A very merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah to you, friend! I’m keeping this email short and sweet. Enjoy the day with your loved ones. If you’re alone today, I’m sending you a huge virtual hug. ❤️

🎶 Looking for holiday cheer? Tune into our special Mannheim Steamroller show, “An American Christmas,” for music and merriment that’ll make your season bright! Let the timeless melodies, stories of Christmas and spirit fill your home with joy. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your Christmas Day! If you listen very carefully, you’ll hear my son, Ian, when he was five years old say, “God bless us, every one!” Find your local station here. — Kim

Christmas Day is a time for reflection, gratitude and connection. This year, it’s extra special as Hanukkah also begins tonight. Both holidays remind us of the importance of light, hope and the traditions that bring us closer together.

When I was a kid, the magic of Christmas came in the form of glowing string lights on a fresh-cut tree, the scent of my Mom’s cooking and my Dad’s laugh as we opened gifts. Those memories of warmth and love are what I carry with me every year, and it’s what I hope for each of you to experience today.

As we celebrate this season, I want to take a moment to thank all those who work tirelessly to make the holidays brighter: Health care workers, first responders, retail staff, delivery drivers and everyone else working behind the scenes to bring a little joy to our lives.

Let’s not forget the thousands in law enforcement and national security protecting us; the firefighters and medical professionals on call today; and the pilots, flight attendants and air traffic controllers reuniting families. And, of course, the men and women of America’s military, who serve to ensure our freedom.

I want to give you a special thanks, too

I’m thrilled you’re here with me day in and day out. I love reading your comments that say, “Wow, Kim, it feels like you’re talking to me in this newsletter.” Yes, it’s real, human Kim here gathering what you need to know in the world of tech and writing it for you.

That’s especially important now that AI is everywhere. I want this email and the info I pass along on my shows, podcasts and writings in USA Today, the Daily Mail and other places to be something you can trust.

Some of my Christmas traditions

Below, I put links to the recipe for my annual Christmas dinner, movies and lots more. But I want to reach out to you if you’re not having a great day.

Years ago, my Dad was a little depressed and missing his mother terribly one Christmas. My Mom thought a quick trip to Las Vegas would get him out of the slump. I gave him a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD to listen to on their drive. When they returned, my Mom had a huge smile on her face and said, “Wow! That CD is wonderful! It totally turned his frown upside‑down!”

I shared this story with Chip Davis, the founder of Mannheim Steamroller. He explained he did that on purpose with the tempo so people would have an emotional lift. If you’re a little down, here’s a YouTube playlist. When I miss my loved ones, it helps me, too.

In this season of hope and joy, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or simply enjoying time with loved ones, I’m keeping you in my prayers. I pray for your health and happiness, and that you find peace and comfort in the moments that matter most.

Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. From my family to yours, may this day be filled with warmth, light and love.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Love, Kim.

• What’s on your Christmas menu? It’s always pot pies for us on Christmas Eve. Cozy, warm and everyone loves them. Here’s the recipe I’ve perfected over the years. Christmas Day’s menu is a toss-up; today, I’m making pizza. So good!
• Another tradition in our home is “A Christmas Story,” which plays over and over all day. It’s streaming on Max and Prime Video. FYI, “Die Hard” is streaming on Prime Video, “Elf” is on Max and “Home Alone” is on Disney+.
• For something wonderful, here’s a video of my son, Ian, reciting Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Christmas Bells” when he was eight. Where does the time go?
• Whip up some Jingle Juice — or any other holiday cocktail (or mocktail) that floats your boat! Mimosa, please.
• Need an easy breakfast? Pancakes with butter and real maple syrup. Done!
• Feel the magic of the season with “An American Christmas.” It’s better than Spotify playlists, for sure.

I remember Uncle Marty taking this picture at my grandmother’s house in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey. From left to right, that’s me, my mother, my grandmother and my aunt, Evelyn.

🎄 Merry Christmas, friend! I’m so grateful to have you here, sharing a little of your day with me and getting tech-smart together. I hope your holiday is filled with love, laughter, and maybe even a gadget or two under the tree! See you tomorrow with more news, tips and tricks to keep you ahead of the game. Enjoy your day. You deserve it! ❤️✨ — Kim