December 25th, 2023

Hey Sipsters! Merry Christmas!

Back in 1836, Alabama kicked off the Christmas cheer by being the first state to officially recognize the holiday. It wasn't until 1907 that Oklahoma joined the festive party as the last state to jump on board!

In today's email:

• News/Business: Teacher's TikTok yields Christmas miracles
  
• Lifestyle: Some new holiday jams this Christmas
• Health and Wellness: Your festive health survival guide
• Social Media and Creators: Holiday happenings with Zoë Sugg
• Travel & Leisure: Christmas around the globe!

In Las Vegas, a high school teacher's TikTok plea for her students' Christmas wishes became a worldwide sensation! Over 900 wishes, from snacks to heartfelt gifts, came true thanks to people's incredible kindness.

The school, Desert Pines, has around 3000 students that are eligible for free lunch because of their families' low income levels. Almost 10 years ago, the school implemented a "Wishmas" program for students to share a wish they want and why they want it. The school staff then uses their own money to help fulfill some of these Christmas wishes.

Many of the students' requests are what some of us might view as simple, such as a bag of peanut M&M's, a bag of potato chips, and a pair of slippers. One student's only wish was that all of their classmates wishes were fulfilled. Cheri Guy, who was the the teacher that posted the viral TikTok video, knew that there was no way that all of the students' wishes could be fulfilled by the staff, so she took to her own social media platform.

Within hours of Guy's post, students' wishes were coming true: Venmo donations, Amazon purchases, even gift wrapping supplies! Guy believes that by the time the final donations are made, each student's wish will be delivered. Some students are even getting future wishes, such as the cost of a graduation cap and gown as well as the cost of a yearbook!

The school turned into a winter wonderland of presents, as the students received their surprises, spreading warmth and holiday cheer. From cozy slippers to snacks for hungry tummies, the community's generosity made every wish a Christmas miracle. The spirit of giving lit up the hearts of these students, reminding us all of the true magic of the season!

Read more here!

Photo Credit: ABC News, Courtesy of Cheri Guy

'Tis the season for musical merriment, and these holiday albums are sleighing it! Picture this: jazzed-up jingles from Adam Blackstone, Brandy's mix of mistletoe musical goodness and heartache, and Sabrina Carpenter's quirky originals—talk about a merry mixtape!

But wait, there's more! Cher brings electro-pop sparkle, Gregory Porter adds adds some soulful warmth, and the Philly Specials throw a "touchdown" with their Christmas collaborations. Plus, Wheatus takes a punky spin on a classic tune—now that's a rockin' Yuletide surprise!

It's a holly, jolly, and totally upbeat musical ride through the craziest, coolest Christmas tunes of the year!

Check out the carols here

Get ready to sleigh stress and your holiday game with these merry tips! From making lists and setting boundaries to embracing the imperfectly perfect, this guide has you covered like tinsel on a tree.

"Keep calm and Christmas on" by planning ahead, saying "ho-ho-NO" when needed, and sneaking in some gingerbread-scented self-care. 'Tis the season to be jolly, not overwhelmed!

So, unwrap these tips, sprinkle some cheer, and make your way through the holidays with ease. Ho-ho-hope you have a holly, jolly time!

Our favorite tips:

-Plan ahead. Especially your shopping! This year, was the earliest we've ever gotten our holiday shopping done and it saved us so much time and stress.

-Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Dan has recently picked up hot yoga and it has made him so much more relaxed during the holiday season. "Nama-sleigh", Sipsters!

Read the full article here

This week's creator is:

@zoesugg!

Zoe, a British content creator on YouTube, is well-known for her enchanting Christmas-inspired videos. Each holiday season, she crafts vlogs and engaging content that immerses viewers in the magic of her seasonal traditions, ornate decorations, and imaginative gift recommendations.

Fans eagerly anticipate her annual holiday-themed releases, ready to dive into the festive spirit she brings to her channel.

Photo Credit: @zoesugg instagram

Join the ultimate Christmas adventure with this list! It's like Santa's sleigh ride across the globe, showcasing the most festive destinations.

From Cape Town's jolly markets and penguin meet-ups to Chicago's towering tree and cozy igloos, the holiday magic is upon us! Witness Hong Kong's dazzling light symphony, catch Reykjavik's Northern Lights, soak in Rio De Janeiro's epic nativity scenes, savor Salzburg's traditional markets, and dive into Tokyo's sparkling winter wonderland.

Check out the holiday excitement for the traveler in you here!

Photo Credit: Desktop Nexus

Thanks for reading this week's edition! Stay tuned for what's in store next week.