Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

"Ripley" differs from previous adaptations of Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley" books by being filmed in black and white, creating an enchanting noir world.

Like in the book, Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) is a con man who is pulled into a world of extravagant wealth when he is hired to bring a son home to his father.

This adaptation is a slow-moving psychological thriller, but if you can survive its pace, you will be rewarded with a visually beautiful piece of television and another amazing performance from Andrew Scott.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

"Terminator Zero," the first anime set in the "The Terminator" universe, flew under the radar when it premiered in August. However, critics praised the series, saying it had stunning animation.

The series takes the story format of past "Terminator" projects and brings it to 1997 Tokyo.

Malcolm Lee (voiced by Yūya Uchida in Japanese and André Holland in English) is developing a rival AI system to Skynet when he is visited by a Terminator. He and his three children try to escape from the assassin while being helped by a mysterious soldier from the future.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

"Griselda" — a limited series about the life of Griselda Blanco (Sofía Vergara), a real-life drug trafficker who died in 2012 — was Netflix's first big hit of 2024.

"Griselda" does not stick to the facts of Blanco's life but portrays a fascinating, fast-paced story about the self-destructive nature of greed.

Critics praised Vergara as the standout in the series for portraying Griselda's transformation from housewife to brutal killer. Vergara is best known for starring in comedies, but "Griselda" showed she can handle serious roles.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Though there are plenty of complaints about this season of "Bridgerton," the show's writers still managed to hook audiences in for another eight episodes of romantic chaos.

The series sees lead couple Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) figure out whether they can be more than friends.

Fans and critics praised Coughlan and Newton's cozy chemistry, while supporting characters like Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) stole the show with spell-binding performances.

The franchise also finally committed to including LGBTQ+ characters in the "Bridgerton" world by confirming that two siblings are bisexual, teasing more great romances to come.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Netflix dropped the perfect romantic drama right in time for Valentine's Day in 2024.

"One Day," an adaptation of David Nicholls' bestselling book of the same name, is about a 20-year relationship between two people, Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod), who couldn't be more different.

Each episode jumps a year forward to show how their relationship has changed, making the series easy to binge. Woodall and Mod are captivating with their subtle but convincing performances, bringing Dexter and Emma to life.

Though the story is remembered for its devastating ending, every bit of "One Day" is thrilling television.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Since the end of "Supernatural," there has been a gap for a new supernatural mystery series to take over, and "Dead Boy Detectives" may be the perfect successor.

Though the show is technically a spinoff of Netflix's "The Sandman," they couldn't be more different. Two ghosts (George Rexstrew and Jayden Revri) choose to stay on Earth instead of going to the afterlife and begin a new career solving paranormal mysteries with a psychic medium friend.

The cleverly written series blends the case-of-the-week format with an overarching villain, making it fun for all types of fans.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

"Nobody Want This" was arguably the biggest surprise hit of the second half of 2024.

Based on the life of the series' showrunner, Erin Foster, "Nobody Wants This " follows a burgeoning relationship between an unlikely couple: a self-destructive, agnostic sex podcast host and a modern "hot rabbi."

Fans and critics alike thought Kristen Bell and Adam Brody had irresistible chemistry and were mostly won over by the pair's performance rather than the series' story.

Brody's performance marked a revival for the actor.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Netflix had so much confidence in "Black Doves" that it renewed it for a second season in August before the first season dropped.

The gamble paid off. "Black Doves" received critic praise and a Golden Globe nomination. During its premiere week, it was also the second most-watched series in English on the platform.

Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the wife of a UK political figure and an operative of a spies-for-hire organization. When Helen's secret lover is killed, her organization sends Sam Young (Ben Whishaw) to protect her. Together, they investigate her lover's murder.

Knightley and Whishaw give great performances in this thriller full of surprise twists that seamlessly blend violence and comedy.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

The last time showrunner Mike Schur and actor Ted Danson teamed up, they created "The Good Place," which was named one of the top 10 best shows of the 2010s by AV Club, Time, and Vanity Fair.

Now they're back with another show that's making fans laugh and cry, "A Man on the Inside."

The series follows Charles Nieuwendyk (Danson), a widower grieving the loss of his wife, who is hired as a spy in a retirement home to help a private investigator solve a theft. Along the way, Charles makes new friends, reconnects with his daughter, and learns about combating loneliness as he grows older.

The series has great performances across the cast, including Danson, Stephanie Beatriz, Sally Struthers, and Stephen McKinley Henderson.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"The Diplomat" earned SAG, Emmy, and Golden Globe award nominations after debuting in 2023 with an 84% Rotten Tomatoes critic score.

Season two received an even better score and solidified the show as one of the most exciting thrillers on TV right now. The show could win more awards in 2025.

Keri Russell is the standout actor as Kate Wyler, a US ambassador to the UK who is helping to defuse an international crisis while the White House moulds her to step in as the new vice president.

In season 2, Kate finally meets the VP she is meant to replace, Grace Penn (Allison Janney).

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Felicity Morris and Bernadette Higgins, the filmmakers behind Netflix's "The Tinder Swindler," released an arguably even more harrowing true crime series in 2024 with "American Nightmare."

The show was based on the case of Denise Huskins, a woman who was kidnapped, drugged, and raped in 2015. When she was let go by her kidnapper, the police accused her and her boyfriend of faking the kidnapping.

The real culprit, Matthew Muller, was arrested later that year for a similar home invasion, and investigators later found evidence that linked him to Huskins' kidnapping.

"American Nightmare" is a sensitive, riveting retelling of this case without the sensationalism seen in some other Netflix true crime shows.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

"Baby Reindeer" may be on your radar because of the multiple controversies concerning the real-life people who inspired the show.

Based on writer Richard Gadd's autobiographical one-person comedy show, "Baby Reindeer" is about an aspiring comedian who is stalked by a woman he serves at a pub.

