November 24, 2025

Good morning.

There’s no turning back now: I’m hosting Thanksgiving for the first time. Well…hosting light. My mom, Eva, is helping me cook (thank you, Mom). According to one stress-free guide, we should have started yesterday. So…off to a strong start. Apparently, this kind of (unexpected) pan makes the juiciest, crispiest turkey — I’ll report back. If the bird isn’t your thing, eight healthy turkey alternatives could do the trick. We have most of the sides covered — something I hope keeps us far from this cautionary tale. And while the turkey is doing its thing, I’ll focus on dessert. Feeling adventurous? These non-traditional pies deliver. Number four is calling my name: easy, delicious, and the phyllo gives a subtle nod to my Greek side. (And yes, lamb will probably make an appearance. It always does.) Before the collective nap, I’ll bring out Thanksgiving trivia — the kids consider it the real main event. Gobble gobble. Let’s get to the news…

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

Money

'Tis the Season for BNPL? Buyer Beware

What's going on: Black Friday turns even the most budget-conscious among us into a low-rent version of Ariana Grande in “7 rings”: I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (via four easy payments). But this year, experts caution consumers not to get carried away with deals, especially as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) use climbs. A recent survey found half of us plan to divide holiday purchases into multiple payments through services like Klarna or Affirm. It comes as the Trump administration dropped guardrails on BNPL, and companies have no requirements to verify whether consumers can actually afford their payments. It’s worth noting many of these loans now appear on credit reports.

What it means: Economists say a BNPL storm is brewing, and it could leave a wave of economic fallout. Some experts even draw parallels to the subprime mortgage crisis that ushered in the Great Recession (still best explained by Margot Robbie). It’s never been easier to buy things you actually can’t afford. Still, you can shop with less risk. Experts say avoid BNPL when possible. If you have to, use it sparingly and read the fine print (Ask: When do interest rates kick in, and can you afford them?). Be honest with yourself, think long term, and maybe reconsider that cart full of little treats. 

Related: Where Americans Are Spending Big This Holiday Season (WSJ Gift Link)

US News

Take Me Home, Country Road – But Quickly 

What's going on: Hope you like company before company. A record 81.8 million people plan to travel this week for Thanksgiving — 1.6 million more than last year, per AAA. Nearly 73 million will drive, with traffic expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday. Another 6 million will hit the skies, so brace for crowds at major hubs (though it should be smoother than during the shutdown). Rain could complicate early-week plans, especially from Texas to Minnesota as it pushes east. In New York City, it looks like dry skies may hold for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fingers crossed the adorable, creepy, giant Labubu float makes its debut.

What it means: Once the turkey’s gone and the sides are cleared, the real adventure begins: getting home. Airports expect their heaviest crowds Sunday, and a fast-moving snowstorm could tangle travel across the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Translation: Your return trip might hold more risk than your outbound one. How can you prepare? Build in buffer time, be flexible, and — if you can — leave earlier than you planned. It might be wise to ask Aunt Pat for a double container of leftovers, just in case.

Related: The Top US Destinations for 2026 Just Dropped (Condé Nast Traveler)

Lifestyle

Second-Hand Isn't a Hall Pass

What’s going on: You open your closet to tidy up. Next thing you know, you’re scrolling Poshmark, eyeing a vintage top, a discounted designer dress, and sunglasses you definitely don’t need — but hey, it feels like you’re saving the planet. A recent Nature study suggests otherwise: People who shop resale often end up buying more overall, new and used alike. Researchers say it’s the same fast-fashion cycle: buy, toss, repeat. That’s a problem, especially when climate experts say we should be purchasing just five new clothing items a year to meet global warming goals. Not five per season. Not five neutrals that go with everything. Just… five.

What it means: While secondhand doesn’t count toward the five-items-a-year rule, it’s a reminder to give a second thought before hitting “add to cart” tonight. It might feel more sustainable, but experts say the speed and volume at which clothes are bought and resold still matters. Most donation piles never get a second life — a lot of what we thrift or toss ends up in landfills. (Which doesn’t make us feel great about that ThredUp bag by the door.) Maybe this is the nudge we need to start the “wear what I already own” era.

Related: Cate Blanchett Proves the Best Looks Deserve Encores (Good Housekeeping)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ Congress breaks for Thanksgiving recess this week. But...they just got back?

🗓️ First Lady Melania Trump welcomes the White House Christmas tree. Ah, her favorite time of year. 

🗓️ It’s “Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day” — ours is eating mashed potatoes.

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Know It All

How much did this iconic Titanic artifact — a gold pocket watch recovered from a first-class passenger who was last seen arm-in-arm with his wife — sell for?

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.