "opinionated grandmothers" who serve as judges and deliver the kind of polite evaluations only sweet nanas can.
"Blown Away: Christmas" (Netflix)
Some of your favorite glass blowers are back. Five of the Netflix competition's best return to create Christmas-themed works of art as they compete for a $10,000 prize for themselves (and an equal amount for their favorite charity). One of the finalists creates a winter scene so magical I just wanted to climb into the TV screen and take a stroll while "Winter Wonderland" played in the background.
"The Great British Baking Show: Holidays" (Netflix)
On your marks, get set, binge! "Ghosts of bakers past," as show host Matt Lucas describes them, return to the tent for this two-part holiday special – one for Christmas bakes and one for New Year's. Feast your eyes on Christmas puddings, illusion cakes and fruit crumbles!
To read Erin's full list of recommendations, click here.
Today's reads
- In the holiday baking mood? Here are some of the best sugar cookies you can make
- Here's why you can't stop watching rich people disintegrate on 'Succession,' 'Real Housewives' and more shows
- More Americans than ever are being diagnosed with high blood pressure. Are you next?
- Celebrities often deny, keep quiet about their plastic surgery. Why that's problematic.
- Single over the holidays? How to feel OK about being alone.
Today's pet
Meet Charlie.
"My spaniel Kate went to doggie heaven a year ago and I miss her so much. (My friend's dog) Charlie comes to stay with me once in a while. It’s so nice to have a pet to talk to," writes Karen Cole.
Thanks to everyone for reading! Remember you can send pet photos, coping tips and anything else to our email.
Wishing you all the best,
Sara Moniuszko