Gadd takes the audience on a nuanced, darkly comedic, and shocking emotional roller coaster as he unpacks his trauma. No wonder "Baby Reindeer" won six Emmys in 2024.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

We may be in an era of Superhero fatigue, but that has not stopped "Supacell" from becoming a Netflix hit in 2024.

The sci-fi drama follows a group of Black people living in South London who discover they have superpowers. Together, they must fend off a secret organization hunting them and save an important person.

The initial logline sounds like every superhero story, but "Supacell" strengthens its storyline by shining a light on the experiences of Black Londoners.

The series boasts a talented cast of rising stars and great action sequences. It also shines a light on sickle cell anemia, a historically poorly understood condition that mostly affects people of African and Caribbean backgrounds.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Thank god Netflix picked up "Girls5Eva," the riotously funny comedy created by "Umbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" alum Meredith Scardino, for a third season.

The series follows a has-been '90s girl group who reunites after a young rapper samples their single "Famous 5eva" and makes them relevant again. "Girls5eva" has it all: jokes on jokes on jokes, themed songs about Fort Worth, Texas, and Renée Elise Goldsberry reliably giving the comedy performance of her life every single episode, among plenty of other redeeming attributes.

While it's one of the funniest shows on television, "Girls5eva" also has a lot of heart and commentary on queer fandom, modern fame, and female friendship.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

For the third season in a row, "Heartstopper" is one of the highest-rated Netflix original series of the year.

"Heartstopper" is a cozy, wholesome series about the relationship between two British high school students as well as the highs and lows of teenagers' lives from a queer lens.

Season three is filled with fun cameos from British actors includin Hayley Atwell and Jonathan Bailey, and great performances from the lead actors Kit Connor, Joe Locke, and Yasmin Finney.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

"Arcane" season one, a video game adaptation of "League of Legends," received a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic rating, a 96% Rotten Tomatoes fan rating, and won four Emmy awards.

Though fans and critics said season two's conclusion was rushed, they praised it for its beautiful animation and electrifying action.

"Arcane" season one is a decadeslong, tragic story about the class conflict between the technological utopian city of Piltover and its neighboring poor city of Zaun.

The two cities head toward war in season two following the previous season's cliffhanger, where Jinx, a mentally ill criminal from Zaun, shoots a rocket at the Piltover's governing council.

It's no secret that China and Russia have a special relationship.

Not only did Beijing and Moscow declare their "no limits" friendship in a joint statement on February 4, 2022, when Putin visited China for the Beijing Winter Olympics, but the Russian leader wasted no time buttering up China after his election victory in March this year.

China was the first country Putin visited after he was inaugurated for his fifth term as president.

As authoritarian regimes, Russia and China have close historical and political roots. Beijing's rivalry with the US and the West also plays right into Russia's script.

China has consistently ranked as one of Russia's most important trading partners since the mid-2000s.

Last year, China's trade with Russia jumped 26%, to a record $240 billion.

While China's ties with Russia are based on their antagonistic relationships with the West, Moscow's relationship with India is more nuanced.

New Delhi has been getting closer to the US in recent years. The world's largest democracy, India is a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a security pact that includes the US, Japan, and Australia.

It's also a top supply chain hotspot alternative to China.

At the same time, India has become one of Russia's top trading partners after Moscow pivoted most trade away from Europe, following sweeping sanctions.

Russia's relationship with India goes back to the Cold War, and trade between the two countries has grown since Russia started the war in Ukraine. India is a major buyer of Russian oil and Russia is India's biggest arms supplier.

In June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia and met Putin, showing New Delhi isn't afraid to forge its own path in diplomacy.

Russia and Brazil have what each other needs, making for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Russia exports oil and fertilizers to Brazil and Brazil exports agriculture products — including soybeans, coffee, and meat — to Russia.

In 2023, bilateral trade between Russia and Brazil reached $8.4 billion, off a record high of nearly $10 billion in 2022.

In recent years, Brazil has become important to Russia as part of the BRICS group, which Putin sees as a counterweight to the West-led world order.

Like Putin, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva backs a multipolar world and has championed an alternative to the almighty US dollar in global trade and payments.

"Every night I ask myself why all countries have to base their trade on the dollar," the Brazilian leader said in April 2023.

Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are both longtime strongmen leaders.

Russia is one of Turkey's top trading partners, so there are compelling reasons why Ankara would want to deepen ties with Russia.

Just half a year into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Erdogan took up Putin's offer to create a "natural gas hub" as Europe weaned itself off natural gas imports from Russia.

Since the war's outset, Turkey — a NATO member — has been positioning itself as an intermediary between the West and Moscow, brokering grain export deals between Russia and Ukraine and offering to host peace talks between the two sides.

Turkey has also expressed interest in joining BRICS — which Russia is a member of — and has been given partner country status.

Former Soviet republics, Russia and Kazakhstan are close trade partners and their economic relationship has only deepened amid the Ukraine war.

In 2024, trade turnover between the two countries reached $27 billion — nearly 40% higher than the $19.7 billion in 2019.

Kazakhstan has come under scrutiny for its role as a key hub of goods to and from Russia, including parallel imports. The Kazakhstan government has been cracking down on such deals, but some trade persists.

In August, Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan's deputy prime minister and its minister of trade and integration, told Bloomberg that some sanctions against Russia have affected the central Asian country's economy.

Kazakhstan "won't blindly follow the sanctions" if it means major local companies are affected, Zhumangarin said.

Disney is working on a live-action version of its first animated classic, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Marc Webb ("The Amazing Spider-Man") directs the upcoming adaptation with "West Side Story" star Rachel Zegler playing the iconic Disney princess. Gal Gadot assumes the role of her stepmother, the Evil Queen.

"Snow White is the girl you remember, but she's definitely made for the modern age," Zegler told the D23 crowd in 2022. "There's such an emphasis on what it really means to be the fairest of them all. For Snow White, it's coming to terms with finding herself and finding her inner voice and finding a sense of agency so that she can be a just ruler and a wonderful queen."

