And more

The origins of NYE traditions

Traditions are the glue that hold many celebrations together. Individuals and families embrace many customs that serve as the script for commemorating year-end holidays. Some celebrants may adhere to traditions without really knowing how they began or why they continue. Here is a closer look at...

Healthy resolutions that are easy to keep

The dawn of a new year is a great time to take stock of the year that just passed and set goals for the next 12 months. Resolutions focused on improving personal health are especially popular, and for good reason. Improving one's overall health can have positive implications for years to come. Even...

Hobbies promote personal growth

Hobbies can help people escape the daily grind. Though it's easy to view hobbies as enjoyable ways to pass the time, they also can be vehicles that enrich your life. Hobbies are especially good at helping people learn new skills. They also may help boost professional and personal development....

Safe ways to lose weight

People have many options when they seek to lose weight. Fad diets may promise quick results, but highly restrictive eating plans or marathon workout sessions can be dangerous. Taking shortcuts or risks in the hopes of losing weight can lead to various health issues and ultimately put people's...

Boxing Day extends holiday fun

The end of the year presents plenty of opportunities for shopping and celebrating. Starting with Thanksgiving preparations, there is a steady supply of days geared around generosity and merriment, counting down to the holiday gifting and entertaining season. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday...

Did you know?

Christmas Day is the most popular day to get engaged. According to the 2020 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, more couples who were married in 2019 got engaged on Christmas Day than any other day during the year. Christmas Eve was the second most popular day to pop the question, while the Sunday before...

How to host virtual holiday celebrations

The 2020 holiday season figures to be vastly different than seasons past. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has transformed daily life in many ways. The public has become accustomed to wearing masks while shopping, limiting the number of people in public venues and keeping their distance from friends...

In the Bleak Midwinter

The popular holiday song "In the Bleak Midwinter" can be traced to a request from the editors of Scribner's Monthly, an American literary periodical. While Scribner's Monthly lasted just 11 years, it's easy to argue that its legacy lives on, most notably during the holiday season. "In the Bleak...

Warm up with a rich, chocolate beverage

Nothing beats sipping a hot, soothing beverage after a day of choosing the perfect Christmas tree or lobbing snowballs in the backyard. Teas, hot toddies, coffees, and mulled ciders certainly can fit the bill, but a mug of rich hot chocolate is a holiday season staple. Hot chocolate can be whipped...

Additional dog supplies that come in handy

Dog owners may realize there are certain must-have supplies to keep their four-legged friends healthy and happy. The American Pet Products Association reports that about two-thirds of American households own pets, and spending on pets is increasing. Millennials also are now the primary pet-owning...