Warmest wishes, Austin. 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.
Culture
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?
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
When is it time to say goodbye to the garland?
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold. The eggnog at Cosmic Saltillo is one of our favorites.
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.
CapMetro will purchase 37 new hybrid buses, which are 25% more fuel efficient than the diesel buses they will replace. The $45 million purchase will add on to the 104 electric buses in CapMetro’s fleet. (KVUE)
Opening
Rosen’s Bagel Co. has two new locations on the horizon. The local mini-chain, which currently has a Republic Square and a Burnet Road shop, has plans to open a new space in Windsor Park early next year and another in the Far West area, according to its website.
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 7:24 a.m. sunrise on Monday.
State
Texas’ newest state park, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, is expected to open in 2026. The 4,871-acre park, which is located ~75 miles west of Fort Worth, will open for a sneak peek and guided hikes on New Year’s Day. Make a reservation. (KXAN)
Try This
Funny animals have long been internet favorites. Now, there’s an award for them. Over 10,000 entries were submitted for the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, with these 16 snaps chosen as the best. You can hone your photography skills at Lady Bird Lake, and maybe you’ll be among next year’s winners. (Business Insider)
The Word
Merriam-Webster has announced its word of the year for 2025: Slop. It’s defined as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” A trip to one of Austin’s art galleries will likely provide a higher quality experience.
List
Reader’s Digest released a list of the most popular chain restaurants in each state, and First Watch took the No. 1 spot in Texas. We’re always down for some breakfast favorites, but ATX is also home to a strong lineup of locally owned spots worth supporting.
Shop
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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.*
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:
Well, Austinites, I’m signing off for the holidays over the next week. I leave you with one final 12 Days of Figmas gift idea that is close to my heart.
As a collector (some might say hoarder) of T-shirts, Feels So Good’s inventory truly tickles my fancy. I really like this “Destroy” Labubu T-shirt.
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