The fairy tale will have new music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who wrote the songs for "The Greatest Showman" and "La La Land." 

Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance will play Cobra Bubbles in the film, according to Deadline. Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen will also star. Maia Kealoha will play Lilo. Dean Fleischer Camp ("Marcel the Shell With Shoes On") will direct.

The director of the original movie, Chris Sanders ("The Wild Robot"), will return to once more voice Stitch.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson announced Disney's working on a live-action "Moana" during a pre-recorded video for a Disney shareholders meeting in early April 2023.

Johnson will reprise his role from the hit 2016 movie as Maui.

"I'm deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of 'Moana' to the live-action big screen," Johnson said in a statement released by Disney.

"This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength," he added. "I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me."

Auli'i Cravalho announced on Instagram she won't reprise her role as the Disney princess. Instead, she'll serve as an executive producer.

This follows the animated box office hit "Moana 2" released at the end of 2024, which has become the studio's "hottest IP."

The DisInsider first reported the 1997 animated film about the son of Zeus will get a live-action remake.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Avengers: Endgame" directors Anthony and Joe Russo will produce, but not direct, the film. Guy Ritichie, who directed "Aladdin," will direct.

Joe Russo described the film in November 2022 as a musical that will be "a little bit more experimental in tone."

Danny DeVito and James Woods lent their voices in the animated film. Ariana Grande performed a solo six-part harmony of the movie's "I Won't Say I'm In Love" in 2020, prompting many fans to suggest she'd be the perfect Meg. It's unclear at this time whether music will be a part of the film.

Deadline reported in 2019 that a live-action version of Disney's 1996 movie about an orphaned Quasimodo living in the bell tower of Notre Dame was in the works. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, who teamed up on "Pocahontas," will write the music, while Josh Gad ("Frozen") is producing.

Deadline reports the live-action film will adapt both the 1996 Disney film and the Victor Hugo novel. It's not clear whether or not the remake will be for Disney's streaming service or a theatrical release. 

Gad has said the script is "one of the best" he has read and expressed his hope that Disney will let them make the live-action adaptation.

In May 2023, Menken gave ComicBook.com an update: "It's a tough one, because the Hunchback movie, Hunchback story involves a lot of real, real issues that are important issues and should be explored to be discussed. And there has to be an agreement about how we deal with those issues... It sits in this limbo right now."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake will be directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada and will head to Disney+.

In June 2022, Chris Evans said he'd love "a crack" at playing the character since he's a big fan of the animated film.

Variety reported that John Gatins and Andrea Berloff are writing a sequel to the 2019 film with producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich returning.

Lin told Business Insider in August 2019 they were discussing a sequel.

"I can't talk too much about the sequel just yet, but know that we are hearing fans' desires to see another 'Aladdin' movie and feel like there's more story to tell," Lin told BI after the film crossed $1 billion at the box office.

Director Guy Ritchie told Collider in February 2023 he "would very much like to" return for a sequel, adding they've "been kicking some ideas around."

However, in March, star Mena Massoud sounded less hopeful, telling fans on Twitter a sequel was "very unlikely at this point."

Disney released two popular direct-to-video sequels for "Aladdin" in the '90s, including "The Return of Jafar" and "Aladdin and the King of Thieves." Variety reported the sequel will be completely original and not based on the straight-to-video films.

Disney has not officially announced the sequel.

In 2019, THR reported that Billy Magnussen's "Aladdin" character would get his own spin-off movie on Disney Plus. The film is not supposed to be a sequel.

Anders is a prince who unsuccessfully sought Princess Jasmine's hand in marriage in the 2019 film.

In May 2022, Magnussen told Screen Rant the film was still moving forward and in the process of rewrites.

The remake will be written by "Game of Thrones" writer and producer Bryan Cogman. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo was named as the director in January 2018.

In 2024, Fresnadillo, who directed the Netflix movie "Damsel," gave an update to Collider on the project: "I was attached a long time ago, and I prepped a lot for Disney for that movie. I don't know exactly what happened, but the studio decided to hold the project. So right now it's in a holding situation, and I don't know what's going to happen, to be honest. But I think it's a great story. I would be so keen to make it if they decided to greenlight the project."

According to Variety, the remake of the 1942 film won't be live-action with a real deer, rabbit, and skunk. Disney will utilize the technology that helped bring "The Lion King" remake to life to look photorealistic.

In 2023, Deadline reported that Sarah Polley ("Women Talking") was on board to direct, but a year later The Wrap reported that she had exited the project.

Before the release of Disney's remake of 1961's "The Jungle Book," the studio already started planning a sequel. The movie was a huge success, grossing nearly $1 billion at the box office.

According to The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, Jon Favreau was expected to return to the director's chair for "The Jungle Book 2" along with Justin Marks to return for the sequel. There is no set release date for the movie.

The Hollywood Reporter wrote about a movie in 2015 that would star Reese Witherspoon. 

No new information has been released since 2016. 

It's been widely reported that Alabama became the first state to make Christmas a legal holiday in 1836.

These days, the state celebrates with a tree outside the state capitol in Montgomery, Alabama.

In 1952, Con and Nellie Miller set up a trading post outside Fairbanks, Alaska, and called the town North Pole. The Miller family built Santa Claus House, a general goods store there.

In the Arizona desert, some people decorate cacti for the Christmas season.

In 2018, the Associated Press reported that a family in Phoenix built their Christmas tree from a cactus skeleton. They called it a "Phoenix Christmas tree."

Every year, Fayetteville, Arkansas, hosts the "Lights of the Ozarks" Christmas light display.

This year, the display will be up from November 22 to January 1, and according to ExperienceFayetteville.com, it's free to visit every night until 1 a.m.

California is home to the original Disneyland, which hosts several Christmas-themed events during the holiday season.

This year, through January 6, the park will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Even Sleeping Beauty's Castle gets the holiday treatment with wreaths and lights of its own.

Every year, Denver turns into a holiday wonderland for an event known as "Mile High Holidays."

