Warmest wishes, Lexington. 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.
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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? Editor Alexis is eyeing The Manchester’s annual Casino Royale New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a magic show, live DJ, casino games, and more.
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? When you’re ready to un-deck the halls, Lexington Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts used holiday gear and decorations. Pro tip: Trees must be donated in a box.
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.
Calling all Carson’s Food & Drink fans. Construction is underway on Carson’s Back Porch, opening in May in the former Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken space. The fully indoor expansion will feature exposed brick, chandeliers, lanterns, and Charleston-inspired design elements. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Closing
The Woodford Inn, a longtime bed-and-breakfast and holiday dining favorite in Versailles, announced it will be closing before the end of the year, according to a social media post. You can still plan a visit through Tuesday, Dec. 23 or for the reservation-only Christmas Eve dinner.
Active
The YMCA of Central Kentucky has partnered with Pickleball Kingdom to expand pickleball access for members, including additional indoor courts, open play times, and winter leagues at the Lexington facility. New outdoor courts at the North Lexington YMCA are also planned for 2026.
Eat
Reader’s Digest released a list of the most popular chain restaurants in each state, and BJ’s Restuarant took the No. 1 spot in Kentucky. We’re always down for pizookie, but Lexington is also home to a strong lineup of locally owned spots worth supporting.
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear your most... interesting item of clothing. Browse Lexington’s thrift stores to score a one-of-a-kind sweater that’s guaranteed to turn heads at the holiday party.
Holiday
Sunday, Dec. 21 is the winter solstice and the beginning of Yule. It marks the shortest day of the year, but also means that the days are getting gradually longer. Look forward to a 7:51 a.m. sunrise on Monday — we recommend enjoying the view with a local coffee in hand.
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.*
Finance
So you’ve made it to year-end — and philanthropy is part of your financial plan. Want to maximize your tax savings? Consider bunching. The experts at Gratz Park Private Wealth break down how this strategy boosts deductions, supports donor-advised funds, and strengthens your giving.*
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:
Eggnog isn’t my holiday drink of choice, but for some reason it works in a latte. Try the seasonal menu item “Noggy List” at The Greenery: Coffee + Social Space — that’s my favorite.
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