Monopoly Deal | $7.99 | This fun + family-friendly gift is a fast-paced version of the classic board game.
Three pounds of really good salt | $49.95 | This one is sure to get some strange looks, but its silliness and sheer practicality might make it the most memorable gift at the party.
Local pick: Classic Monogrammed Blanket | $69 | Cozy up with this custom throw blanket from local shop The Monogram Merchant.
Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.
Towel warmer | $150.99 | The only thing better than a warm shower is emerging from said shower with a fresh, hot towel.
Gifts for book lovers
Literary quote clock | $209 | Why tell time the normal way when you could use 13,000 curated literary quotes?
“Reading is my favorite sport” sweatshirt | $52 | Whether they’re rooting for Liz and Mr. Darcy, Feyre and Rhysand, or Violet and Xaden, celebrate the sport they’re always playing.
Make plans to eat one final meal at Little Saigon — the Mills 50 restaurant will close on Sunday, Dec. 28 after nearly 40 years in business. Co-owners and siblings Vu Nguyen and Mai Huynh plan to retire when the restaurant’s lease expires at the end of the year. (Orlando Weekly)
Cause
$10 million. That’s United Arts of Central Florida’s goal for its collaborative campaign, which aims to raise funds for the area’s arts, science, and history nonprofit organizations. If you’d like to give, the campaign begins today and runs through the end of April.
Mansion Monday
An extra special espresso machine, a smokeless outdoor fire pit, and a Nintendo Switch 2. Those are all gifts featured in Forbes’ vetted list of 100 excellent presents for this holiday season. We think they’d be even better under a tree at this recently listed Lake Eola Heights home.
Asked
We’re on the hunt for Herby. According to a recent study, five out of six Americans named Herby (2014-2024) were born in Florida. Is that you? Herbys write in. (WBBJ)
Holiday
Is “Feliz Navidad” already on repeat in your household? A new Finance Buzz study deemed it Florida’s most popular Christmas song. Whatever your playlist looks like, consider this your reminder to queue up something cheerful on the way to Orlando’s holiday happenings.
Gallery
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” as the old adage goes. That means Time Magazine’s best 100 photos of the year could fill an encyclopedia. If you’ve taken a photo of Orlando that you love this year, reply to this email and send it in — we’d love to share your best snaps.
Travel
Did you get a glimpse of the aurora borealis earlier last month? The stunning display lit up cities across the US due to an increase in solar activity. If you can’t wait for your next chance in Central Florida, you can start your northbound adventure to see the phenomena at Orlando International Airport.
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Disney Springs gets decked out for the winter holidays. | Photo via Disney Springs
$24,045. That’s the annual cost of raising a child in Florida in 2025, according to new data from Visual Capitalist. But when it comes to family fun, the best things in life are still free — including these 20 no-cost activities across O-Town. Disney Springs | You can also get a bit of Walt’s magic from wandering the popular shopping, restaurant, and entertainment district. Check the calendar for concerts, festivals, and other free Disney delights.
Operation Recreation Kids GeoTour | This one might take a while. Download the tracking sheet and tick off 20 caches as you visit Florida State Parks to win the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin.
Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year, Orlando. What do you want to read about in December? Let us know and you might see your suggestion in an upcoming newsletter.