Throughout November and December, the city is decorated with a 110-foot-tall LED light tree, while the botanical garden and zoo are transformed with lights.

In 2021, software company Porch conducted a study that found that people in Connecticut spend the most time decorating the exteriors of their homes, using an average of seven hours and 36 minutes to do so.

One of the most popular houses to visit was that of the Setti family in Norwalk, who decorated their home into a Christmas village for 26 years before retiring in 2014.

Nemours Estate is typically decked with elaborate Christmas decorations in Wilmington, Delaware.

According to the estate's website, visitors can tour the 77-room 20th-century mansion, the Chauffeur's garage, and the gardens, complete with their holiday displays through December 29.

Universal Studios in Orlando transforms for the holidays every year with holiday lights, Christmas trees, and other festive decor.

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter section, guests can sip hot butterbeer while the Grinch hangs around Seuss Landing.

Every year, Atlanta hosts "Skate the Station," where a large, temporary ice skating rink is installed at Atlantic Station.

This year's rink is in operation through January 15.

Shaka Santa and his wife, Tutu Mele, are fixtures of the holiday season in Honolulu.

Every year, the pair of 21-foot statues are placed in front of city hall or Honolulu Hale. The city is also known for the "Honolulu City Lights" celebration.

Every year, Idaho's state Christmas tree is lit in front of the statehouse in Boise.

According to a local news station, this year's tree is a 36-foot-tall blue spruce that weighs about 3,750 pounds.

Chicago and Aurora, Illinois, will host the Christkindlmarket this year.

It's the 28th year the market has been held in Chicago, and over those years, it's become a popular attraction for residents looking to buy gifts, ornaments, and food from around the world.

Indianapolis decorates the Soldiers and Sailors Monument with 4,784 Christmas lights to make it look like a giant Christmas tree in an event known as the "Circle of Lights."

Keokuk, Iowa, hosts the "City of Christmas Display of Lights", a light display in Rand Park that visitors can drive through.

About 20,000 cars drive through the park annually to see more than 150 light displays, including the nativity scene, Santa's workshop, reindeer, and elves.

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, is a public garden that hosts the holiday light show "Illuminations."

"Illuminations" features up to two million lights and has music, carousel rides, treats, and an opportunity to see Santa Claus. This year's display will be available through January 4.

Visitors of Lexington, Kentucky's Triangle Park, can enjoy an ice skating rink through January 20, 2025.

"Celebration in the Oaks" is an annual tradition where the city of New Orleans covers 25 acres of New Orleans City Park in Christmas lights.

The display spans the Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Since Maine is known for its lobster, it's fitting that residents build special Christmas trees focused on the sea creature.

In 2018, Rockland, Maine, residents built the world's largest tree out of lobster traps, reaching 40.5 feet. The tree included 155 lobster traps, 180 lobster buoys, and 2,500 lights, News Center Maine reported.

The Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore attracts visitors every year thanks to its elaborate Christmas decorations, which are displayed in a display called "Miracle on 34th Street."

Almost all the homes on the block are covered in Christmas lights, candy canes, Santa dolls, and other holiday displays.

Boston transforms during the holiday season, with hundreds of Christmas lights covering the trees in the Public Garden, Copley Square, the Prudential Center, and the Common.

Millions of lights become the focal point at the Detroit Zoo's "Wild Lights" event. According to its website, the zoo features more than 500 immersive displays. Some of the massive light displays include a lion, whale, fox, and snake.

Decorated in various Christmas lights, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in more than 20 towns throughout Minnesota to raise money, awareness, and food donations for local food banks and pantries.

Though visitors can't actually ride the train, they're treated to a concert of holiday songs and popular originals. Some of this year's performers include Alana Springsteen, American Authors, Clerel, and Tiera Kennedy.

While most of the country decorates houses for Christmas, some residents in Mississippi decorate their boats with Christmas lights and other holiday decor.

The boaters show off their festive vessels at the Biloxi Beach Water Boat Parade, culminating in a fireworks show over the water.

Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, is decorated with Christmas lights, falling snowflakes, a Christmas tree, and toy trains for the holiday season.

People also come to the station to take in the holiday-themed shows, which include piano recitals, pageants, and caroling.

Volunteers in Bigfork, Montana, called the Bigfork Elves, are known for decorating the town yearly.

According to Bigfork.com, the volunteers "deck the town with over 10,000 feet of garland and lights" and have been active in the area for over 40 years.

Residents also gather for a tree-lighting ceremony and host other festive events.

"Christmas at the Cody's" is an annual celebration at the mansion of "Buffalo Bill" and Louisa Cody in North Platte, Nebraska.

The property is part of the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, and guests can enjoy Christmas lights, carols, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

In 2019, Business Insider named Las Vegas one of the most festive places to spend the holidays, and the annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run might be part of the reason.

The event draws thousands of people dressed in Old Saint Nick costumes to the city's downtown area to run or walk the course.

Though residents in Connecticut win for most time spent on exterior decorations, New Hampshire residents spend the most time decorating overall, with an average of 17 hours dedicated to the activity, according to Porch.

Loudon, New Hampshire, is also home to the Gift of Lights, a 2.5-mile drive with hundreds of light displays.

Christmas Day looks a bit different for some in New Jersey because they re-enact George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River.

The event starts at the Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania and ends in Trenton, New Jersey, just as the former president did in 1776.

Every Christmas Eve, the streets leading to the Mesilla town square are lined with paper lanterns.

The square is also decorated in lights, as local choirs sing Christmas tunes, visitors enjoy holiday treats, and a vigil is held for fallen service members of the local fire department.

Rockefeller Center was completed in 1939 and has since become one of New York City's most popular tourist destinations. Millions of people visit the Christmas tree every year.

According to NBC, the tree is completed with a 900-pound Swarovski star with 70 spikes, 3 million crystals, and plenty of lights.

