Here is the AP Lifestyles Digest for the week of Dec. 15. Note AP's Holiday Gift Guide Digest moved Nov. 12 and is included at the end.
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BE WELL
Laughter-Best Medicine?: They say laughter is the best medicine. Many experts say they’re right. By Albert Stumm. UPCOMING Sunday, video, graphic.
Learning New Language: Learning a foreign language later in life is more difficult and may not carry the protection from cognitive decline as a lifetime of being bilingual does, according to experts. But neuroscientists say taking language classes still benefits older adults by stimulating their brains and giving them a chance to socialize. SENT Monday, illustration.
Indoor Air Quality: Many people turn to candles, fireplaces and other open flames to find warmth and comfort during the holiday season. But there is debate among experts over whether the fumes from these flames can pose health risks. Experts say it depends on the source and amount of fumes being released. SENT Sunday, photos.
GARDENING
Creating a Sanctuary: With temperatures dropping and dusk arriving early, the firepit section of my garden has been on my mind. It’s a simple setup. The important part is the feeling it provides -- unfussy comfort, serenity and relaxation. The garden is a sanctuary, all year round. It doesn’t take much to give yourself the gift of peace -- just a chair, a few unfussy plants and some attention to detail. By Jessica Damiano. UPCOMING Tuesday, photos.
TECH
Be Well-One Tech Tip-Unplugging: The end of the year can be a good time step back from the busy pace of modern life and connect with our nearest and dearest, instead of screens, apps and chatbots. If you want to spend quality time with loved ones, make sure to put away your phone. Here are ideas for unplugging and connecting in real life over the holiday period and beyond. UPCOMING Thursday, photos.
TRAVEL
Kenya-Safari with a Purpose: This Kenyan safari emphasizes the impact of wildlife conservation. By John Dowling. UPCOMING Monday, photos.
FOOD
Food-Maximalist Cocktails: After years of minimalist pared-back drinks, maximalism is back. Drinkers are looking for more than just a simple serve, and bartenders are dreaming up bold color palettes, layered flavors, oversize garnishes, theatrical glassware and playful twists on classic drinks. By Louis Dixon. UPCOMING Tuesday, photos, video.
Food-Voracious Recipe-Lychee-Frosted Cookies: The recipe for Kat Lieu’s Lychee-Frosted Sugar Cookies might look simple at first, but they pack a flavorful punch. The cookies are in her cookbook “108 Asian Cookies.” By Kat Lieu, Voracious. SENT Monday, photos.
HOLIDAYS/YEAR END
YE--US-AP Poll-Charitable Donations: A new AP-NORC poll looks at how many Americans donated on Giving Tuesday and whether this year’s federal funding cuts and government shutdown affected their Americans’ charitable giving. UPCOMING Thursday.
Tariffs-Christmas Trees: Tariffs shined a twinkling light on artificial Christmas trees this year, including the fact that nearly all fake trees sold in the U.S. are made overseas. But despite the headaches and higher prices that tariffs caused, artificial tree companies say they don’t expect large-scale manufacturing will ever return to America. UPCOMING Tuesday, photos, video.
Merriam-Webster-2025: An interview with Merriam-Webster’s president about the dictionary’s pick for 2025. In previous years, they selected “polarization,” “authentic” and “gaslighting.” SENT Monday, illustration.
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In case you missed it:
HOLIDAYS: Climate Choices-Sustainable Holidays; Christmas Movie Trail; Gardening Holiday Greenery; Financial Wellness-Holiday Spending; Working Well-Holiday Party Anxiety.
RELATIONSHIPS: Dating While Disabled.
BE WELL: Kindness in Stores; Tattoo Removal; Sound Baths; Vaccine-Meeting Trust; Winter Blues; Why We Bake.
FOOD: The Talisman of Happiness; Voracious Recipe-Schiacciata; Italy-UN Cooking.
RELIGION: Orthodoxy-Young Converts; Hanukkah Explainer.
FASHION: Mexico President-Fashion.
TRAVEL: Black Mountain-Crack Climbing; Disney Disability-What to Know.
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GIFT GUIDES
AP’s Holiday Gift Guides for 2025 moved Nov. 12. Slugs begin YE—Holiday Gift Guide— .
TECH: A curated medley of tech gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list. By Shawn Chen.
GAME CHANGERS: From elevated suitcases to smart pet collars, gifts marked by originality and inventiveness. By Jessica Damiano.
MUSIC: For music fans, the best presents are a bit more creative than buying the latest release of their favorite artist. By Maria Sherman.
MOVIES: Gifts for movie lovers that go well beyond Blu-Rays and cineplex gift cards. By Lindsey Bahr.
NONFICTION BOOKS: Nonfiction for all kinds of readers, including art lovers, puzzle fiends, bird enthusiasts and more. By Leanne Italie.
KIDS’ BOOKS: Share the love of reading by giving standout children’s books. For all age groups. By Donna Edwards.
COUNTDOWN CALENDARS: Creative advent and other countdown calendars offer way more than food. By Kim Cook.
TASTE OF HOME: Edible treasures that nod to your gift recipients’ hometown, heritage or memorable experience. By Katie Workman.
The AP
