Merry Christmas!
Luke 2:11: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Welcome to the Retirement News Articles for the week of December 25th. I hope today finally brings you a respite from the Christmas rush and you simply get to spend time with family today (I know, for those of you who are cooking and hosting, you won’t get a break until tomorrow). I have two additional posts this week you may want to check out as we head to the New Year. As is tradition, this week’s first story is about New Years resolutions and is focused upon enjoying a happy, healthy 2024. The second is a quick sharing of someone else’s detailed calendar of Food Holidays for 2024.
My favorite articles for the week are:
- Bonus Story: Voices of the First World War: The Christmas Truce
- Travel for Seniors: 21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024
- Recreation, Exercise and Hobbies: The Beginner’s Guide to Exercise Bands
- Arts, Entertainment & Reading: Still Dancing: Dick Van Dyke’s Charmed Career
Though I am not the author of these Retirement News Articles, I have searched earnestly for quality content that will prove of value and interest to my subscribers. I hope you enjoy these articles and encourage you to comment on not only the content, but with thoughts on what subjects you would like to see in this weekly compilation.
Please note that you can now subscribe to this weekly edition on the upper right-hand portion of my website (or for those viewing this on a smart phone, it should be at the bottom of the page).
I encourage you to check out my others posts from this week, which has a decidedly New Years focus:
Thank you,
Mike
Retirement News Articles – Bonus Story
The Christmas Truce has become one of the most famous and legendary events of the First World War. But what was the real story behind the truce? Why did it happen and did British and German soldiers really play football in no-man’s land? This article from the Imperial War Museum sheds some light on the event.
Voices of the First World War: The Christmas Truce
Travel for Seniors
The first article is a bit late, I’m sorry I didn’t get it out sooner. If you happen to be in NYC today and catch this article in time, it gives you some great ideas on how to spend your day in the “Big Apple”.
Article two comes from Conde Nast, who did some research on cheap places to travel, largely based upon currency exchange rates and historical trends. They have listed 21 economical, yet sometimes exotic destinations for your perusal.
How to Spend Christmas in New York City
21 Cheap Places to Travel in 2024
Lifestyle, Health & Welfare for Seniors
Good Housekeeping has produced this lengthy list of post-holiday sales. It is the most comprehensive list I could find and is article one.
The second article is in a similar vain and tells you what to expect at the post-Christmas sales as well as what items you will see on sale. I will be featuring a full-length article on this subject tomorrow.
The 56 Best After-Christmas Sales of 2024
What to Expect from After Christmas Sales in 2023
Food, Nutrition & Cooking
The first article, from “Eater”, informs us how the butter bean, the unlikely “it” bean of 2023. This legume, more commonly called the lima bean, has had a meteoric rise in popularity. It’s place in the sun is largely due to vegan and vegetarian advocates and bloggers who are now embracing it as a main character in the meal, not a forgettable side dish.
The second article is really just a link to a comprehensive list of food holidays for 2024. A man of no shame, I even posted this on my website as well.
How Butter Beans Went from Gross to Glamorous
Recreation, Exercise & Hobbies
As we head into the New Year, I thought today’s articles could be a look ahead at how to live a happy, healthy 2024. The first article is about an often overlooked, but very convenient piece (or pieces) of exercise equipment. Exercise bands are easier to use and safer than free weights. In addition, they are easily transported, which is why I take them with me on almost any trip I take.
The second article, from Drexel Medicine, gives you four key New Years resolutions to commit to for 2024. If you can achieve these 4 goals, you will be well upon your way to a happier and healthier 2024.
The Beginner’s Guide to Exercise Bands
Resolutions For a Healthy 2024
Arts, Entertainment, and Reading
In article one, Constance Grady, the book critic at Vox, shares her list of best books of 2023. This is an annual rite by Grady…well, actually, it is a semi-annual rite. Earlier in 2023, she released her list of the best books for the first half of 2023. This list is for the best books of the second half of 2023 and includes everything from novels to biographies and more.
I can’t imagine anyone from my generation not growing up watching the Dick Van Dyke show or viewing his memorable dance scenes in Mary Poppins. Article two tells us that Van Dyke, now 98 years old, is still dancing. Actually, most of the story highlights his 2011 autobiography, “My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business: A Memoir.” If you are a fan like me, this looks like it would be a great read to begin your New Year.
Still Dancing: Dick Van Dyke’s Charmed Career
Financial Management for Seniors
It is almost inevitable that you will receive a gift for Christmas that is either the wrong size, wrong color or frankly is just not something you want or can use. Article one, from Consumer Reports, provides you the return policies of major national retailers.
Article two gives us several ideas on how to use those still valid gift cards that may be sitting in a drawer somewhere. The list even cites that with a little research, you can find several charities that will accept unused gift cards.
Guide to Returning Gifts: Retailers With the Best and Worst Return Policies
What to Do With Your Unused Gift Cards