According to a 2022 report by the USDA, North Carolina produces the second-most Christmas trees of any state in the US, with more than 3 million trees.

This year, Williston, North Dakota, celebrated its 10th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony with a 41-foot-tall Colorado Blue Spruce.

In addition to the tree lighting, guests enjoyed a bonfire, music, and fireworks.

"A Christmas Story" was released in 1983 and quickly became a cult classic during the holidays.

The house seen in the movie is still standing in Cleveland, and across the street, there's a museum that houses props, costumes, and other artifacts from the film.

Every year, the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce hosts the Purcell Christmas Parade in Purcell, Oklahoma.

One key detail for parade participants: No one can dress up as Santa Claus — that responsibility belongs to the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce.

Beating out North Carolina for Christmas tree production is Oregon.

According to the USDA, the "Beaver State" produced more than 4.5 million Christmas trees in 2022 to earn the top spot in the country.

In Philadelphia's Love Park, you'll find the Christmas Village, an open-air market with small business owners' booths, a Ferris wheel, treats, and the second-annual Festival of Trees fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Newport is known for its famous mansions like The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House.

The Preservation Society of Newport County welcomes visitors every year inside these homes to tour the Christmas decorations. You will find wreaths, poinsettias, white candles, and elaborate Christmas trees inside.

The Poinsettia Christmas Parade has been a Greenville, South Carolina, tradition for over 75 years.

This year, the best walking group award was given to the Bike Walk Greenville "Poinsettia Pedalers and Pedestrians."

According to Travel South Dakota, the state's "Christmas at the Capitol" tradition started in 1981 with 12 Christmas trees and now features almost 100 trees decorated by different organizations, cities, and businesses.

Business Insider's Priyanka Rajput reported that the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville has hosted "A Country Christmas" for 41 years.

To celebrate the holidays, the hotel prepares for six weeks to decorate the space with everything from life-size ice sculptures and hand-tied ribbons to elaborate Christmas trees.

The AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas hosted the "Reliant Lights Your Holiday" festival earlier this month. The free event included live music, local vendors, a drone show, fireworks, cookie decorating, and more.

Founded in 1847, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (previously known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) tours the world for most of the year but returns to Salt Lake City for its annual Christmas concert.

This year's guest artist is Tony Award winner Ruthie Ann Miles.

House Beautiful named Woodstock, Vermont, one of 2024's "most charming Christmas towns" in the US.

One of its attractions is Wassail Weekend, a festival with a parade, Christmas tree lighting, caroling, ice skating, and more.

Williamsburg, Virginia, is known for having a variety of festive activities, including markets, fireworks shows, performances, and Busch Gardens Christmas Town.

Like other major cities, Seattle hosts an annual Christmas market with artisans, food, drinks, and more. The city also participates in SantaCon, a bar crawl where people dress up as Santa.

The "Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights" dates back to 1985 and takes place in Wheeling, West Virginia. Today, it includes more than 100 light displays across 300 acres, WBOY-TV reported, and this year's display also features lights choreographed to music.

At the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, visitors can ride two holiday-themed trains: the Santa Express and the Holiday Flyer.

According to the museum's website, passengers aboard the Santa Express will take a 55-minute ride and receive a visit from Santa and a small gift, while passengers on the Holiday Flyer will receive hot chocolate and treats.

The Jackson Hole Town Square is famous for its arch made of antlers.

After Thanksgiving, the city holds an event — with Santa, cookies, candies, and carols — to watch the antlers light up with Christmas lights for the first time in the season.

One great thing about living so close to Disney World is that I can go to the parks whenever I want, as long as reservations are available for annual passholders.

I usually visit three or four times a week because the parks bring me so much happiness.

I enjoy meeting the characters, so if I'm having a hard day and want to see Mickey Mouse or a princess, I don't have to commute very far.

Most of the friends I made during my time in the Disney College Program in 2018 now live in Florida.

Since moving, I've met with them to watch the parades, visit characters, and eat snacks in the parks.

It's nice to go to the parks, enjoy each other's company, and not feel rushed during every experience.

The creative snacks are one of my favorite parts of visiting Disney World.

I love trying the different cupcakes, brownies, and Mickey crisped-rice treats that celebrate holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Father's Day.

I often enjoy the Mickey ice-cream sandwiches and bars, especially when the heat is unbearable.

I was born and raised in New York City, so I was taught not to make eye contact or say hello to most people when walking on the street.

One of the first things I noticed when I moved to Florida was how friendly many people were, especially the staff at Disney World.

Whenever I pass by people at my apartment complex or in the parks, a wave or a "hello" is often involved.

Though this initially felt strange, I've become more comfortable interacting with strangers.

I never thought I'd be able to see Magic Kingdom's fireworks from my apartment, but now I can.

Though I don't have a complete view of the shows, I see at least a couple of magical fireworks each night.

I thought I knew what heavy rain was like living in New York, but I didn't realize how extreme tropical storms and hurricanes could be until I moved to Florida.

Although New York has been hit directly by a handful of hurricanes in the past few years, Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US.

The storms in Florida can get pretty extreme. When I had to evacuate my apartment complex and ride out Hurricane Ian, my first big Florida storm, I chose to stay at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

It was a frightening experience, but I thought the park employees did a great job ensuring guests were as comfortable as possible.

Still, I try to stay on top of extreme weather warnings and upcoming storms more than ever now that I'm in Florida.

Florida is known for its high temperatures and strong sun rays, so I apply sunscreen much more often than I did in New York.

Many of the attractions and shows at the theme parks are outdoors, so if I forget my sunscreen, I get a harsh sunburn that lasts for several days.

After living in New York for about 20 years, I grew accustomed to the taste of tap water.

Since I made drinking tap water a habit, I usually bring my reusable water bottles with me when I visit the theme parks.

However, I find that Florida's tap water doesn't taste as great.

I moved to Florida with my sister but often miss my parents and family back in New York.

It's hard knowing I can't take a 40-minute train ride to see my parents on the weekends like I did in college.

