Here is the AP Lifestyles Digest for the week of Dec. 1. Note AP's Holiday Gift Guide Digest moved Nov. 12 and is included at the end.
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BE WELL
Be Well-Why We Bake: When people talk about baking, they often focus on the final product. The melty cookies, the domed muffins, the rich brownies. But the draw of baking goes well beyond that. It's an act of creation, connection, control. Even if life doesn't always feel orderly, follow the recipe and things should turn out as planned. By Katie Workman. UPCOMING Saturday, photos.
Tattoo Removal: Colin Farrell's had it done -- many times. So have Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox. Sometimes tattoos have to go for one reason or many others. But the process of taking them off is typically more painful, time-consuming and costly than getting inked in the first place, industry professionals say. And for health reasons, some people should be wary of laser treatments. UPCOMING Wednesday, photos, video.
Be Well-Medical Glasses: A new type of lens approved by the FDA promises to slow nearsightedness in children. These specialized glasses, available in the U.S. for the first time, aim to reduce the progression of myopia in kids aged 6 to 12. UPCOMING Monday, photos.
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Elf on the Shelf at 25: Elf on the Shelf is turning 25. That's a quarter century of family memories, including the occasional panic for parents responsible for his whereabouts as they moved him around the house. How the holiday tradition began. By Alicia Rancilio. UPCOMING Thursday, photos, video.
GARDENING
Cyclamen: Cyclamen is an underappreciated holiday plant that deserves more attention. This perennial has unique upside-down flowers in shades of white, pink, red and purple. They bloom only in winter. By Jessica Damiano. UPCOMING Tuesday, photos.
PETS
Be Well-Winter Pet Care: As winter approaches, it's not just people who need to layer up. Some pet owners must consider how to keep their animals warm through the cold season. Sweaters, coats and booties can be helpful accessories. Depending on the pet's breed, size and age, veterinarians recommend limiting time outdoors, being safe around open flames and avoiding encounters with antifreeze and de-icing salts, among other tips. UPCOMING Thursday, photos, social video.
FOOD
Lazy Susan Restaurants-Mississippi: A unique form of dining is bringing strangers together for conversation and a family-style meal at a Mississippi restaurant. Guests at The Dinner Bell pull up a chair around giant circular tables, seating up to 18 people, and serve themselves off a lazy Susan laden with Southern comfort food. UPCOMING Thursday, photos, video.
The Talisman of Happiness: The Italian cookbook "The Talisman of Happiness" was first published in 1929 and became a go-to for classic Italian recipes. This fall, the first complete English edition, with nearly 1,700 recipes, is being released. By Mark Kennedy. With a recipe. UPCOMING Wednesday, photos.
Traditional Christmas Cake Making: Dresden's Stollen pastry is one of Germany's most beloved Christmas pastries. Made with sultanas, almonds, candied lemon peel, and candied orange peel, the Stollen is a winter luxury that dates back to the 14th century. UPCOMING Wednesday, photos, video.
YEAR END
Britain Word of the Year: 'Rage bait' has been chosen as the Oxford Word of the Year 2025, following a public vote that saw more than 30,000 people worldwide have their say over three days. SENT Monday, photos, video.
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In case you missed it:
HOLIDAYS: TV-Holiday Programming; AI-Holiday Shopping; Germany Christmas Stars; Germany-Christmas Markets; Poland-Christmas Baubles.
FOOD: Climate Choices-Grocery Alternatives; Voracious-Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie.
BE WELL: We Mode; Holidays-Altruism; Gray Rocking; Cannabis Use Disorder-Users.
TRAVEL: Airport Chapels; Financial Wellness-Travel Tuesday; National Park-Scenic Road Reopens.
GARDENING: Growing an Avocado.
GAMES: ENT--YE-Video Games.
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GIFT GUIDES
AP's Holiday Gift Guides for 2025 moved Nov. 12. Slugs begin YE--Holiday Gift Guide-- .
TECH: A curated medley of tech gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list. By Shawn Chen.
GAME CHANGERS: From elevated suitcases to smart pet collars, gifts marked by originality and inventiveness. By Jessica Damiano.
MUSIC: For music fans, the best presents are a bit more creative than buying the latest release of their favorite artist. By Maria Sherman.
MOVIES: Gifts for movie lovers that go well beyond Blu-Rays and cineplex gift cards. By Lindsey Bahr.
NONFICTION BOOKS: Nonfiction for all kinds of readers, including art lovers, puzzle fiends, bird enthusiasts and more. By Leanne Italie.
KIDS' BOOKS: Share the love of reading by giving standout children's books. For all age groups. By Donna Edwards.
COUNTDOWN CALENDARS: Creative advent and other countdown calendars offer way more than food. By Kim Cook.
TASTE OF HOME: Edible treasures that nod to your gift recipients' hometown, heritage or memorable experience. By Katie Workman.
The AP
