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SAVE OVER $100: As of Dec. 18, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $371.45 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $371.45 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $178.54   Get Deal

Winter weather often brings a higher risk of storms and unexpected power outages, and that's when having a dependable backup power source can really help. A portable power station can help keep essentials like freezers or laptops running when the power goes out. If you're thinking about adding something to your setup, there's a deal at Amazon on the Anker Solix C1000.

As of Dec. 18, this model is down to $371.45, a saving of $178.54. You can also choose between bundle options that include solar panels or water-resistant storage bags, with many of these options also reduced.

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This power station delivers up to 2,000W of output across 10 ports (with a 3,000W peak) and a 1,024Wh capacity, so it's powerful enough to run multiple devices at once. It also uses Anker's HyperFlash technology to fully recharge in around 49 minutes from mains power, or around 1.8 hours with compatible solar panels.

The unit is also a lot smaller and lighter than many comparable models, so it's easy to carry around different parts of the house, or even a great companion for a camping vacation or road trip. And it's built to last for many years, with a battery designed to retain at least 80% capacity after 4,000 cycles.

You can find this Anker power station deal at Amazon. Get it before the price returns to normal.

SAVE $20: As of Dec. 18, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is back on sale at Amazon, and just in time for Christmas. This is a stellar streaming device, especially if you're a fan of the Roku OS. As of Dec. 18, this model is now just $29.99, saving you $20 on list price.

This little stick makes 4K streaming so much easier. As soon as it is set up, you'll have easy access to all the top apps (like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more) as well as many live channels. All of this will be available straight on your home screen, keeping things nice and organized, and making it fast and easy to pick up your shows where you left off.

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And the set up couldn't be simpler. This streaming stick just needs to be plugged into your TVs HDMI port as well as a wall socket for power. And that's all you need to do. It also comes with a remote that will now control both the streaming stick and your TV, including the power and volume.

The remote gives you voice control too. This lets you search through multiple platforms at once, or even ask it to look up any pressing questions ("where else have you seen that actor before?").

Find this streaming stick deal at Amazon now.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you like golf.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Same state

• Green: Horse-centric

• Blue: Competitors

• Purple: Same abbreviation

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: A Wisconsin athlete

• Green: Equestrian sports

• Blue: Golfers in this year's Ryder's Cup

• Purple: What "T" might mean

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #451 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A Wisconsin athlete - BADGER, BREWER, BUCK, PACKER

• Equestrian sports - POLO, RODEO, STEEPLECHASE, THOROUGHBRED

• Golfers in this year's Ryder Cup - ENGLISH, FLEETWOOD, HENLEY, ROSE

• What "T" might mean - SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRT, TACKLE, TECHNICAL FOUL, TIMEOUT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Connections.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025:

AcrossFaux ___ (misstep)

• The answer is Pas.

Folder for unfinished emails

• The answer is Drafts.

Low-quality, machine-generated content, informally

• The answer is AI Slop.

Field of plants

• The answer is Botany.

Had a bite

• The answer is Ate.

DownSmall yellow bowties, say

• The answer is Pasta

Black piano key next to G

• The answer is A Flat.

Piece of equipment in curling

• The answer is Stone.

Faddish dance move of the mid-2010s

• The answer is Dab.

___ de Janeiro

• The answer is Rio.

Costume that might include a black trench coat and sunglasses

• The answer is Spy.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Cricket fans have been treated to some truly special events this year. We've been dazzled by the Asia Cup, gripped by India's tour of England, and the ICC Champions Trophy produced some thrilling moments that we'll remember for a long time. But for now, it's time to forget all about that and focus on arguably the biggest contest on the stacked schedule: the 2025-26 Ashes series.

It really doesn't get much bigger than a five-Test showdown between bitter rivals England and Australia. England have not won a single Test in Australia since the 2010-11 series. They lost 5-0 in the 2013-14 series and then suffered back-to-back 4-0 defeats in 2017-18 and 2021-22. Can they turn things around and secure a rare win Down Under? It's not looking likely.

If you want to watch the 2025-26 Ashes series for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is The Ashes?

The Ashes is a Test cricket series contested biennially between England and Australia. There have been 73 Ashes series in total. Australia have won 34 and retained six times from draws. England have won 32 and retained once from a draw.

Australia are the holders of the Ashes after winning in 2021–22 and retaining after drawing in 2023.

When is the 2025-26 Ashes?

The 2025-26 Ashes series takes place in Australia between November 2025 and January 2026. The full schedule is as follows:

• Test 1 (Optus Stadium) — Nov. 21-25

• Test 2 (The Gabba) — Dec. 4-8

• Test 3 (Adelaide Oval) — Dec. 17-21

• Test 4 (MCG) — Dec. 26-30

• Test 5 (SCG) — Jan. 4-8

The good news for fans is that every Test match is available to live stream without spending anything.

How to watch the 2025-26 Ashes for free

The 2025-26 Ashes series is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 7plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Ashes by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 7plus

5. Watch the 2025-26 Ashes for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series before recovering your investment. If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 7plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $119.95 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00   Get Deal

If you're looking for a great fitness tracker deal ahead of Christmas, check out this latest Amazon deal on the Fitbit Versa 4. Currently at its lowest-ever price, you can save $80 on this model when you purchase the pink sand or waterfall blue options.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is an everyday fitness watch designed to help you stay motivated. It's one of my favorite Fitbits, mostly because of its stylish design and tracking functionality. It reads your body signals to give you cues on when to push yourself or take a rest, and it'll show you real-time stats during workouts. And whether you enjoy running, walking, swimming, Pilates, or more, this Fitbit comes with plenty of exercise modes.

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Other standout features include built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, and continuous heart-rate monitoring, plus it’s water resistant up to 50 meters. Sleep tracking is a big plus on this watch too, providing you with a sleep score, stages, smart wake alarms, and tools to help you build better habits over time.

It also impresses as a lifestyle watch, covering the basics like on-wrist calls, texts, and notifications, stress tracking, guided breathing, SpO2 monitoring, and menstrual health tracking.

Pick up this Fitbit deal from Amazon before Christmas.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the 40-inch Roku Smart TV is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku 40-inch Roku Smart TV $149.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $80   Get Deal

There's just a week until the big day, and if you're an Amazon Prime member, chances are you still have time for parcels to arrive before Christmas. Whether you need a great gift for someone, or you're looking to upgrade your own setup, right now there's a deal on the 40-inch Roku Smart TV that's definitely worth checking out.

As of Dec. 18, this TV is down to only $149.99. That's an $80 saving and it's the lowest it has ever been priced. You can also purchase the 32-inch model on sale, down from $179.99 to $139.99.

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With a Roku TV, you're getting an interface that's simple to navigate and puts popular streaming apps, live TV, and free movies and shows all together in one place. As well as streaming platforms, you'll also have access to over 500 free Roku channels.

