The secondhand shopping boom has made it into the holidays, and the trend even has a catchy name: Thriftmas. In a survey from the resale platform OfferUp, 81% of shoppers said they would allocate part of their holiday budget to thrifted items. "What was once considered an option is now a preferred way to shop, especially during the holidays, as people look for meaningful, high-quality gifts at fair prices, often right within their own communities," Kelly Stephenson, the platform's vice president of brand, told USA Today. Learn more about celebrating Thriftmas.
Climate Activists Call for a New Nobel Prize Category — And Pledge $1M to Fund It
Ecosia
The Nobel Prize honors people and organizations for exceptional contributions in chemistry, physics, medicine, literature, peace, and economics. Now, a group of climate activists are calling on the Nobel Foundation to recognize outstanding achievements in another category: climate and planetary health. "When Alfred Nobel created the prizes, he wrote that they must serve the greatest benefit to humankind," said Christian Kroll, CEO of tree-planting search engine Ecosia, which is leading the movement. "Today, this means protecting the planet we all depend on." Nobel winners, or laureates, receive a roughly 1 million euro (about $1.17 million) endowment — an amount that Ecosia has already pledged to cover. The new category would commend those who've made significant gains in climate innovation, regulation, advocacy, or mitigation, per Euronews. If the bid is successful, it would be the first time the Nobel committee has added a new category since the creation of the economics science prize in 1968. Several advocates have already pledged their support, emphasizing that the prize could incentivize more progress toward saving the planet. "An award for climate and planetary health would encourage people worldwide to build solutions, improve policy, and mobilize communities to take action," climate activist Luisa Neubauer said in a statement. "It is long overdue for the Nobel tradition to finally recognize the greatest crisis of our time."
Together With Honeycomb
This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the World
Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down just to make toilet paper. We think that's too many, and Honeycomb agrees, which is why the brand created luxury three-ply made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn't harm trees. Why bamboo? It grows insanely fast — almost 100 times faster than the average tree — making it a sustainable option to save forests. Bamboo also has uniquely short fibers, which are perfect for creating soft toilet tissue you can feel good about. It's biodegradable, 100% plastic-free, and Honeycomb delivers straight to you. The best part? Nice News readers can use code N35 for 35% off your first shipment. Code valid for the next 24 hours only.
Want to Slow Things Down on Your Next Trip? Consider a Barge Cruise
JaySi/iStock
If the hustle and bustle of life is catching up to you and burnout is beginning to rear its ugly head (as it does for so many of us this time of year), might we recommend booking a micro-barge cruise? As opposed to traditional cruise ships, many of which can hold thousands of passengers plus attractions like roller coasters and zip lines, barge cruises are tiny, slow, and peaceful. Per Thrillist, these boats typically host just two to six guests and are most popular in France, offering picturesque views of the countryside alongside luxe, intimate accommodations. Such trips aren't about checking off destinations or landmarks — they're about taking a step back. Travel blogger Mary Chong took a barge trip in France's Burgundy region, and told the outlet "there's an undeniable magic in gliding through the heart of Burgundy on a barge." She noted "the quiet morning stretches on the sun deck, the delight of discovering small villages at our own pace, and the freedom to breathe and enjoy the simple beauty around every bend." Some view barge cruises as a way to resist overtourism — the small boats will often stop by rarely visited locales, rather than the major ports big cruise ships tend to hit. Stephanie Sack, who works for Barge Lady Cruises, said the company's rides highlight "the small slices of local life that mass tourism misses entirely."
Humanity
UK Baker Re-Creates Iconic "Home Alone" House out of Cake
Grace Hunt / SWNS
Last month, we covered this year's 35th anniversary of Home Alone— and now, we're spotlighting a talented baker who re-created the house from the holiday movie as a stunning cake. Every year since 2021, 35-year-old Grace Hunt has made a dessert for a festive window display at Grace Eva Cakes, her store in Yorkshire, England. Previous displays have featured cake versions of a reindeer, Santa Claus, and an igloo with penguins. This year, she baked, crafted, and hand-painted the Home Alone mansion, and the confection has proved a big attraction (you can check out more pics of it here). Hunt explained to SWNS that she chose the cake theme not only because the movie turned 35 in November, the same month as her birthday, but also because it's her "favorite film to watch" over the Christmas season. Meanwhile, over in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka, the owner of the real-life house used in the movie has decided to restore the interiors back to how they were in the 1990 Christmas comedy — good news for fans unimpressed with a recent modern update.
In Other News
Author James Patterson sent $500 checks to 600 indie booksellers, saying, "what they do is crucial" (read more)
For the first time in decades, Chinook salmon were spotted in a Northern California stream (read more)
Lagos hosted its inaugural street art festival — see some of the colorful creations (read more)
Artifacts from England's oldest shipwreck, dating back to the 13th century, are now on display at a museum (read more)
Two rare forms of lightning struck over an Italian town, and a photographer caught it on camera (read more)
Inspiring Story
A veteran centenarian
World War II veteran Arthur Grabiner helps bring history to life by sharing his experience aboard the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier involved in the Pacific theater. Having recently turned 100, the centenarian volunteers monthly at the decommissioned vessel's resting place in New York, answering visitors' questions. And he has no plans of stopping anytime soon: "Here I am, going on to my 100th birthday and beyond."
Photo of the Day
Mohd RASFAN—AFP/Getty Images
Most Santa Claus sightings are in the usual haunts, like a mall or Christmas market. But at an aquarium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, visitors can spot the jolly fellow in a very different environment — underwater. During the holiday season, aquarist Faiz Mahamud swaps his usual diving gear for a Santa suit and dives into the oceanarium to feed the fish. The festive spectacle is one of the aquarium's main Christmastime attractions.
The Unsealed Is Hosting a Writing Contest to Heal Your Soul
What would you say to your younger self? Don't tell us — tell The Unsealed. The storytelling site is hosting a writing contest inviting you to write an honest letter to a younger you, revealing the truth you wish you understood back then. If there's something you've always wanted to say to the person you used to be, this is your chance. Your story could be published and inspire others: Learn how to participate below.
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Odds & Ends
🦁 Narniastars reunited for the film's 20th anniversary 🎁 A son's unusual (and hilarious) Christmas gift 🥕 Eating like your grandma > viral diets — here's why* 👃 Do you know why we have two nostrils? *Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Quote of the Day
"Write relentlessly, until you find your voice. Then, use it."
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