Warmest wishes, NOVA. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes daily at 6 a.m., starting Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.
Culture
🎄 Yule be the judge
The holidays are full of traditions we love — and a few we love to argue about. | Graphic by 6AM City
Holiday traditions evoke warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and togetherness. But for all the joy that traditions inspire, they also tend to spark something else: very strong opinions.
This year, we’re stepping in to settle classic holiday hot takes. After all, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a few friendly debates.
Real tree or fake tree?
Is cutting down a fresh spruce part of the magic, or does an artificial tree make more sense? Still team real tree?DePaul’s Urban Farm in Vienna still has inventory.
Big night out or stay home on New Year’s Eve?
Can a couch countdown by the television beat a sequin–filled night on the town? Going out with a bang? Here’s what’s happening around NOVA on NYE.
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland? When you’re ready to un-deck the halls, these local Goodwills accept used holiday gear and decorations.
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold. These five spots around Northern Virginia are serving up tasty glasses of eggnog.
Do you still send and receive holiday cards?
Is this tradition fading or holding strong in your household? Snail mail isn’t dead yet: It’s not too late to pick up some cute stationery from Penny Post in Alexandria.
Take the poll to put in your two cents — then stay tuned for the final results in an upcoming newsletter.
Oricle Hearing aids can be charged wirelessly. | Photo courtesy of Oricle Hearing
Incredible advancements in hearing aid technology are now more accessible than ever.
Oricle Hearing offers the Rolls-Royce Of hearing aids, designed for comfort and discretion so users can hear clearly without the bulk of traditional models.
Users rave about the sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models, helping them regain confidence and reconnect with loved ones.
Discover how Oricle is redefining hearing aid accessibility without the hassle of appointments or extensive fittings.
Holiday
Sunday, Dec. 21 is the winter solstice and the beginning of Yule. Celebrate by attending the Winter Solstice Evening Walk at Huntley Meadows in Alexandria.
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear the most eyesore-inducing threads in your closet. Celebrate in style (or lack of it) at Hops N Shine’s Ugly Sweater Party. Happening Sunday, Dec. 21, from 1-5 p.m., this is a free event.
Opening
A new seafood and steak restaurant plans to open in March in Old Town Alexandria. Finn & Fire will replace Kismet, which closed in June. Guests will be able to enjoy cuisine like sushi, an oyster bar, and premium cut steaks. (ALXnow)
Plan Ahead
Interested in being a vendor for Alexandria’s anime convention, PatCon? Registration is open through Friday, Jan. 23 — apply here. The festival will take place at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ALXnow)
State
Take a look at thisnatural phenomenon. If you want to see it in person, head to First Landing State Park’s Bald Cypress Trail, ~3 hours from NOVA. The rare occurrence takes place throughout late fall and winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
The Word
Merriam-Webster has announced its word of the year for 2025: Slop. It’s defined as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” A trip to one of NOVA’s museums will likely provide a higher-quality experience.
Eat
Reader’s Digest released a list of the most popular chain restaurants in each state, and Jet’s Pizza took the No. 1 spot in Virginia. We’re always down for a slice, but NOVA is also home to a strong lineup of locally owned spots worth supporting.
Trivia
Calling all historians, APUSH students, and know-it-alls. Have you put your knowledge of US trivia to the test by taking our dang-near-impossible quiz? Go ahead and try to get a perfect score; we dare you.
Pets
Your dog’s wagging tail hides more than love — it hides a world of genetic information. Uncover their ancestry, genetic traits, and potential health risks with 50% off Basepaws Dog DNA Test, now on sale for the holidays.*
Shop
Nirvana awaits with this multi-shape vibrator that hits all the right spots. Reignite the fire of your most electrifying encounters with sublime sensations that intensify arousal. Get 35% off this award-winner today + an extra 15% off with code H4PPY15.*
The Buy
The Buy team here. We’ve recommended a lot of items this year, from home organization staples to wardrobe must-haves. Here are the top-shopped products:
In need of a last-minute stocking stuffer? I’d recommend the 2026 Virginia Wildlife Calendar, sold by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. My favorite photo this year has to be the Indigo Bunting for the month of July.
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