The picture quality is amazing too, with the 40-inch Full HD display giving you a bright, clear picture suited to spaces like bedrooms or kitchens, with Roku Smart Picture adjusting settings automatically. You can even adjust the home screen to your own preferences. Simply move apps around to how you like them, or even have your favorite TV channel front and center.

It also supports voice control through Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and includes a voice remote for easily searching through apps.

Pick up this Roku deal at Amazon now.

Jimmy Kimmel spent a big chunk of his Wednesday monologue mocking Donald Trump's new White House plaques, but he also saved time to respond to Texas senator Ted Cruz calling him "unfunny."

The comment took place at a Senate hearing to question FCC chairman Brendan Carr over threats he made to Kimmel's network ABC earlier in the year that led to Kimmel being briefly suspended. Cruz was one of the few Republicans to say he doesn't think it's appropriate for politicians to pressure the FCC — but he did also go on to make his feelings about Kimmel very clear.

"Jimmy Kimble [sic] is angry, overtly partisan, and profoundly unfunny," Cruz said.

"Jimmy Kimble!" responds the host in the clip above. "I have to say, profoundly unfunny hurts my feelings. I would never say he isn't funny. I think he's very funny. It was funny when he jetted off to Cancun during that snowstorm."

Sydney Jo's artistic process is right out of a Nancy Meyers movie.

She's obsessed with film and TV, from the classic sitcoms to Jersey Shore to Quentin Tarantino. She watches TikTok videos and listens to podcasts, and consumes any media she can get her hands on like a glutton. 

You might know Sydney Jo, aka @thatgirlsydjo, for her TikTok project, The Group Chat, which she wrote on her Notes app during her commute to work. Now, she's quit that job and is writing full-time (although she doesn't actually consider herself a writer).

SEE ALSO: What to expect from the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards

The creator, who has 329,000 followers on Instagram and 1.7 million followers on TikTok, was nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the 2025 TikTok Awards. In the weeks leading up to the awards, we caught up with her to talk about imposter syndrome, learning to write screenplays, and trusting her creative instincts.

She was nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the 2025 TikTok Awards. Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable Composite; Dia Dipasupil / WireImage / Getty Could you tell me a bit about The Group Chat?

I was working in antique and estate jewelry, which I loved. I would travel a lot and go to Vegas and Miami, and all these different places to have trade shows and find new jewelry to buy. And I really loved having a skill outside of entertainment, but I started to feel really depressed. I feel that anyone who is creative will know; it's as if even if you love your day job, you can feel really depressed when you start to get into this 9-to-5 routine. And I just felt like I wasn't doing anything that was satisfying that part of me.

Because I was spending so much time traveling, and even just commuting to work, I would write these scripts and think, "Maybe one day, it'll be something." And I had this script, this idea for The Group Chat, which initially was just character descriptions. It wasn't even any dialogue or anything like that. It was just me really fleshing out these characters and their history and how this portrayal of female friendships in mainstream entertainment is so, "You have to be best friends and know everything about each other and be inseparable and if you do have a fight it's it's like a huge deal it's a season finale that these people are fighting that never fight" and that's just so not how it is, especially if you have a big friend group and there's so many different personalities. 

Everyone has their friends who talk too much about work, talk too much about their boyfriend, want to bring their boyfriend everywhere, there's a lot of drama around weddings, and I was like, "I want to tell that sort of story in a gimmicky way for TikTok, but in a way that also feels truthful."

Did you always intend for it to be a TikTok series?

I write a lot of scripts. I'm not a writer, and I never thought I'd make a TV show, but it's something I've always done. I don't release my songs, but I've always written songs. I have books and books of songs that I have never released or recorded. 

I have random movie ideas in my Notes all the time. When I thought I could do it for TikTok, I had to almost change it because it was a little bit more serious when I first wrote it. For TikTok, it has to be a little bit gimmicky and a little fun, and it has to be short. So I ended up changing it for TikTok.

Then it just really took on a life of its own. There are now two entirely different things. 

Now that we're working on making an actual TV show out of it, I'm going back to more of what I originally wrote.

It's so interesting that you say that you're not a writer because I think you so clearly are, and I think your audience so clearly engages with your content in a way that you would engage with the script writer's content. When do you think you will feel like you are one?

I'm starting to feel it. It's not as if I had a hidden talent or something. I just always was a singer. And so, everything I did in my entire life was always about my voice. My voice was strong, and that was what I always focused on. I always wanted to be a singer.

It is almost like when you know something's there, and then one day, it really comes to the forefront of your brain, and you see it. I have always known that I enjoy doing this. And now it's like, "Wow, I am good at writing." 

Even little things, like I always write my friends' text messages for them when they're flirting with a boy or fighting with a boy. I'm always the one who writes that text in Notes and then sends it to them, and they send it. So it was always there. 

But now I'm doing the show and learning how to actually write a screenplay. I wrote the pilot of this show literally in my Notes app, and they were like, "This is great, but like you have to format it." Now I'm starting to learn how to actually perform the little stage directions, actions, and character pieces that are all in the script. And I've gotten to read a lot of amazing pilots for shows that I grew up loving, like How I Met Your Mother. I've gotten to see some of those. And now I'm starting to feel like a [writer], but I don't know if I'll ever really [get there]. I didn't have the training. So I'll always feel a little bit like I'm an imposter.

Imposter syndrome is incredibly tough to overcome. Are you writing all of the scripts in your Notes app?

Yeah, and I think that that's been such an incredible lesson because I think part of the block is like when I was a theater major, there were writing majors and people in the film school that were different from the acting school. And I always thought, "My God, those people, they have the tools, and they know what to do." 

And [writing this project] has been a lesson of like, if you really have a good idea and you are meant to do it, then it'll just happen. You don't need to have all of these professional things. The idea is the idea and all that stuff can come later… What I've been told by other people is that there's almost a charm to the fact that it wasn't overproduced to begin with. It really just did come organically.

How are you holding space for both the TV show and the TikTok show?

It's not easy. I will get confused sometimes when I'm working on the TikTok [show] and I'm like, "But Maddie and Emily are fighting." And then I'm like, "Wait, no, that's like in the show." I go back and forth, and I get a little confused, but they are so different. 

And I will say the show has really turned into [something new]. It's not about The Group Chat. It's really more about the friendships, the drama, the comedy, and everything that comes from the dynamics between the characters. Whereas on TikTok, it really is about a group chat. 

After it really started blowing up on TikTok, did that change your approach to content creation?

In many ways, it has allowed me to create and not think so much about it. There's so much that comes from having permission, and it shouldn't be that way. But once you gain permission from your audience, they truly appreciate what you're doing. Now, I'll post something that will get millions of views, and some things that I post get 10,000 views. And before I might have taken those videos down. 

