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 | Thursday, December 25, 2025 | | | Merry Christmas! On this day in 1914, World War I soldiers participated in the Christmas Truce, a series of unofficial ceasefires that occurred across the European battlefields. During this period, opposing forces exchanged greetings, gifts, and food, and even played soccer. Today is the one day of the year when our whole team takes the day off, so there'll be no Flyover tomorrow. Our weekend editions will be a bit shorter as well, so our staff can spend time with their families, and the full Flyover will return on Monday. Today's sponsor, Surfshark, helps The Flyover readers reclaim a cleaner, faster, old-school internet experience by blocking ads, trackers, and malware—all for just $1.99 a month. To celebrate the holiday, we present a special opening lineup of Christmas memories and traditions shared by our readers and staff. We hope you enjoy them all, and thank you to everyone who contributed. | | | |  The Best Christmas Gift
I went into labor with my first child while meeting my sister to go Christmas shopping. The shopping trip quickly turned into a drive to the hospital instead of the mall. My daughter was born on December 15—earlier than expected—at just 2 pounds, 2 ounces. She scared us all to death and was whisked straight to the NICU, where she spent the next three months in the care of incredible nurses. On Christmas Day, during my hospital visit, I was able to hold her for the very first time. The best Christmas gift ever. Nancy, South Dakota | The Red Fox Coat My Southern family always made Christmas a big to-do, so I have many wonderful memories—but one stands out. In the 1980s, my mother and I were leaving the North Georgia mountains after our annual fall trip when we spotted a beautiful red fox running along the roadside. The sight reminded her of a story from her youth during the war.
She once saw a red fox that had been hit by a car and took it to a local taxidermist, hoping to have it made into one of the fox scarves popular at the time. She was a true redhead and knew how striking it would look, but money was tight, and she was never able to afford to pick it up. I never forgot that sad little story. That Christmas, there was a large wrapped package under the tree for her. The card read: "I couldn't find a red fox scarf, Mama, but I hope this will suffice." When she opened it and I helped her slip on her new red fox coat, the look on her face was priceless. In that moment, I think I was even happier than she was. Carlee, Atlanta | Waiting for Santa's Bells On Christmas Eve in the 1950s, my father would hook up a horse to our sleigh, complete with jingling bells, and head to a neighbor's field to "pick up Santa." Our house would be packed with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents, all listening eagerly for the sound of the bells returning. When Santa finally arrived with presents, each child had to recite their part from the church Christmas program before receiving a gift. Christmas was pure magic. Leslie, Minnesota Enjoyed these stories? We've got a few more waiting for you on our website. Click here.
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A Christmas tree expert recommends putting up a real Christmas tree no later than Dec. 10 to ensure it remains fresh and that shoppers can still find a perfect tree before inventories thin out. (More Tips) A 72-year-old British YouTube musician recorded a heartfelt cover of "I Miss You" by Blink-182 last Christmas, which went viral with over 1 million views. He personally replied to or liked every message he received. (See Video) Flying together with our sponsor Cyber Week = Even More Savings. For anyone still catching up on their holiday checklist (us too), CVS Photo's Cyber Deal is here to save the day: 11x14 Canvases are just $12.49 through December 6. You can also design custom photo books, ornaments, mugs, and over 50 same-day items—all ready in hours, not days. Perfect for last-minute gifting that still looks like you planned ahead. Make this season personal, affordable, and easy with CVS Photo. | |  | | Below are memories and traditions shared by some of our staff. ➤ Lights, boards, and togetherness: We drive around to look at Christmas lights, then come home and make themed charcuterie boards. Each board is made by one of my three adult children and their spouses or partners, plus one from my husband and me, so we end up with four or five different spreads. We play board games and end the night watching The Polar Express. Beth, The Flyover North Carolina writer ➤ A cake at midnight: My mother started a Christmas Eve tradition when the grandkids were old enough to understand what Christmas is really about. We bake a birthday cake for Jesus and make it the centerpiece of the table. At midnight, the youngest child blows out the candles after we all sing “Happy Birthday.” It reminds us who we’re celebrating. Afterward, the kids each open one gift. The tradition spread to family and friends around the country, and some years we had 50 or 60 friends, neighbors, and relatives gathered at midnight, many coming late just to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. This year, the newest great-grandchild blew out the candles. Cathy, The Flyover Florida writer ➤ Back to the beginning: One winter break as a young man, I got The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I read all three straight through. When I finished, I read them backward, from the final chapter to the first, then read the entire trilogy again. Good times. David, editor-in-chief ➤ Saved for Christmas: Every Christmas for the last 40 years, our mom has made a much-anticipated dessert consisting of peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, peanuts, and a graham-cracker crust. She refuses to make it any other time of year. Chris, managing editor and occasional podcast host ➤ The longest wait: I remember going to church every Christmas Eve, which I loved, but my dad was the head deacon, so we always had to stay until every last dollar was counted and the door was locked before we could go home and open Christmas Eve presents. As soon as we got home, my siblings and I ripped off our church clothes, threw on pajamas, and raced to the tree, only to watch Dad take his sweet time. He’d make tea, change clothes, chat with Mom, maybe even make a sandwich, fully aware we were losing our minds. When he finally headed to the couch by the tree to start divvying up presents, he walked as slowly as possible with a big, mischievous smile. The three of us could barely hold it together, laughing and squirming with anticipation. I’ll always remember that. Good things really do come to those who wait. Sarah, managing editor ➤ After Mass hunger: I remember, as a tween, desperately wanting to attend midnight Mass with my grandma, which meant sleeping over at her place with my cousin. My mom was a bit against it because she knew me. Still, after Christmas Eve dinner and presents, I headed to Grandma’s. She took my cousin and me to midnight Mass, where I nearly fell asleep, my eyes swimming. But when we got home and Grandma went to bed, new life kicked in. Hungry, we made scrambled eggs. Grandma woke up and wandered into the kitchen in her nightgown, blinking at us like she couldn’t quite believe what she was seeing. Scrambled eggs never tasted better. Kat, managing editor Flying together with our sponsor ➤ Forget giving something up — learn something new. With Rosetta Stone, you can make 2026 your most productive year yet. Get lifetime access to all 25 languages for $149 and start speaking with confidence. (LEARN MORE) | | Flying together with our sponsor
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— Isaiah 9:6 | | |  Today's Trivia In which country is it customary to smash a pomegranate on New Year's for good luck? Show me the answer | | |
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