My kids were horrified by my “For the Kids” recommendations I shared in our Wit & Delight holiday gift guide this year. They insisted I share their personal lists too, because “Other kids might be sad if you get them those things.” I thought I’d get the whole family involved, and today I’m sharing the...

Is there a Finnish or Japanese word for existential holiday dread? There should be. I suppose the closest thing would be to borrow a term of Ebenezer Scrooge: ba hum bug? That’s certainly how I’m feeling as this long year barrels to a close. But admitting it publicly sure feels like a sordid, illicit confession...

When it comes to low-cost gift giving, I always love throwing something sentimental in a frame, but that’s far from the only option. We asked CoJ readers to share the low-spend, high-impact gifts they’ve given or received, and here are 10 amazing answers… “I’m a long-distance runner, and for my birthday, my girlfriends compiled a...

This time of year, the holiday craziness seems to take over daily life (but really, who’s complaining?). And there’s no better way to toast the season than with a collection of handcrafted holiday cocktails. The best part? Mixology doesn’t have to be your forte—especially when you can batch these festive sips ahead of time. Inspired...

This year, I’m considering myself most content when all my to-do list involves is watching every last one of the best new holiday movies in 2025. (And I’m feeling ambitious—let’s set the deadline to before New Year’s Eve.) While everyone else is attending holiday parties, tackling their winter TBR list, and getting after their Christmas shopping, I’m...

On this cold Wednesday morning, I’d love to ask: What foods are meaningful to you? Maybe because of your background, your friends, your family? “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate,” says philosopher Alan Wolfelt, and I agree. First on my list are the candle-lit cakes (above) that we presented to the boys,...

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article. With its deep purple-red leaves and natural bitterness, Raddicchio is a bit of an unsung hero as a simple, delicious side dish. However, roasting this vegetable transforms it into something tender, smoky, and caramelized. The edges crisp...

“I originally moved here with my partner,” says Anne Parker, a production designer and prop stylist who has rented her one-bedroom in Portland, Oregon, for the past decade. “After we broke up, I stayed because I love this space. I’ve spent so much time building my life here; it feels like an extension of me.”...

Happy December! Are you getting excited for the holidays? Here’s the full Cup of Jo 2025 gift guide, except for the hard-to-shop-for guide, which is coming up tomorrow. Meanwhile, if you’re doing some shopping for yourself or others, we’re happy to share seven excellent sales today… Get 50% off at J.Crew. I’d love to give...

“Would you ever consider a Monday update?” a reader named Molly commented last week. “It could be a mini complement to the ‘Have a Great Weekend’ posts. I’m always curious how the party went, which dress you chose, how the play/movie was, etc. Would be a fun way to jump into the week.” What a...