Holidays and Special Occasions

December 16, 2023

Christmas Decorations: 12 Unique Aesthetics and Vibes

The 12 Vibes of Christmas Which is yours? Dec. 16, 2023 Soft lights in warm colors or bright LEDs? Handcrafted ornaments or modern, minimalist baubles? Real […]
December 13, 2023

All I Want for Christmas Is in This PowerPoint Presentation

Some kids are getting more sophisticated with their holiday gift decks, creating a vibe that’s more sales pitch than Santa. Every year, Michelle Miller-McNair asks her […]
November 25, 2023

See the Holiday Windows In New York City

“Let’s light it up!” the actress Jennifer Lawrence said on Monday night as she helped to reveal the holiday windows and kick off the annual lights […]
November 2, 2023

Holiday Retail Sales Are Expected to Increase, but at a Slower Pace

The News Holiday spending is expected to increase this year, but analysts foresee it slowing down from peak pandemic years, when Americans spent at record levels. […]
July 2, 2023

Why Some Americans Are Rethinking July 4th Celebrations

Whether because of crowds, politics or a loss of patriotism, some Americans are conflicted about celebrating the Fourth of July. Growing up in Benton, Ark., Malaya Tapp […]
February 13, 2023

Did Valentine’s Day Start as a Roman Party or to Celebrate an Execution?

Regardless of its origin, it’s a big deal now. An expert on the evolution of human sexuality says you have to “get out there” to make […]
December 31, 2022

Day 31: How The Times Started a Beloved Tradition, in 10 … 9 … 8 …

I have a confession to make. It took me an embarrassing number of years working at The New York Times, in Times Square, before someone finally […]
December 30, 2022

December Birthdays: A Curse, or an Unexpected Blessing?

Those who were born in late December are often met with well-meaning pity when they tell people their birth date. Isn’t it hard, they’re asked, to […]
December 27, 2022

Day 27: What Are Kids Saying About Kwanzaa?

“Kugichagulia!” said Parker Johnson, 5, of Pasadena, Calif., giggling as he pronounced the Swahili word three times in rapid succession. One of the seven principles of […]
December 26, 2022

The ‘Tripledemic’ Has Brought Back Peak-Covid Fears and Social Tensions

In early December, at least one party at Art Basel in Miami featured a sight not seen in some time: bowls of nuts on a bar, […]