Warmest wishes, Richmond. 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. | Photo by @lbiggs20
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?
Keep in mind: If you opt for a real tree, you can “bring it to the chipper” at the City of Richmond’s next recycling event, Saturday, Jan. 10.
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?
Plan ahead: Going out with a bang? Here are 10 NYE events to help ring in 2026.
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold.
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland?
Bonus: Either way, you still have plenty of time to adventure through Richmond’s must-see tacky light displays.
Do you still send and receive holiday cards?
Is this tradition fading or holding strong in your household?
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 Winter Solstice Maker’s Market at Unkindness Art. Shop local artisans and while you’re there, stop next door for the last day of “The Longest Night,” a solstice-themed gallery show.
Announced
Earlier this week, the parks department temporarily closed the Belle Isle suspension bridge due to a water main break. While repairs are underway, visitors can access Belle Isle via the southern 22nd Street entrance, near Reedy Creek. Check in with the city for updates.
Cause
RVA Community Fridges will remain open throughout the holiday season. The admin team will take a break until 2026 rolls in, but you can still reach a team member via text or email if your neighborhood fridge is experiencing issues. See more details.
State
Take a look at this natural phenomenon happening in Virginia. If you want to see it in person, head to First Landing State Park’s Bald Cypress Trail, ~2 hours from Richmond. The rare, prismatic occurrence takes place throughout late fall and winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear your most... interesting item of clothing. If a particularly festive piece comes to mind, visit Conex RVA, a new restaurant and event space in Carver, for an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party tonight, Dec. 19. Bonus: There’s an ice rink.
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 Richmond’s museums will likely provide a higher-quality experience.
Answered
Earlier this week, we ran an American history pop quiz. Is there writing on the back of the Declaration of Independence? Yes, and 57% of you guessed correctly. (Uncover the not-so-secret text). If you missed Wednesday’s newsletter, let us explain why we’re asking.
Thousands of Richmonders spoke, and the City listened. Richmond Connects’ final Action Plan prioritizes equitable transportation projects shaped by community input. The plan guides investments over the next 5-10 years. See the projects moving our community forward.*
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.*
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.*
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 case you missed our note, we’ll be taking the next week off to celebrate the season with loved ones. Best wishes to you all, and safe travels. We’ll return to our daily schedule on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
Until then, I’ll leave you with a few of my holiday hot takes:
NYE plans? Big night out!
Festive decoration deadline? Scrap the deadline. Winter can be bleak, and we could use more twinkly magic in the world. The inflatables can retire with the holiday season, though.
Eggnog? Yep, I’ll take a glass, preferably rum-spiked.
}})