But this has really changed my approach. It's no longer about the specific content. Because I think when I was doing trends that would blow up, it's like, "Well, I hopped onto this trend right away. It blew up because it's a trend." And I didn't really feel like it had anything to do with me. But now with people following the group chat, how much it's changed and evolved and not every episode is texting and it and I've really developed the characters and people still love it and has such a loyal fan base, I think that has given me the confidence to be like, "OK, it's not just the content, it is me. People will like what I put out. And it doesn't always have to be the group chat. And it doesn't always have to be a trend. And there will always be people who follow me just because they like me for whatever reason." 

And it does make it a lot easier to just have creative flow. However, I will say that it is challenging to be so immersed in The Group Chat because it's such a demanding writing and filming experience, and to come up with new ideas, as my mind is so focused. So I am still finding the balance.

You have your TV show, your TikTok show, and your other content. Where do you find your inspiration?

It's different for [them all]. For the TV show, I'm like such a cinema nerd. And so everything is coming from things that I've watched. I have inspiration from everything, like the classic sitcoms — How I Met Your Mother and Friends, and Sex and the City — all the way to Death Proof by Quentin Tarantino. And that's a crazy thing to say, but there is a scene in the pilot where I was inspired when I watched the scene of them sitting in the diner in Death Proof in the beginning.

So it really comes from everywhere. For the TikTok specifically, because the TikTok really homes in on that feeling of like how connected the group chat makes you, and this feel-good moment of like when you find a common ally, and there's some crazy thing going on, and you can text someone else on the side and be like, oh my God, this is insane. It's almost like watching a movie on your own phone. And that really came from Jersey Shore: The Reunion.

OK...

But when I started to change it for TikTok, I was on a plane and catching up on the Jersey Shore reunion. I had been a little behind, but it was the episode where Mike "The Situation" gets out of jail, and they're all at a vacation house together. And they all received this text at the same time, as the group chat that had been inactive was replaced by a new one without him. So now he's back, and he lights up this group chat that hasn't been touched in months. And they're all running around the house, freaking out. And I was like, "I think that's what it is."

These characters that I've written and this concept that I have, that's the feeling that I'm trying to hone in on. This can be a unifying experience, whether it's having a common enemy or a common ally. I think everyone reaches this flow state in a group chat where everyone's responding, and there are all these jokes, and then people are sending gifs of the joke, and you're like sitting there giggling to yourself.

I'm really charmed by this idea of you writing this series on planes on your phone. Have you worked on other projects in the same way?

Yes, I have some that I haven't released yet, and I have other ideas that I think could be turned into movies or shows, as well as other concepts for TikTok. There are things that I have written on my commute. One of the biggest things I did was a "Swifties at 3 a.m. series" that I [wrote] on the train. I [had to] do the actual research like a real Swiftie. I had to go into her songs and be like, "She says this word at this timestamp, and it's 312, and take the 12 and minus the four." But I had to make the math make sense. So, I was really doing all that on my commute. 

What are you reading and watching and listening to right now?

Right now, I'm rewatching The Bear, and that's actually a way of doing research for the TV show. One of the things I really love about The Bear is the way they have conversations, which feel so organic. Sometimes with dialogue, even in really great movies and TV shows, it just is so scripted, but the way that they like to interrupt each other, and there's literally a line written in the script where they go, "What? Sorry." It's the tiniest thing, but that is how a real conversation happens. So definitely that. 

And then I am addicted to Tell Me Lies. I've watched both seasons through like probably four times. I'm always watching it. I listen to Emma Chamberlain's podcast a lot because I feel like she has a really great take on how to manage, avoid burnout, and navigate everything. And she was one of the original creators in the digital space that came from YouTube when there wasn't really a path for that… I listen to a lot of podcasts. I really try to listen and be proactive. 

I know that burnout is a real thing, and I don't feel it yet, but I'm aware that I could, so I'll try to do everything I can to avoid it. I'll consume anything. 

I'm thinking about the show you're writing, your experience with the group chat, and your general content creation. How often are you posting? Are you batching content? 

That third area is the area that I'm still working on the most because The Group Chat takes a long time to write, and then it takes anywhere from four-to-six hours to film, depending on what I'm filming, how many characters are in it, [and] how intense the hair and makeup styles are. So it is hard to find room.

And then brand deals. When I do a brand deal, it has to be done as usual, three-to-four weeks before the post date. 

So it is hard to find time for the random content to throw in. But I have taken the pressure off myself to feel like I have to post all the time. I think I used to feel like if I'm not posting every day, what am I doing? And if I go three days without posting, people are not gonna care, and they're gonna lose interest, and I'm failing at it.

It's not realistic, given the current situation. And I don't have a massive team. I don't have an assistant. I don't have people helping me film. It is still just me. I try to convey [that] to my audience and it seems like they really do resonate with and understand. I really have the best fan base, and even negative comments that I get are always constructed out of the love of the group chat. 

Yeah, which platforms do you feel like are most crucial in growing your audience so far?

Definitely TikTok. I love posting on Instagram, and I think Instagram Stories are a way for me to have more one-on-one interactions with my audience and really be able to respond to them and hear them. I'll do a lot of questions. 

But TikTok is one of the best things to come out of this generation, this last decade, because the fact that eight months ago, I was working a nine-to-five, daydreaming when I'm having a bad day, that maybe my life could be what it is now. And in just eight months, I'm already working on making a TV show, which, if you had just written a TV show, it would take you years to pitch that, to get someone to believe in it, to get anyone to back it, to fund it. And now, because it has already been proven and guinea pig-tested online, I wasn't. 

I didn't seek out making this TV show. I was getting offers. People were coming to me like, "Hey, I really think this would be a great show." And I was like, "My God, me too. I just didn't think anyone else would think that. 

And it shows the community and the power that is in TikTok and the really like dedicated community that it's created, that all these people are coming out with cookbooks and reality shows and TV shows and clothing lines just [from] having a TikTok audience. You can do it for yourself. You don't have to wait for someone else to give you the opportunity. And I think that's so amazing.

It's hard enough to see a meteorite strike on Earth: Most of the bits of space debris that survive entry into the atmosphere plunge into the ocean, which covers about 70 percent of the planet. 

So imagine how rare it is to spot one from 240,000 miles away. That's what Andrew Marshall-Lee, a doctoral student at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in the United Kingdom, did last week. He captured the fleeting flash of light from the crash on the moon with the 17-inch Armagh Robotic Telescope on Dec. 12. Though it's not yet clear where on the lunar surface it hit, Marshall-Lee believes it might be northeast of the circular-shaped Langrenus crater.

The video, featured below, shows the tiny spark, a fraction of a second long, blink amid the shadow from the sun. Though the observatory is still investigating the event, the most likely origin of the meteorite is the Geminid meteor shower.

"On that night, I just went to check the scope to make sure everything was working, and I saw it happen with my own eyes," Marshall-Lee told Mashable. "I don’t think I could put a number on how lucky I was."

