Warmest wishes, Knoxville. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes three times per week at 6 a.m., starting Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.
🎄 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.
Dr. Colin Booth and Dr. Michael McGuirk are experts in spine care. | Photos courtesy of TOA East Tennessee
If you’re experiencing spine pain and considering nonsurgical or surgical treatment, Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) East Tennessee has the perfect resource for you.
When to consider nonsurgical treatments or surgery
How physical therapy, injections, and other conservative options work
What makes someone a good candidate for surgery
Realistic recovery timelines
Tips for preventing recurring spine issues
The episode features expert-backed guidance for relieving spine pain and understanding your treatment options. Further, it’s lead by two expert physicians: fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Colin Booth and Dr. Michael McGuirk, a physiatrist specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
Welcome to our new neighbor. A 10-year-old giraffe named Mokolo joined Zoo Knoxville’s Grasslands Africa habitat. Mokolo, who came from Pennsylvania’s Elmwood Park Zoo, is said to be settling in well with his herdmates, JJ and Frances.
Cause
The Morgan Wallen Foundation will match up to $10,000 in donations to Salvation Army Red Kettle in Knoxville and Oak Ridge this Saturday, Dec. 20. Give at any locations in Knox or Anderson counties or donate online at SalvationArmyKnoxville.org. (Knoxville News Sentinel)
Sports
Tickets to see the Savannah Bananas play two games at Covenant Health Park and Neyland Stadium in May are already sold out. Don’t fret just yet: The team is working on a Fans First Ticket Marketplace for verified resale tickets with no markups. (WBIR)
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 7:42 a.m. sunrise on Monday — we recommend enjoying the view with a local coffee in hand.
Open
The first-ever liquor store in Morgan County is now open in Wartburg. Voters in Wartburg chose to allow liquor stores within city limits last fall, paving the way for Wartburg Wine & Spirits’ grand opening this month. (WBIR)
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 Knoxville’s museums will likely provide a higher quality experience.
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
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
Nirvana awaits with this multi-shape vibrator that hits all the right spots. Reignite the fire of your most electrifying encounters with sublime sensations that intensify arousal. Get 35% off this award-winner today + an extra 15% off with code H4PPY15.*
Health
Health
Comfort meets clarity
Presented by Oricle Hearing
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.
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:
The stage is set for the 28th annual Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl: Tennessee will take on Illinois in an SEC vs. Big Ten matchup expected to bring thousands of football fans — especially Vols fans — to Nashville on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