It's nice when my parents do come to visit, though.

This story was originally published on January 16, 2024, and most recently updated on December 23, 2024.

Mortar platoon soldiers endured temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius while holding their positions.

Mahmoud Al-Durra and his children were displaced from Gaza City amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The elections were held two years after Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote.

The event marked 20 years since the first same-sex marriages in San Francisco.

On February 4, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties after heavy rainfall caused flooding and mudslides.

According to data released by the UK's Home Office, 33,684 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats in 2024 as of December 1.

Six maintenance workers died as a result of the bridge collapse.

Many traveled to watch the solar eclipse in the "path of totality" in parts of the US, Mexico, and Canada.

In April, Columbia University's then-president Nemat Minouche Shafik announced that the institution would not divest from Israel and said students remaining in a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus would be suspended. Student protesters then barricaded themselves inside the university's Hamilton Hall, resulting in 300 arrests.

Temperatures in the Philippines hit 53 degrees Celsius, or around 127 degrees Fahrenheit.

Raisi died in a helicopter crash in the mountains near the border with Azerbaijan. Iran's foreign minister and a provincial governor also died in the crash.

Iowa experienced a record-high number of 122 tornadoes in 2024.

Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon was evacuated ahead of the eruption.

The Normandy British Memorial hosted an installation titled "Standing with Giants" as part of the official D-Day commemoration.

The presidential debate proved disastrous for Biden. His poor performance panicked Democrats, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from the 2024 election.

Photographers on the campaign trail captured images of Trump's bloodied face as he held a fist in the air, which quickly became iconic photos.

The oil tanker was carrying 1.4 million liters, or around 400,000 gallons, of fuel when it sank during Typhoon Gaemi.

The Maui wildfires killed 102 people.

The Park Fire, the fourth-largest fire in California's history, burned over 400,000 acres.

Biden endorsed Harris after he dropped out of the race.

In his speech at the Democratic National Convention, Biden spoke highly of Harris, saying that choosing her as his vice president was "the best decision" he's made in his career.

"I've made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you," he said in his speech.

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, left 3 million homes in five states without power and caused widespread flooding and damage.

Around 60 hostages remain in Gaza, though it is unknown how many are still alive.

Israel's counteroffensive airstrikes and military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to figures provided to the United Nations by the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces reported that 17,000 of these fatalities were Hamas militants.

Hurricane Milton slammed into southwest Florida with winds of up to 120 mph and left 3.3 million homes and businesses without power.

Pennsylvania was a crucial battleground state in the 2024 election where both Harris and Trump campaigned heavily.

Mount Fuji's snowless top raised concerns about the impact of the climate crisis on weather patterns.

Trump won 312 electoral votes to Harris' 226. Republicans also won majorities in the House and the Senate.

"In our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or a party but to the Constitution of the United States," Harris said in her speech. "And loyalty to our conscience and to our God. My allegiance to all three is why I am here to say, while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign."

Members of South Korea's Parliament convened for an emergency vote to reverse Yoon's declaration, barricading themselves inside the National Assembly as soldiers forced their way in.

Lawmakers voted to end martial law, and Yoon relented after six hours of chaos.

Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania and agreed to be transferred to New York, where he faces federal charges of stalking, murder through the use of a firearm, and a related gun charge.

Assad fled Syria and has reportedly taken refuge in Moscow.

"You Light Up My Life" was the first song in history to chart at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Physical" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"End of the Road" charted at No. 1 for 13 weeks.

"I Will Always Love You" charted at No. 1 for 14 weeks.

"I Swear" charted at No. 1 for 11 weeks.

"I'll Make Love to You" charted at No. 1 for 14 weeks.

"One Sweet Day" charted at No. 1 for 16 weeks.

"Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)" charted at No. 1 for 14 weeks.

"Un-Break My Heart" charted at No. 1 for 11 weeks.

"I'll Be Missing You" charted at No. 1 for 11 weeks.

"Candle in the Wind 1997/Something About the Way You Look Tonight" charted at No. 1 for 14 weeks.

"The Boy Is Mine" charted at No. 1 for 13 weeks.

"Smooth" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"Maria Maria" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Independent Women, Pt. 1" charted at No. 1 for 11 weeks.

"Foolish" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Dilemma" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Lose Yourself" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"Yeah!" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"We Belong Together" charted at No. 1 for 14 weeks.

"Gold Digger" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Irreplaceable" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Low" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Boom Boom Pow" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"I Gotta Feeling" charted at No. 1 for 14 weeks.

"We Found Love" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Blurred Lines" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"Happy" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Uptown Funk!" charted at No. 1 for 14 weeks.

"See You Again" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"Hello" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"One Dance" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

"Closer" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"Shape of You" charted at No. 1 for 12 weeks.

"Despacito" charted at No. 1 for 16 weeks.

"God's Plan" charted at No. 1 for 11 weeks.

"In My Feelings" charted at No. 1 for 10 weeks.

Drake holds the record for the most solo entries on this list, with three of the longest-running chart-toppers in history.

"Old Town Road" holds the record for the longest stretch at No. 1 with 19 weeks. It also became the fastest song in history to be certified diamond.

"The Box" charted at No. 1 for 11 weeks.

"Butter" charted at No. 1 for 10 nonconsecutive weeks.

"Easy On Me" charted at No. 1 for 10 nonconsecutive weeks, becoming Adele's second song to reach the milestone.

"As It Was" charted at No. 1 for 15 nonconsecutive weeks, the longest reign ever for a British artist.

Nearly three decades years after its release, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" returned to No. 1 in December 2022 for its milestone 10th week atop the chart.

The holiday classic is Carey's third song with double-digit weeks atop the Hot 100, making her the third artist and first woman ever to achieve the feat thrice.

In 2024, the song experienced another holiday surge, earning its 17th total week at No. 1 and surpassing "One Sweet Day" as Carey's longest-reigning hit on the Hot 100.

