Each year, millions around the world turn their eyes to the dazzling crystal ball in Times Square. As the clock nears midnight, it begins its slow descent—and voices everywhere join together to count down those final seconds, welcoming a brand-new year filled with hope, possibility, and dreams.

The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball first dropped in 1904, a creation of Jacob Starr, a Ukrainian immigrant and metalworker, along with Adolph Ochs, the publisher of The New York Times. Initially, Ochs celebrated the new year with fireworks, but city officials soon banned explosives, leading to the establishment of a safer, yet equally dazzling, tradition.

The original ball, constructed from iron and wood and lit with 100 light bulbs, measured 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds. Over the years, it evolved: in 1920, a wrought iron ball replaced the original, and in 1955, an aluminum ball weighing just 150 pounds took its place. In the 1980s, there was a brief transformation into an apple for the “I Love New York” campaign before it returned to its classic glowing white form.

Modern upgrades began in the 1990s, introducing aluminum, rhinestones, strobes, and computerized controls. For the millennium celebration in 2000, the ball was redesigned with advanced lighting and traditional crystal, merging history with the future.

In 2007, to mark its 100th anniversary, LED technology replaced incandescent bulbs, resulting in a brighter and more energy-efficient display. Today’s iconic Big Ball measures 12 feet wide, weighs nearly six tons, and is covered with 2,688 crystal triangles illuminated by over 32,000 LEDs. It shines above Times Square year-round, serving as a sparkling reminder of a century-old tradition that continues to unite the world each New Year’s Eve.

The holidays don’t have to look the same for everyone. This year, take a step back from the hustle and bustle and focus on what truly brings you joy. Whether it’s quiet moments with loved ones, giving back to your community, or starting new traditions, let this season reflect you—your pace, your values, and your kind of magic.

As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to become swept up in the frenzy of parties, shopping, and traditions that seem to define this time of year. However, keep in mind that each person's holiday experience is unique and personal.

This year, consider creating your own holiday experience that reflects your values and experiences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to make the season special in your own way: 

Prioritize rest and reflection. Give yourself time to recharge. A walk, a bit of journaling, or a few moments of stillness can restore peace and perspective.

Create your own traditions. Light a candle, make a gratitude list, or start something new that feels right for you.

Explore Your passions. Use the time off to dive into hobbies or interests you’ve neglected, allowing your creativity to flourish.   

Focus on experiences, not things. Savor your favorite meal, enjoy a cozy movie night, or simply appreciate the little moments that make the season special.

Let go of rigid expectations. Sometimes the most meaningful memories come from the unplanned and unexpected.

Remember, there’s no “right” way to celebrate—only the way that fills your heart. Stay true to what matters most, and give yourself the gift of peace, presence, and authenticity this holiday season.

The holidays are all about coming together, with food often at the heart of these gatherings. However, holiday eating can be stressful due to disrupted routines, temptations, and social pressures, making it easy to feel guilty. The good news is that with mindfulness and balance, you can enjoy your favorite dishes without regret.

With the holidays full of tempting treats and festive feasts, here are a few simple ways to enjoy every moment without overdoing it.

Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals to “save calories” often backfires, leading to overeating later. Stick to your regular eating schedule so your body feels balanced and satisfied throughout the day.

Rethink “good” vs. “bad” foods. Food isn’t moral—there’s no such thing as “good” or “bad.” When you label foods this way, it can lead to guilt and overeating. Instead, focus on enjoying all foods in moderation and noticing how they make you feel.

Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you’re hungry, slow down as you eat, and stop when you’re comfortably satisfied—even if there’s still food on your plate. Enjoy the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. Eating slowly not only helps you enjoy your meal more but also prevents overeating.

Be mindful with drinks. Holiday beverages can be sneaky sources of sugar and calories. Choose water, tea, or sparkling water most of the time, and enjoy festive drinks in moderation.

Food is a major part of the holiday celebration. Slow down and savor every bite to balance indulgence and mindfulness. Focus on appreciation rather than restriction. Enjoy the flavors, the company, and the memories, and let this season nourish both your body and spirit.

