Nine days after going missing, 4-year-old German shepherd mix Athena rang her owner’s doorbell. It was Christmas Eve at 2:30 a.m. — a holiday miracle! The Green Cove Springs, Florida fam searched as far as Jacksonville and Saint Augustine.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and lots of love from me
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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, happiness, and that you find peace and comfort in the moments that matter most.
5 ways to connect when you’re apart for the holidays
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Christmas Eve is here. It’s a time for joy, laughter and cherished moments with loved ones. I know how busy this day can get, but a little bit of tech-savvy can help make it even more special.
Here are five quick and simple ways to use technology to connect with family and create memories without taking up too much time.
Winter is coming
A few smart upgrades now = fewer holiday headaches later.
🎄 Tree-mendous: Christmas tree (15% off)
Trim and timeless. Fits into the tightest corners, comes with a sturdy metal stand and packs 1K+ tips to make it look like the real deal.
🔌 Festive, not hazardous: Stick a cord cover (33% off) over those messy light cables. Because decking the halls shouldn’t mean decking into the ground.
Everyone needs a charge: Guests coming over? This outlet extender (31% off) turns one wall outlet into seven charging spots. No more fighting for the last plug.
🔥 Tiny but mighty: When your office or home is an icebox, grab an electric space heater (40% off). Heats up in 3 secs and sips power instead of guzzling it.
From fuzzy to fancy: Don’t toss your favorite cozy sweater. This lint shaver (28% off) sucks up all those pills and makes your clothes and furniture look brand-new.
🏠 Upgrade your home base: Check out my handpicked lineup of home upgrades that make winter easier, cozier and way less drafty.
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There’s still time to get it before Christmas! I like classy clothes you can dress up or down. If you need a gift that feels like quality for your spouse or adult children, check out the bestsellers at Quince. They have washable cashmere, silks and more that all look great and last.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
How to actually find cheap flights
If you’re flying for Thanksgiving or Christmas, don’t wait. I have the insider tricks airlines don’t tell you.
Potty mouth: Viral sensation “Skibidi Toilet” is coming to Fortnite. You might know that as the phrase kids and tweens won’t stop saying. Other rumored Fortnite crossovers: Anime’s Demon Slayer and Hatsune Miku, plus the return of Spider-Man. Now you have something to talk to your 12-year-old about at Christmas!
5,000 Christmas trees
Planted by an Indiana couple 10 years ago. Bruce and Shawn Carpenter’s Christmas tree farm is helping fund college for their eight grandchildren. About 1,000 trees are ready for sale. I wish I lived close enough to go get one!
🧑🎄 Cards in minutes: Make your holiday greetings unforgettable with a personalized photo Christmas card. Add your family name, a heartfelt message and your favorite photos. Bundles start at $21.45 ($1.43 each) for 15 cards or up to 250 cards for $180 ($0.72 each).
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Tips to take the best holiday photos
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Forget getting everyone together at Christmas for a photo opp and having them all say, “Cheese!” Instead, use words that end in ‑ah. These sounds put the muscles around the mouth to work, creating a genuine smile. Try “yoga,” “mocha” or “banana.”
5 clever tricks holiday scammers use
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JD in Dallas emailed me with a story. He and his wife were at the mall and stopped for a Christmas selfie. Two young men walking by offered to take the pic for them — and one kept wiping the phone’s lens inside his jacket.
🏠 Deck your yard
Let’s prep your porch for the holidays without blowing a fuse (or your wallet).
🔌 Festive power-up: Outdoor extension cord (33% off, $30)
Playing electrical Jenga? These cords are waterproof, wear-resistant and built with a flame-retardant jacket. Perfect for inflatables or that one reindeer that always droops.
Set it and forget it: This power stake timer (18% off, $24) means no more walking outside to unplug lights at midnight. Comes with a remote that reaches 100 feet.
In honor of Veterans Day: Salute our heroes by upgrading your outdoor American flag ($10, 50% off). Heavy-duty polyester lets it wave, not fray.
