THIS WEEK
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square is the holiday movie we need, especially with Christine Baranski playing Scrooge. We did not expect to see “Meryl Streep” and “rapper” in the same sentence, but here we are. How to host a virtual Thanksgiving. Or have it in-person (socially distanced and outside!) with stoop soup. Towards a new idea of giving thanks and how to practice gratitude when everything sucks. Find your food bank — and give; it’s a precarious time. TueNighter Tara Phillips’ elegant piece on food, family, and Black lives. New Go-Go's video (and 2021 tour dates)! An ode to aunties and their inimitable sense of style. The New York Times’ best books of 2020, Time’s best inventions of 2020, and a funny list of ‘80s hits. For sale: Prince’s 1984 tour bus. Making the case for a robotic bra. How two friends in the same city stayed connected by writing postcards. I'm in my 40s; please stop asking me why I don't have children. A self-indulgent ode to old lady hair. Roxane Gay on Instagram shopping to ease pandemic dread. Family history, uncovered in quarantine. Fiona and Shameika is our favorite music story of the year.
(Photo: Redbubble)
STORY: How to Find Joy During the Pandemic Without Feeling Guilty
By Amy Barr
Like so many other families, we’ve had a rough year. Just before the pandemic, we tragically lost a young friend; Nick lost his job in a round of COVID-related lay-offs; my elderly in-laws have struggled with isolation; and we’ve been terrified by the White House. A couple of festive nights felt like a good idea. It also felt totally wrong.
(Psst: Want to write for us? Pitch us here!)
OBSESSED: Supporting Small Businesses
In the spirit of Small Business Saturday — and because the big box stores don’t need any more of our money — we asked TueNighters to recommend small, women-owned businesses where we might find some great holiday gifts. And wow, did they deliver.
Shelly R. says, “I make one of a kind jewelry! I really love when people support artists and small businesses and I think giving handmade makes for an extra special present!” Philly folks may appreciate that “JAWN” necklace.
Sapna M.-S. says, “I make political feminist jewelry and this simple “I’m speaking” necklace is getting a lot of attention! Come back next week and I should have many more items in stock.”
Emily T. says, “My niece and her two female partners design and fabricate beautiful, modern jewelry.” We love that double-finger ring above.
We also love the idea of supporting female writers and publishers this holiday season.
“Interested in Wales and Welsh culture & history? Check out my publishing company’s new offering, The Welsh Tattoo Handbook! Niche is the word!” — Emily C.
“My book, The Thank-You Project, is about thanking the people who have helped, shaped, and inspired you in your life. Nice gift with an actual thank-you letter tucked into the front. It's available on Amazon but also in indie bookstores which is where I hope people will buy it.” — Nancy D. K.
“My debut novel, WASTED PRETTY, is a YA/crossover set in Pittsburgh in 1992, perfect for GenXers and their older teens ... I can inscribe it to you or anyone you'd like!” — Jamie Beth C.
“I like naturallife.com. They have mugs, scrunchies, scarves, and comfy clothes.” — Judy H.
“I have loads of gift ideas in my Etsy shop, but I really love these yacht rock wine charms.” — Lizz P.
“I am addicted to these cookies and I send them as gifts during the holidays.” — Sara G.
And that’s just for starters! See the complete list of gift ideas in the TueNighters Facebook thread. Add your suggestions there — or as a comment at the bottom of this email. We’re going to have a lot of fun playing Santa this year!
SPONSORS WE DIG: 15% off Beaded Jewelry from Koi Beads
Holiday gifts galore for everyone on your list at KoiBeads, designed by TueNighter Stacy Morrison.
Special 15% off for YOU for early shopping (valid until December 15)! Enter GIFTS at checkout.
This is sponsored content.
It’s in the bag(uette), TueNighters!