SEE ALSO: Scientists suspect this scorched alien planet with a sunlike star has air

Here on Earth, about 73,000 pounds of meteor material rain down every day. 

The moon also gets pummeled by tons of rock and dust, but without air to shield it or slow down these meteoroids. That means even tiny pebbles can crash with enormous energy. Astronomers want to better understand how hard and often they hit. Knowing will help scientists predict risks to astronauts and spacecraft, especially any lunar outposts built there in the future. 

A rock no bigger than a golf ball could have caused the recent lunar impact, according to the observatory. At an ultra-high speed, estimated at roughly 78,000 mph, the meteorite could have left a sizable mark. NASA estimates that a 10-pound meteoroid could blast out a crater over 30-feet wide while throwing 165,000 pounds of moondust and debris.  

The above video is courtesy of Andrew Marshall-Lee and the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

Even on Earth, with its thick protective atmosphere, small meteoroids can cause immense destruction. An asteroid of 100 to 170 feet across could level a small city, according to NASA. In 2013, a 60-feet meteor actually did come crashing down over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring some 1,600 people. 

Though a golf ball-sized rock on the moon would be impossible to see from Earth, its kinetic energy rapidly converts into heat and light when it hits the surface. That strike then vaporizes some of the lunar material, which is the source of the flash of light.

This research is crucial for scientists whose work focuses on how to defend Earth from catastrophic collisions. After all, no one wants people to get wiped out like the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. 

But because large meteors are less plentiful, it's challenging to get enough data about their impacts. The moon, on the other hand, provides an enormous target area for watching and observing these rocks, even if they are rare occurrences. Daichi Fujii, a Japanese astronomer who observed two lunar impact flashes in November, said even as he's continuously monitored the moon for the past five years, he has still only recorded one flash for every few dozen hours.

A man watches the Geminid meteor shower over Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire, England, on Dec. 15, 2020. Credit: Danny Lawson / PA Images / Getty Images

Marshall-Lee had recorded about 50 hours this year before capturing the event. The challenge is that there aren't that many observation days. The moon needs to be less than half full so that it doesn't outshine the dark side.

The new video is believed to be the first lunar impact flash recorded from Ireland. That's a feat, considering Northern Ireland doesn't get true "astronomical night" during summer months. In winter, cloud cover prevents a clear view more than 70 percent of the time.

Usually, Marshall-Lee would review the recordings later for any possible lunar impacts. The fact that he caught this one in the act gave him a mix of joy and excitement, followed by trepidation. He had to make sure his eyes weren't just playing tricks on him at 3 a.m.

"To get the needed good conditions lined up with the peak of the Geminid shower is really quite a stroke of luck," he said.

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The college football action continues with bowl season, as the Arkansas Razorbacks tussle with the Missouri State Bears in the Xbox Bowl.

This marks the Bears' first bowl game in their first season at Football Bowl Subdivision level — and they've had an impressive debut season with a 7-5 record. There's a great underdog story here just waiting to happen.

Arkansas, however, will be determined to win their second consecutive bowl, after beating Texas Tech to win the Liberty Bowl last year. And at 6-6, a win here will make it another winning season for the Razorbacks. They're sure to come out fighting.

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Indeed, along with other bowl game action in the college postseason, this Xbox Bowl clash is not something to miss. And if you do want to watch Arkansas vs. Missouri for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arkansas vs. Missouri?

Arkansas vs. Missouri takes place at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 18. This game takes place at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.

Arkansas vs. Missouri is broadcast on ESPN2.

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Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

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How to watch Arkansas vs. Missouri from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arkansas vs. Missouri from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

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Some people get in the mood for the holidays by decorating a tree, baking cookies, or venturing out to look at houses draped in thousands of string lights. Others just pop on a Christmas movie to get into the spirit. 

Whether you're planning a mega holiday movie marathon, yearning for an old classic, or trying to mix up your family movie night with something different this year, there's plenty to choose from. We've curated the very best Christmas movies you can stream or rent, from sentimental classics with a twist and cozy romantic comedies to emotional indie dramas and high-speed action thrillers.

25. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) Credit: New Line / Kobal / Shutterstock

Yes, we can all agree that Die Hard is the GOAT Christmas action movie, but don't you dare sleep on The Long Kiss Goodnight. 

In Renny Harlin's action thriller, Geena Davis' Samantha is a wholesome small-town school teacher and mother who, eight years ago, woke up pregnant on a beach with no memory of who she was. In the present day, Samantha gets into a car accident that changes everything — she begins remembering things and discovers she has elite knife skills. Was she a chef, perhaps? That seems unlikely when a strange man who recognized her at a Christmas parade shows up at her house to attack her. She kills him with ease as if it's her day job. Turns out, it sure as heck was. 

Davis' PTA mom soon transforms back into her old badass self, a platinum blonde CIA assassin. This time, she has Samuel L. Jackson's private eye as her sidekick. With explosions and car chases galore, The Long Kiss Goodnight is everything you'd want from a delightfully bonkers holiday action movie. — Oliver Whitney, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: The Long Kiss Goodnight is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

24. Home Alone (1990) Credit: 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

Watching Macaulay Culkin's Kevin McCallister line his house with booby traps in Home Alone never gets old. It's also a great lesson for young kids left at home by their chaotic families in how to prepare for pesky burglars. Anything can be a weapon! Those old paint cans, your brother's pet tarantula, even a blow torch to burn the top off of a strange man's head can keep you safe. Home Alone has all the perfect ingredients to make a great, rewatchable Christmas movie with its wacky and playful plot, its charismatic cast, a sentimental message about the importance of family during the holidays, and some of the most quotable lines. Go eat some junk and watch some rubbish this Christmas. — O.W.

How to watch: Home Alone is now streaming on Disney+, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

23. The Preacher's Wife (1996) Credit: Touchstone / Kobal / Shutterstock

A cozy Christmas movie starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington — what could be better? In director Penny Marshall's The Preacher's Wife, a remake of 1947's The Bishop's Wife, Washington plays a charming angel sent down to Earth to help save a marriage in shambles. Houston's Julia is growing impatient with her pastor husband Henry (Courtney B. Vance), who's distracted by his dwindling church membership. Washington's jovial Dudley is just the spark that the family needs. His wit and doting attention remind Julia of what things used to be like with her and Henry, and the pastor grows jealous. But no worries; Dudley is just here to revitalize the pastor's faith and remind him of the important things he's let slip as Christmas approaches. The Preacher's Wife is warm and full of heart, and also features one of the silliest Denzel Washington performances that simply must be seen. — O.W.

How to watch: The Preacher's Wife is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

22. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Nothing says a Christmas classic like a Judy Garland song. In Meet Me in St. Louis, we get several memorable Garland numbers, from the classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to the buoyant "Trolley Song." 