Easy on, easy off: A pack of these light clips (8% off, $12) keeps your Christmas lights sturdy without peeling your paint. Your walls (and sanity) will thank you.
🚪 Front-entrance flex: This wreath hanger (15% off, $9) holds up to 20 pounds and adjusts for the perfect placement. Change it up without leaving a mark
Wipe those shoes: Stop dirt before it hits your floor with a new doormat (24% off, $46). The low profile means your door won’t catch and drive you nuts.
🎁 Shop the season: Hit up Amazon’s holiday page for more steals on decor, stocking stuffers and more. You’ll rest easy getting that out of the way now.
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DIY made easy
Got a honey-do list a mile long? Start here.
🔦 Whoa, that’s bright: Philips flashlight ($44, 30% off)
Don’t wait for a power outage to wish you had one. This zoomable beam packs 2,000 lumens and a rechargeable battery that also charges your phone. You’ll never fumble for candles again.
🧰 The ultimate gift set: A full 276-piece toolbox ($100, 21% off) and a power drill? You betcha. Wrap this up and make someone’s Christmas morning.
Your pipe’s winter coat: Slip on a two-pack of outdoor faucet covers ($6, 40% off) before the first frost. Way cheaper than a plumber visit.
👟 Solid grip, no fuss: Tracking in dirt? A pack of 100 disposable shoe covers ($8, 47% off) saves you from having to whip out your mop.
Tiny fix, big win: These rubber chair leg caps ($10, 17% off) stop your furniture from scratching your beautiful floors. 16 in a pack = enough for four chairs.
✅ For your inner Mr. or Ms. Fix-It: See 25 more gadgets that made my “home helper” list over on my Amazon page.
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Get your home holiday-ready
The busy season’s creeping in fast. Jump on these steals before the rush.
✨ Permanent outdoor lights (40% off): Keep your place glowing all year long. Set them up once and never drag out another string.
Foldable step stool (17% off): Sturdy, lightweight and folds in seconds. Perfect for grabbing your festive decor from the top shelf.
🎃 Pumpkin carving kit (23% off): Ditch the flimsy tools, and craft jack-o’-lanterns that actually look like your Pinterest inspo.
Christmas gift tags (15% off, 500 pieces): These little labels take your presents from last-minute to perfectly put together.
🎁 Wrapping paper set (14% off): Add a pop of fun with 10 sheets that help all your gifts stand out from the pack.
🍂 Get ahead of the chaos: Explore today’s top deals for more easy seasonal wins.
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I love a deal
❄️ Amazon’s Winter Sale is here, with discounts of up to 40%. Gift yourself the thing you really wanted this year.
- There’s nothing better than sitting in front of the fireplace with a blanket, hot cocoa and a nice pair of fuzzy socks (23% off).
- Time to tear down the Christmas tree … and throw away that old box you used to store it. A tree storage bag (40% off) is so worth it.
- Somehow, no one got you new slippers for Christmas. Get ‘em yourself: Women’s and men’s picks that are comfy and affordable.
- A pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones ($170) is 50% off right now. Go, go, go! 🏃💨
- Upgrade your upcoming travels with nice, new luggage (41% off) in a fun color. This way, it’s so much easier to find your bags at the airport!
- OK, this is as cheap as Apple AirTags get — 29% off!
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Stop porch pirates this Christmas
Criminals are getting bolder when it comes to stealing your deliveries. Here’s how to outsmart them before they even try.
Did AI ruin Coke’s Christmas ad?
Coca-Cola’s iconic holiday ad took an AI twist this year, and it backfired. Viewers aren’t feeling the warm fuzzies.
This year's biggest holiday gift
Black Friday bargains are here and this season’s top tech is not gonna fit under the Christmas tree. Find out what the XXL present is in this short podcast.
58 days ahead
Cheapest day to shop for Christmas flights. Set a calendar reminder for Oct. 28. Pro tip: Buy the earliest flight you can; it’s the least likely to get canceled if delays pile up. And score Google’s low-price guarantee, if possible.
The Christmas gift return frenzy
Returning a heap of gifts this year? Find out why sending back too much could land you in hot water.