Warmest wishes, Winston-Salem. 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?
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?
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland?
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold.
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.
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. It marks the shortest day of the year, but it also means that the days are gradually getting longer. Coffee at one of our favorite coffee shops will do just the trick to keep you awake.
Plan Ahead
Kwanzaa starts Friday, Dec. 26, and runs through Thursday. Jan. 1. The seven-day annual celebration carries a noble theme that commemorates African traditions each day. Don’t miss out on this citywide daily celebration — plus, it’s free and open to the public.
Fun Fact
Ever wondered which holiday movie best matches each Winston-Salem neighborhood? A local realtor shares her own predictions, and we think she’s pretty spot on. Got your own hot take? Drop us a line with your predictions. We’re all ears.
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.
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 Winston-Salem’s art galleries will likely provide a higher quality experience.
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear your most... interesting item of clothing. Luckily in the Twin City, you might find one at one of these consignment shops. That means you not only get to get in on the head-turning fun, but you can support local businesses in the process.
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.*
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center is redefining cancer care with breakthrough technologies. It’s the first hospital in the Carolinas to offer histotripsy, a noninvasive liver tumor treatment, and the first in the nation to use Rapid Arc radiation therapy. These innovations bring advanced, life-changing care directly to patients.*
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:
Happy holidays, Winstonians! I hope this time is full of celebrations and sweet moments with your loved ones. Consider this photo my hopeful plea to Mother Nature for snow on Christmas Day. See you back in the inbox on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
}})