The 1944 Vincente Minnelli musical tells the story of the wealthy Smith family living in St. Louis, Missouri, one year before the 1904 World's Fair. All is well for them until the devastating news arrives that the family must relocate to New York City immediately after Christmas for their father's new job. The two eldest Smith daughters, Esther (Garland) and Rose (Lucille Bremer) are distraught, since they're both in love with local boys and have their futures planned near home. Even the youngest, Tootie (Margaret O'Brien), is so upset that she destroys a bunch of snowmen in a fit of rage. But maybe, just maybe, the spirit of Christmas will turn things around for them. — O.W.

How to watch: Meet Me in St. Louis is now streaming on Tubi, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

21. Klaus (2019) Credit: Netflix

The majority of family-friendly Christmas movies often tell the same types of holiday stories about Santa. But Sergio Pablos' Klaus proposes a new origin story for Old Saint Nick. In the animated adventure, it all begins with a Norwegian postman named Jasper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) who's sent away to an icy northern town called Smeerensburg to carry out his mail delivery duties. There he happens to stumble upon a reclusive bearded toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons). When Jasper helps Klaus donate one of his creations to a local kid, soon every kid in town is desperate to send the toymaker a letter to get a gift in return. And so, Santa is born. Pablos' animated film is a welcome addition to the Christmas movie canon, not only for its originality but also for its gorgeous animation that's glowing with light and Christmasy warmth. — O.W.

How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Carol (2015)

We all need a sad gay romance to weep over during the holidays, and there isn't one better than Carol. Todd Haynes' 1950s-set love story follows Cate Blanchett as the eye-catching Carol Aird, a glamorous mother recently separated from her irate, homophobic husband (Kyle Chandler), and Rooney Mara's budding young photographer, Therese Belivet. The two women begin to fall in love over a shared lunch of martinis and a trip to Carol's Connecticut home. But remember, this is the '50s, and Carol's queer relationship is soon used against her in her divorce.

Set over the holidays in New York City, Carol beautifully captures the Christmastime atmosphere of the East Coast in winter. There's a snowy trip to a tree lot, the frazzled energy of a department store amid the holiday shopping bustle, long winter coats and scarves, and the cozy relief of escaping the icy streets for a warm holiday party where eyes meet over cocktails. — O.W.

How to watch: Carol is now streaming on HBO Max, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.   

19. Tangerine (2015) Credit: Augustas Quirk / Magnolia / Duplass Brothers Prods / Kobal / Shutterstock

It's Christmas Eve in Hollywood and Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a Black trans woman and sex worker, has just gotten out of jail. She meets up with her best friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) and soon finds out that her pimp/boyfriend Chester (James Ransone) has been cheating on her — and not with just anyone, but with a white cis woman. Now it's time for revenge.

Tangerine follows the two friends over the course of the night as they walk across Hollywood searching for Chester. A simple story blossoms into a profound and emotional journey that sheds light on the real-life experiences many Black trans sex workers encounter on the daily. When Sean Baker's film first came out, it was praised for its low-budget indie style, and for being shot entirely on iPhones. But it's really the story, rich with intimate human moments and bursts of comedy, along with Rodriguez and Taylor's raw performances, that makes Tangerine such a moving film, and one about the power of chosen family. — O.W.

How to watch: Tangerine is now streaming on Hulu, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

18. Go (1999)

Forget cozy holiday dinners and family trips to the tree lot. This Christmas, why not go to a rave? That's how the kids in the '90s cult classic Go decide to celebrate the holiday season.

It's the night of a massive Santa-themed rave in Los Angeles, and two guys are looking to score some ecstasy. Sarah Polley's supermarket clerk Ronna is faced with being evicted, so she decides to become a dealer for the night. Yet things go incredibly wrong, incredibly fast. There's undercover cops, a pissed-off Las Vegas bouncer, car chases, a guy who took way too many pills, and lots and lots of anxiety. 

Watching Go is the exact opposite experience of watching a traditional Christmas movie; instead, it feels a lot like being on a bad trip at a rave. Sounds awful, I know, but I swear it's a blast! If you're itching for some adrenaline, a great '90s cast, and a taste of L.A. rave culture, look no further. — O.W.

How to watch: Go is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

17. The Holiday (2006) Credit: Sony Pictures / Kobal / Shutterstock

Sometimes you're so depressed and heartbroken after a breakup that the best solution is to get the heck out of town and spontaneously travel to a stranger's home in another country. Maybe you'll find your deepest self there, or maybe you'll meet a charming, kind man for once. In Nancy Meyers' pre-AirBnB romcom The Holiday, that's just what Cameron Diaz's Amanda and Kate Winslet's Iris do. Iris swaps her cozy English cottage to spend Christmas in the Hollywood Hills, while Amanda takes a break from her movie trailer-editing job in L.A. to soak in some English countryside solitude. A sweet holiday rom-com with all the signature Nancy Meyers' touches (sappy romance, picturesque homes, cozy cream sweaters, etc.), The Holiday checks all the boxes. — O.W.

How to watch: The Holiday is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

16. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)  Credit: Rko / Kobal / Shutterstock

In this endlessly rewatchable Christmas staple, Jimmy Stewart is the most generous man in town who puts his dreams aside to help save his neighbors during a financial crisis. Stewart's George Bailey skips his honeymoon, uses his savings to help his community, and even turns down a cushy high-paying job to put others first. But when things go terribly wrong on Christmas Eve, Bailey reaches a breaking point and steps onto a bridge, preparing to jump. That's when his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), arrives to show him just how different his town and family's life would be without him.

Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is an enduring Christmas classic because it's a reminder of just how precious life is and the impact we have on those around us, even when we can't see it ourselves. It's the type of Christmas film you put on to get into the holiday mood, then suddenly find yourself sobbing, even if you've seen it a dozen times. — O.W.

How to watch: It's A Wonderful Life is now streaming on Prime Video, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Fandango at Home.

15. Elf (2003) Credit: Alan Markfield / New Line Prods / Kobal / Shutterstock

It's simply not Christmas without Will Ferrell, or a bowl of spaghetti and candy for breakfast. In Elf, Ferrell's Buddy spent his entire life growing up in the North Pole believing he was one of Santa's helpers, despite being enormously tall compared to all the others. Once he finally learns that he's an orphan, Buddy sets out to New York City to find his real father and embark on a series of silly misadventures. James Caan plays Buddy's father, Walter Hobbs, a hardened business exec who publishes children's books. The two are a perfect if chaotic pair — a goofy child-in-a-man's-body, and a grouchy, workaholic dad. For a playful family Christmas comedy that's got romance, humor, and big Manhattan-at-Christmas energy, you can't go wrong with Elf. — O.W.

