Americans Shatter Records With $3.6 Billion On Giving Tuesday
This year’s Giving Tuesday, the globally celebrated day dedicated to giving back, saw Americans really stepping up in a HUGE way. Donations got up to a record-breaking $3.6 billion, showcasing the incredible power of collective good people. Nonprofit organizations across the country were overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodness, love, and support, we all came together to make a difference.
A Holiday for Generosity
Giving Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has grown into a phenomenon since it was created in 2012. It began as a social media-driven thing but it has now become a key part of the holiday season! People take it as a moment to pause during all the shopping craziness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to give back to causes that matter. This year, it reached new heights, with millions of Americans donating to charities, community projects, and relief efforts.
You Can Still Participate
Even if you missed Giving Tuesday, there are plenty of ways to give back this holiday season. For people here in Vegas, Downtown Summerlin still has it’s “Light the World Giving Machine“. It allows you to make a direct contribution to local charities that offer essential services to those in need.
As we celebrate the $3.6 billion milestone, let’s remember that the spirit of Giving Tuesday doesn’t end with one day. Opportunities to give are all around us, from local things like the Downtown Summerlin Giving Machine to online campaigns for global causes. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time.
Santa Shines In These 5 Holiday Movie Classics
When it comes to St. Nick, I’ve been a fan ever since I was a kid. He’s a holiday superhero! That’s why I love watching a good Santa movie at Christmas time. Santa movies have given us everything from heartwarming tales and even raunchy comedies. Some of these movies hit just right and become holiday classics, while others, wouldn’t even make it on the Hallmark channel. So let’s stick to the good stuff here. The ones that make you laugh, and hit you right in the feels.
First up, there’s just something hilarious about watching a regular guy get roped into being Santa and having absolutely no idea what he’s doing. Add in some elves and reindeer who are way too serious about their jobs, and boom, instant holiday movie gold. If you’ve ever wanted to see your dad bumble around trying to do something he’s not prepared for, there’s a movie for that, and it’s The Santa Clause.
Then, you’ve got the Christmas magic of Buddy the Elf. He’s not Santa himself, but he’s basically the spirit of Christmas in oversized tights. You can’t talk about Santa without mentioning how Buddy practically forces Christmas spirit onto everyone, even a grumpy Santa who acts more like he needs a nap than a sleigh ride. He kind of reminds me of my Buddy Booger. He drives you nuts, but you can’t help but love the guy.
Okay so let’s not forget about the classics, though. If you’re tired of the latest CGI movies, an old-school black-and-white movie might just hit the spot. Miracle on 34th Street is it. I used to watch this every year with my mom. She loves it. It’s that Christmas film that reminds you there’s still magic in the world, even if it’s hiding in a courtroom.
And I cant forget about Arthur Christmas! Oh the memories! I must of watched this movie EVERY day when my daughter was little. It’s a movie where Santa’s youngest kid, who looks like he couldn’t organize a sock drawer, goes full hero to deliver a single gift. He brings the kind of dedication we should all bring to holiday shopping.
Of course, not every holiday movie plays by the rules. Sometimes you need a Saint Nick who’s more grumpy than jolly, someone who’s better at downing drinks than handing out gifts. A movie like Bad Santa is perfect for those days when you need a laugh after the kids goes to bed.
My Top 5 Santa Movie Classics:
