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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Christmas Day 2023
Got tech gifts galore this Christmas? Remember, there’s a hidden cost: not in dollars, but in family time.
Get live Santa updates
Curious about Santa’s whereabouts this Christmas Eve? Here’s everything you need to track him and his sleigh.
Last minute Christmas Eve gifts
Still have shopping to do? Here’s a speedy solution to wrap it up in no time!
Tricks for expert Christmas pics
Ready to snap holiday moments like a pro? Grab my quick tricks for merry, picture-perfect shots in no time!
Merry Christmas from the FCC
Fed up with telemarketer calls? Find out about the FCC’s latest move to give your phone some peace!
Christmas, smartphones and your kids
Are you getting a pre-teen a smartphone this Christmas? Here’s what you need to know for their wellbeing.