How to watch: Elf is now streaming on HBO Max, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

14. Phantom Thread (2017) Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

If you're tapped out on sentimental Christmas movies, why not put on a seasonal period romance that's enjoyably cynical and even a bit kinky? Set in the 1950s, Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread is all about relationship power dynamics. A perfectionist London dressmaker named Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) falls for a waitress, Alma (an excellent Vicky Krieps). However, he soon discovers his new muse isn't as submissive as the usual women he casually dates and discards. After Reynolds experiences a bout of sickness, the couple's dynamic takes a fascinating turn. And while the holiday season is technically only present as a backdrop for a handful of scenes — notably some of the most emotionally charged of their romance — Phantom Thread has a wintry, even ghostly, Christmas atmosphere throughout. — O.W.

How to watch: Phantom Thread is now streaming on Netflix, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

13. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) Credit: Jim Henson Productions / Kobal / Shutterstock

Imagine being a grumpy Scrooge when you're surrounded by a town full of silly Muppets. Michael Caine is as cantankerous as ever as Ebenezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol. In the Jim Henson musical take on Dickens' classic, Caine humbugs around London as the townsfolk sing about his coldheartedness. Gonzo and Rizzo narrate the musical film, injecting it with humor and shenanigans throughout. Kermit plays Scrooge's benevolent employee Bob Cratchit, with Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit and Robin the Frog as the adorable Tiny Tim. The whole Muppet gang appears throughout, and while the film follows the same beats of A Christmas Carol, the familiar cast of characters and added music make it an extra joyous watch. — O.W.

How to watch: The Muppet Christmas Carol is now streaming on Disney+, and is available to rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

12. Moonstruck (1987)

Some people watch A Christmas Story every December, while others put on Moonstruck. The romantic comedy may not be about Christmas, but in almost every scene it gives off big Christmas energy. There's Cher's Loretta walking through the snowy streets of New York City in a long black trench coat and sipping wine by a fireplace. There's the Lincoln Center tree lit up behind Loretta and Nic Cage's Ronny as they attend the opera. There's the twinkling of string lights and Christmas decor along the streets and shops in the backdrop. The energy of Christmas is all around in this movie as Loretta falls in love with the ill-tempered Ronny while his brother (her fiancé) is away in Sicily. While Moonstruck is a perfect movie to watch any day of the year, it's especially fitting to snuggle up with it during the holiday season. — O.W.

How to watch: Moonstruck is now streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Fandango at Home.

11. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

When you imagine a picturesque Santa Claus, jolly, endearing, and kind, no one fits the bill better than Richard Attenborough in Miracle on 34th Street. The beloved actor just looks the part, with his rosy cheeks, warm smile, and inviting demeanor. Sadly, no one in Manhattan except a 6-year-old girl named Susan actually believes he's Santa.

In the wholesome 1994 remake of the classic film from 1947, Attenborough plays a sweet old man named Kris Kringle who gets hired to play Santa at a Manhattan department store. Kris keeps insisting that he's actually the famous guy from the North Pole, but everyone in New York seems to have lost the spirit of Christmas so much that a plot is formed to institutionalize the poor guy. It's up to Susan (Mara Wilson) and a lawyer (Dylan McDermott) to defend Kris Kringle in court and prove that he's not just wearing a red and white suit for a seasonal gig. — O.W.

How to watch: Miracle on 34th Street is now streaming on Peacock, Paramount+, Disney+ and The Roku Channel, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Fandango at Home.

10. The Polar Express (2004)

Leave it to filmmaker Robert Zemeckis to bring the wonder of a children’s book to vivid life on screen. The Polar Express expands Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved Christmas story into a film about a young boy who boards a magical train on its way to the North Pole. Tom Hanks plays and voices a handful of roles, including the train's conductor, a Scrooge puppet, and Santa Claus himself. What’s most notable about The Polar Express is the visual world it creates, converting the quiet classicism and awe of the book’s illustrations into a CG world. Back in 2004, it was the first feature-length film to be shot entirely using motion-capture, and the first big studio IMAX 3D movie to ever hit screens. While those visuals have certainly not aged well with time, The Polar Express still manages to capture the magical spirit of Christmas viewed through the eyes of a child.* — O.W.

How to watch: The Polar Express is now streaming on Hulu.

9. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

In this charming sequel to the smash hit Home Alone, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) winds up in the Big Apple without his family. But fret not, this clever kid is quick to make friends with an unhoused pigeon lover and a kindly toy store owner. He makes enemies too, including Tim Curry as a dastardly hotel concierge. And of course, the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are back and up to criminal shenanigans once more!

For my money, this sequel is even better than its predecessor. Kevin has more foes to outwit, more outlandish traps to set, and there's no beating New York in winter. It's a beautiful and moving movie that's terrific fun for the whole family. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is now streaming on Hulu.

8. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Credit: Ron Batzdorff / Imagine Ent / Kobal / Shutterstock

Director Ron Howard dared to imagine how Dr. Seuss' iconic holiday humbug might look in live-action. And who better to take on the role of such an iconically comical character than rubber-faced movie star Jim Carrey? While down in Whoville, cheery citizens plan for gift-giving, celebrations, and feasts, high above them in his cave the green-furred and self-loathing Grinch plots a plan to ruin Christmas. Among the more bizarre elements of this adaptation was a schmaltzy backstory that explained the Grinch's hatred of Christmas and facial prosthetics that turned the likes of Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon, and Jeffrey Tambor into Whos. Yet over the decades, these quirks have been embraced by a generation that sees Carrey's capering as the ultimate Grinch. — K.P.

How to watch: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas is now streaming on Peacock.

7. Love Actually (2003) Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Perhaps the most polarizing movie of the holiday season, Love Actually is a collection of interlocking vignettes all about — well — love. There's the story of the timid prime minister (Hugh Grant) who falls for a sassy staff member (Martine McCutcheon), the story of the widower (Liam Neeson) guiding his stepson through puppy love, the shy American (Laura Linney) with a crush on her office mate (Rodrigo Santoro), and Alan Rickman playing his most villainous holiday role as the heartbreaker of Emma Thompson. (I too have seen Die Hard. I said what I said.)

Written and directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually is both wildly popular and widely derided for some of its quirks. But the awesome star power and unapologetically joyful love stories keep us coming back year after year. — K.P.

How to watch: Love Actually is now streaming on Peacock.

6. The Santa Clause (1994) Credit: Disney / Kobal / Shutterstock

Ah yes, the classic '90s movie where Tim Allen accidentally kills Santa. In The Santa Clause, the first of what would soon become a trilogy, Allen’s Scott is a divorced marketing exec who doesn’t believe in Santa. After Scott spooks the old guy mid-present delivery, Santa tumbles off the roof to his death. Dark! When Scott puts on the magical suit to please his young son Charlie (Eric Lloyd), he becomes bound by the holy North Pole contract stipulating that he now must carry the mantle as the new Saint Nick. He isn’t exactly up for the job and ends up being a pretty grouchy Santa, not to mention a lactose-intolerant one, much to the disappointment of one little girl expecting him to drink his customary glass of milk. Despite some icky fatphobic jokes over Scott’s Santa weight gain, The Santa Clause is a delightfully strange and charming family movie with a clever story and some signature sardonic Tim Allen humor.* — O.W.