December, the most wonderful time of the year, is also one of the busiest shopping seasons. If you’ve put off holiday shopping, you’re not alone. With busy schedules and seasonal chaos, it’s easy to forget gifts.

Luckily, finding thoughtful gifts doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. This guide offers quick and easy ideas that are personal, affordable, and festive.

Go for gift cards or digital subscriptions.

Gift cards and digital subscriptions are quick, thoughtful, and easy to send as gifts. Streaming services, online classes, or magazine subscriptions make great, no-shipping-required gifts.

Shop local.

Skip the crowds and support small businesses. Local shops are often less hectic and more personal, with staff who can help you find something unique—plus, your purchase helps your community thrive.

Bundle and save.

Take advantage of bundled deals or BOGO offers. Split gift sets into smaller presents, like turning one skincare kit into several thoughtful stocking stuffers.

Simplify wrapping.

Save time by using store or mall gift-wrapping services. Many online retailers also offer gift-wrapping options for a small fee, one less thing on your to-do list.

Watch for flash sales and clearance deals.

Keep an eye out for last-minute discounts and clearance sections, both online and in-store. Retailers often slash prices to move inventory before the holidays, so you might snag the perfect gift at a bargain.

With creativity and intention, last-minute presents can still convey heartfelt sentiments. It’s not about how much you spend, but the love behind each gift. So take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and remember that your loved ones will appreciate the thought more than the timing.

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, family, and celebration, but they can also be overwhelming. Between cleaning the house, preparing the food, and wrapping all the gifts, it’s easy to feel stressed instead of festive. What’s meant to be a season of happiness can sometimes turn into one filled with pressure and exhaustion.

Here are some simple, healthy ways to manage them and keep your spirits bright.

Establish realistic expectations  Let go of the pressure to make everything perfect. The best moments often come from the unexpected. Focus on being present and enjoying time with loved ones rather than chasing perfection.

Plan your expenses  The holidays can get expensive fast. Set a budget and stick to it—you don’t need to go into debt to show you care. Thoughtful gifts mean more than costly ones.

Learn to say no  You don’t have to say yes to every invitation or request. It’s okay to protect your time and energy. Share responsibilities with family when you can.

Take a break from using social media  Don’t let perfectly curated posts steal your joy. Real life is messy and beautiful in its own way. Focus on gratitude and what truly matters to you.

Create a relaxing space  Play your favorite music, light a candle, or let in some sunshine. Small things, such as calming scents and natural light, can instantly lift your mood.

Respect differences  Family gatherings can bring differing opinions. Try to focus on what connects you, rather than what divides you. A little patience goes a long way.

This year, choose to navigate the holidays with intention and ease. By creating space for calm, you will find that the joy, warmth, and magic of the season come naturally to you.

Thanksgiving often brings a mix of emotions. While it’s meant to be a time of gratitude and togetherness, stress and expectations can sometimes take over. Here’s how to embrace gratitude and make this Thanksgiving season more meaningful.

Be Present in the Moment  Don’t stress over the turkey, the stuffing, or the cranberry sauce. The holidays are about spending time with the people you love. Slow down, be present, and enjoy each moment. Everything else can wait.

Appreciate What You Have  Take a moment to reflect on everything you’re grateful for—big or small. Write them down to remind yourself just how much good there is in your life.

Prioritize What Truly Matters  Not everything on your to-do list deserves your energy. Prioritize what truly matters to you and let go of what doesn’t. Concentrating on meaningful moments makes the season more fulfilling.

Share Your Gratitude Through Giving  Helping others is one of the best ways to appreciate what you have. Volunteer, donate, or lend a hand to someone in need. Acts of kindness bring gratitude to life.

Choose Peace Over Frustration  Holiday gatherings can be tense, but holding onto irritation only weighs you down. If someone offends you, take a deep breath and steer the conversation toward something positive.

Nurture Yourself This Season Gratitude starts with a calm and centered mind. Get enough rest, move your body, and show yourself the same kindness you offer others. A little self-care goes a long way toward making the season truly joyful.

This year, instead of getting swept up in the chaos, try shifting the focus back to what truly matters—authenticity, connection, and genuine appreciation.