Warmest wishes, Charleston. 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
🎄 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.
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
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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.
Bow ties are so in right now. | Photos submitted by Rochelle P. and Brianna L.
Asked
Editor Patrick here: I have been blown away by the pet photo submissions since I put the call out earlier this week. My inbox has been full of adorable dogs like Rocky and Benny, pictured above, but not a single cat. Cat owners, send me your snaps. I’m planning some adorable content.
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear your most... interesting item of clothing. Luckily in Charleston, we’ve got Uncle Kyle’s Sweater Emporium, which boasts “the world’s largest Christmas sweater collection.” That means you not only get to get in on the head-turning fun, but you can support local business in the process.
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 Charleston’s art galleries will likely provide a higher quality experience.
Fun Fact
This NYU student turned into a luxury runway model overnight after being spotted by a talent scout while walking on a subway platform. The Holy City has plenty of local parks for you to practice your runaway walk. Maybe you’ll be next. (New York Times)
Asked
Want in on The Brief, CHStoday’s new weekly business newsletter? Take a quick ~2-minute survey to help shape it — and if you’re interested in an exclusive launch partnership, email rjohnston@6amcity.com. Only five spots are available, so grab yours before they’re gone.
Try This
Our Sales Executive Stephanie recently went to Jack of Cups Trading Post — the newest eatery to open on James Island. She got a biscuit sandwich, and highly recommends you do the same. They look good, too.
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
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Answered
We asked for your favorite movie filmed in the Lowcountry
“You are, and always have been, my dream.” | Photo by CHStoday
It looks like we’ve got some romantic sentimentalists among our readers, because “The Notebook” came out on top with 52% of the vote. Of course, we’ve rounded up the iconic flick’s filming locations before, including the famous house.
Next up, “Forrest Gump” got 27% of the votes, followed by “The Patriot” with 18%. The “Ace Ventura” sequel picked up a measly 2%, and even fewer people chose “Other.”
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:
I’ve worked in this industry for close to a decade now, and I can honestly say that CHStoday readers have been the kindest audience I’ve come across in all that time. Don’t tell the others.
I hope you have a holiday season full of love, laughter, and wonderful memories. My advice: Say “yes” to things, have a second plate, and put the phone down. See you soon.
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