How to watch: The Santa Clause is now streaming on Hulu.

5. Die Hard (1988)

Forget fresh baked cookies and decorating the tree. The one true way to tap into the Christmas spirit each year is watching Bruce Willis climb elevator shafts and run barefoot through broken glass. 

It’s Dec. 24, 1988, and NYPD detective John McClane (Willis) has just arrived at the Nakatomi Corporation Christmas party to reconnect with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) — ya know, to come out to the coast and have a few laughs. Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately for our viewing pleasure) Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber has decided to crash the party with his long-haired German henchmen to steal some bearer bonds. “It’s Christmas, Theo,” Hans tells his safecracker. “A time for miracles!” Too bad for him this Christmas miracle arrives in a bloody tank top and sporting a cranky disposition; McClane won’t let these thieves get away easily.* — O.W.

How to watch: Die Hard is now streaming on Hulu.

4. Batman Returns (1992) Credit: Zade Rosenthal / Warner Bros / DC Comics / Kobal / Shutterstock

Leave it up to Tim Burton to inject a brooding darkness into the holiday season. After Edward Scissorhands but before The Nightmare Before Christmas, Burton gave us Batman Returns. And yes, it is indeed a Christmas movie.

First of all, it's a Batman film where Gotham City actually looks and feels festive and colorful for the first time. Burton's extravagant sets are filled with towering Christmas trees blanketed in string lights and ornaments; there's the tree-lighting ceremony where the Red Triangle Circus Gang jump out of a massive gift box; there's the penguin army strapped with candy cane-striped rockets; and, of course, there's the fact that mistletoe plays an important role in the plot.* — O.W.

How to watch: Batman Returns is now streaming on HBO Max and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.

3. A Christmas Story (1983) Credit: Mgm / UA / Kobal / Shutterstock

Every kid remembers that one toy they desperately wanted more than anything else for Christmas. It dominates every moment of your young life as you plead for it and shake presents to guess at what's inside. For 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), that Christmas gift fixation is a BB gun. Unfortunately, everyone from his mom to the local department store's grumpy Santa rejects his wish by looking out for his safety. “You'll shoot your eye out!” they shout.

A Christmas Story is in many ways the perfect movie to watch on Christmas Day. It's warm and nostalgic, wacky and playful, and accurately captures a child's view of Christmas. Plus, it's one of a kind — no other holiday movie features a leg lamp, tongues stuck on a frozen pole, and elves shoving screaming children down a giant slide.* — O.W.

How to watch: A Christmas Story is streaming on Hulu.

2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

The third installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series opens with the only Griswold family vacation in the film: a trip to a forest where Clark (Chevy Chase) gleefully drags his family out into the snow to cut down their own Christmas tree. From there, many classic Griswold hijinks ensue as Clark goes out of his way to plan the most over-the-top Christmas of all time. That includes decking out his roof in hundreds of string lights to the point of knocking out the entire city’s power grid, the unexpected arrival of his wife’s cousin and her cigar-smoking husband (Randy Quaid), an indoor squirrel attack, a cat wrapped inside a gift box, a very pissed-off Julia Louis-Dreyfus as his snooty neighbor, a SWAT team storming the house, and so much more. It's total Christmas chaos, Griswold style.* — O.W.

How to watch: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is streaming on Hulu.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Credit: Touchstone / Kobal / Shutterstock

Tim Burton and director Henry Selick’s stop-motion masterwork isn’t a Halloween or a Christmas movie: It’s a spectacular fusion of both in the best of ways. The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect film for those who prefer their yuletide delights to come with a side dish of spookiness — and songs. Sick of movies where kids greedily open presents? Great, please enjoy a giant black and orange snake gobbling up gifts whole, along with the entire dang Christmas tree. Family comedies where a jolly old Santa rides his magical sleigh — yawn! How about one where Santa gets kidnapped and a kid gets a shrunken head for a gift? That’s exactly what happens when Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, loses his, well, joie de mort. Wandering sadly through the woods, Jack stumbles into a series of parallel worlds, each dedicated to a different holiday. When he lands in Christmas Town, his bony little mind is blown, and he dedicates himself to learning everything he can about this warm and magical place, and its strange leader named Sandy Claws. There's mischief and romance, a mad scientist and a singing boogeyman, not to mention a voice cast that includes Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, and the late, great Paul Reubens.

Brilliant in everything from its stunning animation and clever story to its detailed world-building and endlessly catchy music, there’s nothing quite like the haunting magic and whimsy of The Nightmare Before Christmas.* — O.W.

How to watch: The Nightmare Before Christmas is streaming on Hulu Live TV.

UPDATE: Dec. 17, 2025, 1:29 p.m. EST This list was first published on Nov. 28, 2024. It has been updated to reflect current streaming options.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Dec. 16-20. Winter Wonderland, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering free wintery reads for Kindle e-readers.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is back again, and this time it's festive.

Winter Wonderland, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering wintery books for free or just $0.99. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever. Does your library desperately need a boost? It doesn't matter. These books are free to download, so you might as well stock up.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Winter Wonderland takes place from Dec. 16-20. Unlike a lot of Stuff Your Kindle Days that take place over 24 hours, this event runs for five days. That gives you time to properly assess your options, make a list of top priorities, and then download everything you want to read. Take your time and enjoy the process.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

There are many great things about Stuff Your Kindle Day, including the fact that everyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

Finding all of these free wintery books is straightforward thanks to the helpful hub page on Indie Author Central. Everything is neatly organized with filters for genre, content level, spice level, and availability. You can head directly to what you want to read thanks to the nice people at Indie Author Central.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. The price is down to $89.99 for a limited time, saving you $30.

YouTube will no longer share its music data with Billboard, citing objections to how the publication weights streams when calculating its U.S. music charts. Set to go into effect next month, the change means Billboard's charts won't be able to take YouTube's music streaming data into account at all.

In a post to its official blog on Tuesday, YouTube criticized Billboard's policy of giving subscription-supported and paid streams more weight than ad-supported streams when determining its charts. The video streaming platform claimed that despite "extensive discussions," Billboard was "unwilling to make meaningful changes" to its stance. Billboard has included YouTube's data in its chart calculations since 2013, and began giving paid and subscription streams more weight than ad-supported ones in 2018.

SEE ALSO: No, that AI country song isn't No. 1 on the Billboard chart. Yes, it is terrible.

"Billboard uses an outdated formula that weights subscription-supported streams higher than ad-supported," claimed Lyor Cohen, YouTube's global head of music. "This doesn't reflect how fans engage with music today and ignores the massive engagement from fans who don’t have a subscription."