"Last Night" charted at No. 1 for 16 nonconsecutive weeks, the most ever for a solo song — despite the country singer's many controversies.

"A Bar Song (Tipsy)," Shaboozey's breakout hit, has charted at No. 1 for 19 nonconsecutive weeks, the most among solo hits. It's now tied with "Old Town Road" for the all-time record.

OpenAI's board of directors removed Altman as CEO in November 2023, saying it didn't have "confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI."

A few days later, though, Altman was back as the startup's chief executive, and there was a new board, too. OpenAI employees reportedly refer to the period as "The Blip."

Details about the drama, such as exactly who had pushed for Altman's ouster, tricked out over the following weeks and months.

In December, Altman told Time that the ordeal was tough for him but that OpenAI emerged more unified than before. "I wouldn't wish it on an enemy. But it did have an extremely positive effect on the company," he said at the time.

The Financial Times reported in January that xAI was seeking to raise as much as $6 billion at a valuation of $20 billion. Founder Elon Musk has framed the company as a challenger to OpenAI, which he co-founded with Altman. Musk left OpenAI's board in 2018.

A deal valued OpenAI at $80 billion, about triple its last valuation, The New York Times first reported in February. Company employees could cash out their shares as part of the tender offer.

Musk sued Altman and OpenAI in February, saying that the company "has been transformed into a closed-source de facto subsidiary" of Microsoft. That meant that OpenAI was now generating profit in violation of its nonprofit mission, Musk said in the lawsuit.

Altman and other OpenAI executives responded in a blog post in March. The post said that Musk himself had talked to the company about making OpenAI a for-profit entity, including potentially merging it with Tesla.

Musk withdrew his lawsuit in June, though the issue would resurface in the fall.

The SEC investigation was focused on whether OpenAI misled investors, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Unnamed sources told the Journal that the investigation was a response to the former OpenAI board's statement in November that Altman was not "consistently candid in his communications" before he was temporarily ousted from the company.

OpenAI's board "unanimously concluded" that Altman and President Greg Brockman were "the right leaders for OpenAI," Chair Bret Taylor said in March.

Altman rejoined the board as three new members, all women, also took seats.

Sutskever, also chief scientist at OpenAI, was one of the group that attempted to push Altman out of the company in November. He later said that he regretted being part of the movement to oust Altman.

In a farewell post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sutskever said he was confident that OpenAI would create artificial general intelligence that would be "both safe and beneficial."

OpenAI pulled the voice from ChatGPT amid a public furor, adding that it wasn't an imitation of the movie star but belonged to another actor.

Some users had compared Sky to the voice of an automated assistant in the 2013 movie "Her," which Johansson voiced.

Johansson said that Altman had asked her to voice ChatGPT but that she declined. When OpenAI went ahead with a voice that sounded like hers, Johansson said she was "shocked" and hired legal representation.

In addition to the "Sky" voice incident, a New York Times report in early June added to OpenAI's image problems. It featured concerns from current and former OpenAI employees that the company wasn't doing enough to prevent its artificial intelligence from harming or destroying humanity.

An OpenAI spokesperson at the time reiterated to Business Insider the company's commitment to safety, highlighting an "anonymous integrity hotline" for employees to voice their concerns and the company's safety and security committee.

A Vox report also said that OpenAI pushed restrictive NDAs on departing employees and put their vested equity at risk if they didn't agree to them. The company told BI it would make " important updates to our departure process."

All of that created a public relations challenge for Altman.

During its annual Worldwide Developer Conference in June, Apple said it would offer ChatGPT within its software, such as through Siri.

The partnership gives OpenAI potentially vast reach, with ChatGPT now within easier reach of millions of iPhone users.

In August, Musk filed another lawsuit in which his lawyers argued that OpenAI executives "deceived" Musk into cofounding the company by playing on his concerns about the existential risks AI poses.

In November, Musk added Microsoft as well as one of its board members, Reid Hoffman, who also used to sit on OpenAI's board, as a defendant in the suit. It alleged that Microsoft was working with OpenAI to create a monopoly in the artificial intelligence world and extend "lavish compensation" to employees.

Musk also named Shivon Zilis, a former OpenAI board member and mother of three of Musk's children, as a plaintiff.

OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit in 2015, but the company said that it would change that status over the next two years.

The process will involve multiple steps, such as giving OpenAI's investors equity stakes in the new entity and earning government approvals, Business Insider previously reported.

The plan has drawn pushback, including from Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Chief Technology Officer Murati said she was leaving OpenAI "to create the time and space to do my own exploration."

Murati reportedly played an important role in the attempted ousting of Altman from OpenAI. She served as CEO temporarily before Altman was reinstated.

President Gregg Brockman also said in August that he would take an extended leave of absence; he returned in November.

Including Sutskever, at least nine notable OpenAI employees have left the company in 2024, Business Insider found. Among them were OpenAI co-founders Andrej Karpathy and John Schulman.

The funding round valued OpenAI at $157 billion, putting it on a similar footing with Uber and AT&T.

Thrive Capital led the round. Other major investors in OpenAI's round included SoftBank, Tiger Global, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

In November, xAI told investors it had raised $5 billion at a $50 billion valuation, The Journal reported.

Lawyers for the newspapers were reviewing OpenAI's training data as part of the lawsuit.

In November, they learned that "OpenAI's engineers erased all of the News Plaintiffs' programs and search result data," according to a filing in the case. OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment at the time.

To make Garten's gratin for four, you'll need:

• 1 pound russet potatoes (2 large ones)
• 1 small fennel bulb
• ½ yellow onion
• 1½ cups Gruyère cheese
• 1½ cups plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream

I will admit that the first time I made this dish, I had to watch a Martha Stewart YouTube video on how to cut fennel.

First, cut off the stalks as close to the bulb as possible. Then, cut the bulb in half lengthwise.

Remove the cores at the bottom. For Garten's recipe, you'll then thinly slice the bulb halves crosswise — which should make about two cups of fennel.

