5 things you need to know Tuesday
Looking for love? Welcome to peak dating season
Singles, rejoice! Peak dating season begins Dec. 26 and runs through Feb. 14,according to Match.com. Between Boxing Day and Valentine's Day, the site sees 50 million messages and 1 million dates. Not sure if jumping into the dating pool so close to the holidays is the right thing to do? No time is the wrong time, advises Match’s dating expert Laurel House, who also has some thoughts on first dates. "Go on a traditional first date ... drinks, dinner, and not coffee," she said. "Coffee is not a first date; there is nothing romantic about coffee."
When the weather turns chilly, do you crave a snuggle buddy? You're not alone. Watch the video to learn about a phenomenon called cuffing, where we seek out a mate for the winter months. Time
For millions, Tuesday is Boxing Day
While many Americans will return to work Tuesday, millions around the world will see the holiday celebrations continue with Boxing Day. December 26 has nothing to do with pugilism — the moniker comes from the tradition of "Christmas boxes," gifts of money or goods given to tradespeople and servants on the day after the main event. Much like the Friday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., Boxing Day has turned into a major shopping extravaganza. The day attracts a record number of shoppers, some of them returning gifts, but most attracted by "door-buster" post-holiday sales.
The first weekday after Christmas in the United Kingdom, Canada and several other Commonwealth countries is an official bank holiday. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
How to save time, quit swearing and set up those new tech devices
Great, you got the shiny new gadget of your dreams for Christmas, but now you have to set it up. The first place you can turn to is something almost every new device comes with: the quick-start guide. If that doesn't work, search on YouTube for how to set up the device or visit the company's website for instructions. If it's still all too much for you, get help via HelloTech, which will get someone else to set it up for you; Nextdoor app, which will ask around your neighborhood for a tech genius who can help; or the GetHuman app, which will give you the customer service number for that company.
New gadget, toy or device? With it often comes confusion and calls for help. Columnist Jennifer Jolly explains how you can short-circuit the frustration with paid helpers, free tricks and more. Source: Jennifer Jolly for USA TODAY USA TODAY
Kwanzaa continues the winter holiday fun
The winter holiday fun is not done yet. Kwanzaa, a non-religious holiday drawing on African customs and languages like Swahili to highlight the worldwide black Diaspora, begins Tuesday night. The seven-day holiday runs until Jan. 1, with each successive night used to teach values culled from African culture, including Umoja or unity, self-determination, collective work, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Indulge that sweet tooth: Today is National Candy Cane Day
Just because Christmas is over doesn't mean we're done with candy canes. Tuesday is officially National Candy Cane Day. According to legend, the popular holiday candy has been part of Christmas celebrations since 1670, first originating in Germany's Cologne Cathedral because the choirmaster needed something to keep the child singers quiet during the long service, according to the National Confectioners Association. Want more fun facts? Grab a candy cane and check out these five things.