This news comes just one day after Billboard announced changes to how it considers different types of streams, aligning more closely with YouTube's preferences. Still, the update didn't go far enough to appease its partner of over a decade.

Billboard currently calculates its charts using "album consumption units." One unit is the equivalent of either one album sale, the sale of 10 individual tracks from an album, or a set number of on-demand streams of its songs. However, Billboard weights streams differently depending upon whether listeners have paid for them. It currently takes 1,250 streams via paid or subscription services to equate to one album consumption unit, while 3,750 are required for ad-supported streams. 

These calculations will change from Jan. 17 next month. While paid or subscription streams will still be given more weight than ad-supported ones, Billboard is reducing the ratio from 1:3 to 1:2.5. As such, one album consumption unit will only require 1000 paid or subscription streams or 2500 ad-supported streams. That's a respective 20 percent and 33.3 percent reduction on the number of streams required.

Even so, Billboard's changes apparently weren't enough to satisfy YouTube, which would much prefer all streams to be weighted equally. YouTube will stop providing its music data to Billboard after Jan. 16, one day before Billboard's changes come into effect.

"Streaming is the primary way people experience music, making up 84% of U.S. recorded music revenue," wrote Cohen. "We’re simply asking that every stream is counted fairly and equally, whether it is subscription-based or ad-supported — because every fan matters and every play should count."

For its part, Billboard is standing by its new chart calculations.

"Billboard strives to measure [music fans'] activity appropriately; balanced by various factors including consumer access, revenue analysis, data validation, and industry guidance," a Billboard spokesperson said in a statement. "It is our hope that YouTube reconsiders and joins Billboard in recognizing the reach and popularity of artists on all music platforms and in celebrating their achievements though [sic] the power of fans and how they interact with the music that they love."

We're close to the New Moon, which means it's almost the beginning of a new lunar cycle. The lunar cycle is the roughly 29.5-day period during which the Moon orbits Earth and appears to change shape as different portions of its sunlit surface become visible from our perspective.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, Dec. 17, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means only 2% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

With such a small sliver of moon on display, it's unlikely you'll be able to see anything on it's surface tonight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. During this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Heaven-sent.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

ANGEL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A bad spell.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CURSE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A binge.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SPREE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To contemplate.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 18 Hurdle Word 4 answer

WEIGH

Final Hurdle hint

To scrape.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

SCUFF

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Tesla has filed a very interesting patent in the U.S. and Europe for a new type of car roof.

On Dec. 4, Tesla filed U.S. patent application 2025/0368267, which describes a novel "Vehicle Roof Assembly with Integrated RF Transparency for Electronic Module Consolidation." As first spotted by X user Chansoo Byeon, the patent has fueled speculation that Tesla could be planning to integrate Starlink satellites into its electric vehicles.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

An online copy of the patent filed with the European Patent Office includes several drawings of the proposed roof assembly along with a detailed description and list of potential parts. (While the U.S. version of the patent is indexed by Google, it's not viewable via a web browser at the time of writing.) The patent description states:

An example vehicle roof assembly is disclosed, featuring an outer roof panel made from radio frequency (RF) transparent polymer materials, such as Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA). In some examples, this assembly enables the integration of overhead electrical modules and components, including antennae, directly into the roof structure, facilitating clear communication with external devices and satellites. The design incorporates a membrane effect for enhanced occupant protection during impacts, and the use of integrated foams between the exterior roof and interior headliner improves thermal and acoustic insulation.

(Emphasis added.)

A partial cross-section view of the proposed vehicle roof assembly on a vehicle. Credit: European Patent Office / Tesla The patent application describes this as a "perspective view of an example antenna module and mounting." Credit: European Patent Office / Tesla

Why is this noteworthy?

Tesla vehicles already connect to cellular networks, but by integrating Starlink antennas directly into its vehicles, Tesla could offer its drivers internet connectivity virtually anywhere. Electrek reports that the metal and glass roofs used in modern vehicles can block satellite radio signals. Not only does the new roof assembly allow for RF signals to pass through the roof membrane, but the proposed roof could also integrate a satellite antenna.

Electrek reports that some Tesla owners already retrofit their cars to include Starlink Mini dishes, and there could be a market for satellite-connected electric vehicles. And with both 5G cellular and satellite internet, Tesla vehicles would have far greater connectivity than other vehicles on the road.

Of course, the patent application doesn't specifically mention Starlink, nor has Tesla described any plans to integrate its EVs with Starlink. And companies file patents all the time for products or innovations that never make it to the factory floor.

But it's an interesting look into the potential future of connected cars.

Tesla has filed a very interesting patent in the U.S. and Europe for a new type of car roof.

On Dec. 4, Tesla filed U.S. patent application 2025/0368267, which describes a novel "Vehicle Roof Assembly with Integrated RF Transparency for Electronic Module Consolidation." As first spotted by X user Chansoo Byeon, the patent has fueled speculation that Tesla could be planning to integrate Starlink satellites into its electric vehicles.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

An online copy of the patent filed with the European Patent Office includes several drawings of the proposed roof assembly along with a detailed description and list of potential parts. (While the U.S. version of the patent is indexed by Google, it's not viewable via a web browser at the time of writing.) The patent description states:

An example vehicle roof assembly is disclosed, featuring an outer roof panel made from radio frequency (RF) transparent polymer materials, such as Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA). In some examples, this assembly enables the integration of overhead electrical modules and components, including antennae, directly into the roof structure, facilitating clear communication with external devices and satellites. The design incorporates a membrane effect for enhanced occupant protection during impacts, and the use of integrated foams between the exterior roof and interior headliner improves thermal and acoustic insulation.

(Emphasis added.)

A partial cross-section view of the proposed vehicle roof assembly on a vehicle. Credit: European Patent Office / Tesla The patent application describes this as a "perspective view of an example antenna module and mounting." Credit: European Patent Office / Tesla

Why is this noteworthy?

Tesla vehicles already connect to cellular networks, but by integrating Starlink antennas directly into its vehicles, Tesla could offer its drivers internet connectivity virtually anywhere. Electrek reports that the metal and glass roofs used in modern vehicles can block satellite radio signals. Not only does the new roof assembly allow for RF signals to pass through the roof membrane, but the proposed roof could also integrate a satellite antenna.

Electrek reports that some Tesla owners already retrofit their cars to include Starlink Mini dishes, and there could be a market for satellite-connected electric vehicles. And with both 5G cellular and satellite internet, Tesla vehicles would have far greater connectivity than other vehicles on the road.

Of course, the patent application doesn't specifically mention Starlink, nor has Tesla described any plans to integrate its EVs with Starlink. And companies file patents all the time for products or innovations that never make it to the factory floor.

But it's an interesting look into the potential future of connected cars.