Warmest wishes, Fort Worth. 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? According to our previous poll, 40% of readers prefer real. For all those in favor — Moomey Christmas Trees in Plano 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? Don’t make your decision before checking out what’s happening around Cowtown on NYE.
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland? When is it time to say goodbye to the garland? Whenever you’re ready to un-deck the halls, Berry Good Buys accepts 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. Editor’s Pick: The Jingle Balls Nog at Miracle on South Main at Nickel City is one of our favorites, plus it comes in a cozy little mug.
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 Paper Planet on East Lancaster.
Take the poll to put in your two cents — then stay tuned for the final results in an upcoming newsletter. Want to know our takes? Keep scrolling.
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.
Sunday, Dec. 21 is the winter solstice and the beginning of Yule. Celebrate by attending a mini-retreat — Letting in the Light at Raja Yoga. Wear comfortable clothing, as this class is filled with movement to honor the light and the dark.
Travel
DFW Airport’s new Terminal A ramps open today, ahead of schedule — and right in time for holiday travel. If coming from the south, travelers will exit right and slip right into Terminal A. If coming from the north, you will also exit right and loop around to merge with northbound traffic.
Health
Savor Culinary Services and the Center for the Healing Arts have teamed up to provide nutritional recommendations + acupuncture. The partnership, launched last month, helps patients get personalized food guidance alongside holistic care. Learn more about how you can benefit. (Fort Worth Report)
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear your most... interesting item of clothing. Luckily in Fort Worth, there’s Studio 74 Vintage, which boasts was named one of the “World’s Best Vintage Stores.” That means you could stumble across something for a holiday party, and support local business in the process.
Feel Good
A struggling Arlington restaurant has gained much more business after one food influencer posted their review on TikTok, generating 30 million views. Now, Master Kabob is filled with customers daily. Want more feel-good stories? WFAA’s Scoop Jefferson’s got us covered.
List
Reader’s Digest released a list of the most popular chain restaurants in each state, and First Watch took the No. 1 spot in Texas. We’re always down for a stack of pancakes with a side of smoked bacon, but Fort Worth is also home to a strong lineup of locally owned spots worth supporting.
Gallery
Funny animals have long been internet favorites. Now, there’s an award for them. Over 10,000 entries were submitted for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, with these 16 snaps chosen as the best. You can hone your photography skills at a local birding spot, and maybe you’ll be among next year’s winners. (Business Insider)
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 Fort Worth’s art galleries will likely provide a higher-quality experience.
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
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:
So, I tried the Jingle Balls Nog at Nickel City this week, and yes, it was fantastic. The cognac with the cream sherry and the vanilla is *chef’s kiss.*
But if your take is that eggnog is absolutely foul, then I’d recommend the tiki-inspired Yippee Ki Yay Mother ******. It was my favorite. Just look at the cool mug. Happy holidays, everybody.