Navigating the Holiday Hullabaloo:

Alright, buckle up, folks! The holidays are here, and you know what that means – a truckload of family drama, awkward small talk, and more Christmas sweaters than you can shake a candy cane at. But fear not, because I’ve got your back with this no-nonsense guide to mentally preparing for the festive fiesta.

1. Chit-Chat Survival 101: Casual Conversations to the Rescue So,

2. you're staring down the barrel of Cousin Larry's sock collection monologue. Take a cue from the weatherman playbook – "Isn't the weather something?" Boom. Crisis averted. If all else fails, just nod, smile, and hope he moves on to the wonders of dryer lint next.

3. Dress to Impress (Yourself): Ugly Sweater Edition If you're going to be trapped in a room with people asking you about your life choices, you might as well look fabulous doing it. Enter the ugly sweater, the unsung hero of holiday fashion. Bonus points if it sings Jingle Bells and jingles louder than your grandma's pet cat.

4. Strategic Seating: Dodge Drama Like a Pro Choosing the right spot at the dinner table is like plotting your escape in a spy thriller. Pick a seat with easy access to the door – just in case. And if things get too heated, you can always retreat to the kids' table. Who knows, maybe they have better gossip.

5. Exit Strategies for Dummies: Get Creative, Get Out When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Have a list of excuses on standby. "Gotta go rescue a stranded elf" or "I left the oven on" – make it ridiculous enough to sound legit. Just remember, desperation breeds creativity.

6. Holiday Zen Zone: Finding Your Inner Peace Amid the Chaos Amid the chaos, find your happy place. Whether it's the dessert table (hello, pumpkin pie), the twinkle lights, or even the bathroom – claim it as your personal oasis. Take a breather, regroup, and emerge stronger than ever.

Now, here comes the heartfelt part. In the midst of all the holiday hilarity, it's easy to forget what truly matters. So, let's take a second to get real. Life's a rollercoaster, and family gatherings are just one crazy loop-de-loop. But, deep down, there's a lot to be grateful for – the weirdos we call family, the absurdity of it all, and the fact that we're lucky enough to have a seat at the holiday table.

So, as you navigate the holiday hullabaloo, remember to sprinkle a dash of gratitude into your eggnog. In between the laughter, the eye-rolling, and the occasional escape to the bathroom for some peace and quiet, let's appreciate the crazy ride we call life. Cheers to surviving the holidays with a smile and a heart full of gratitude! ~RS 😘

Good morning. It's Monday, Nov. 20, and we're covering a potential deal for Hamas to release some hostages, the passing of a former US first lady, and much more.

Politics & World Affairs

> House Republicans begin publicly releasing security footage from Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol storming (More) | See videos (More)

Colorado judge rules the 14th Amendment does not disqualify former President Donald Trump from running for office (More) 

> Kaitlin Armstrong, 35-year-old Texas woman convicted of May 2022 murder of pro cyclist Moriah Wilson, sentenced to 90 years in prison Friday (More)

 Police release images of person of interest in Los Angeles' I-10 arson fire; road expected to open today (More) 

Inspiring Stories

Pappy steals the show
Jordan Casey’s 90-year-old grandfather sang Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as she walked down the aisle at her wedding, and the video of his performance has captured hearts on the internet. “The reactions to Pappy and the overwhelming positivity has had me in tears,” Casey said.

The true spirit of Thanksgiving
Leslie Stafford is hard at work preparing enough food to give out to 500 families in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on Thanksgiving, part of the “Gratitude Project” she’s been overseeing for the past eight years.