Pro tip: Don't throw out your stalks and fronds! Stewart recommends using the fronds in salads and saving the stalk to flavor stockpot dishes.

You should thinly slice your yellow onion for this dish.

Garten recommends thinly slicing them by hand or with a mandoline.

Preparing Garten's gratin takes under 10 minutes, which is great when you're juggling multiple dishes for a holiday feast.

If you're making the gratin for four, Garten recommends using a 9-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish.

Per Garten's recipe, you'll want to add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ tablespoon of unsalted butter to a pan.

Then, sauté the fennel and onions on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until they're tender.

You'll use 1 ½ cups of heavy cream for this step.

Garten recommends adding ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper to the mix.

I really love pepper, so, as you can see, I may have added a touch more.

It's almost time to bake!

Gently press down to smooth the potatoes out.

Remember, you'll want to use 1 tablespoon of cream and ½ cup of Gruyère for this quick step.

Garten recommends letting the gratin sit for 10 minutes before serving it hot.

She also notes that the gratin can be cooked a day ahead and reheated at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, a helpful tip if you want to save some time during the holidays.

Few things in this world are more comforting than potatoes mixed with heavy cream and cheese. Garten's gratin is creamy and satisfying, thanks to the Gruyère, and the potatoes are perfectly cooked. Since the fennel is sautéed, its flavor is mild and sweet rather than overpowering.

But one of the best things about the gratin is how well it goes with everything, making it a great sidekick for any meat or holiday side dish.

It's so simple to make that you could easily delegate the task to a young budding chef in your family or at least let the kids help you with it in the kitchen. Plus, the gratin is easy to make ahead and reheat before dinner, giving you some much-needed space in the oven for a big holiday menu.

And you can't go wrong with creamy potatoes and cheese, especially during the winter season.

Believe me, you'll all be fighting for seconds.

During my trip, I stayed in a king suite with an ocean view.

I don't tend to sleep well while traveling, but at Palmaïa, I had no trouble getting seven to eight hours of shuteye. The king-size mattress was perfectly firm, and my room always felt cool.

The high ceilings, chic sitting area, exposed-brick wall, and enormous bathroom with plenty of counter space didn't hurt, either.

When I arrived at the hotel around midnight, I was excited to learn the resort offered 24-hour room service.

Upon checking in, the receptionist took my order, and a piping-hot dish of black-bean enfrijoladas (a type of enchiladas served with a black-bean sauce) arrived just moments after I was escorted to my room.

Around-the-clock room service also came in handy when I was craving a snack or didn't have time to sit down for breakfast.

During my stay, I was assigned a nomadic guide — a staff member who acts as a personal concierge. Each morning, my guide messaged me with updates about the day's scheduled activities and dinner reservations.

They even escorted me from my room to a class when I didn't know how to get there, replaced my room key when I lost mine, and arranged for a staff member to take me to a convenience store for medicine when I developed a sun rash.

The resort has four main restaurants, all of which I enjoyed dining at. Many of the creative takes on traditional Mexican dishes were flavorful and nutrient-rich — think waffles infused with matcha and plant-based poke bowls with marinated watermelon "tuna."

Palmaïa offered lots of vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free items. However, as someone who doesn't have any dietary restrictions, I appreciated that I had the option to add barbacoa to my tacos or real Parmesan to my salads.

I also loved that Palmaïa had unique nonalcoholic drinks with the option to add liquor. The restaurants offered wine and cocktails, but alcohol didn't seem to be a central part of the resort's social environment.

All-inclusive resorts typically offer access to fun activities, but Palmaïa's daily itineraries were truly one-of-a-kind.

I participated in a few activities — including a mindfulness-focused drawing session and a primal-movement class — but my favorite experience was an outdoor cacao ceremony.

This session, inspired by Mayan tradition, involved setting intentions and drinking a ceremonial cacao beverage while listening to live music.

I've been to resorts that are so sprawling it takes 15 minutes or longer to walk from my room to a restaurant. Luckily, this wasn't the case at Palmaïa — the grounds were super walkable.

Even better, Palmaïa offered complimentary bicycles for guests to use around the property. I used them when I was rushing to scheduled activities or just wanted to feel the breeze on my face.

Palmaïa had no shortage of places to swim or relax with a good book.

There were a few infinity, adults-only, and kid-friendly pools in front of the guest-room buildings. The long stretch of beach in front of the resort also had ample cabanas and lounge chairs.

There were even some cenotes — large natural pools — in a jungle area on the property.

This trip may have been a splurge, but it was well worth the $1,500. In the past, I've often found myself coming home from all-inclusive getaways feeling worse than when I arrived — maybe due to all the food, alcohol, and sedentary time on the beach.

However, between the engaging activities, the nutrient-dense meals, and the attentive staff catering to my every need, Palmaïa left me feeling refreshed, renewed, and invigorated — and (almost) ready to return to real life.

Swift's enthusiasm at her first Chiefs game seemed to confirm her rumored romance with Kelce.

Swift later said they were already an official couple before she watched the Chiefs beat the Chicago Bears.

"This all started when Travis very adorably put me on blast on his podcast, which I thought was metal as hell," she told Time. "We started hanging out right after that. So we actually had a significant amount of time that no one knew, which I'm grateful for, because we got to get to know each other."

"By the time I went to that first game, we were a couple," Swift continued. "I think some people think that they saw our first date at that game? We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date."

Swift and Lively watched the Chiefs defeat the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — where Swift had performed three sold-out concerts just a few months prior.

The October game drew the highest viewership for a Sunday TV show since the Super Bowl, NBC Sports reported.

Indeed, Swift's newfound interest in football has been credited with bumping merch sales and enticing more female viewers.

Shortly before her third game-day appearance, Kelce accused the NFL of "overdoing it" with its wall-to-wall coverage of Swift.

"I think it's fun when they show who all is at the game. I think it brings a little more to the atmosphere, brings a little bit more to what you're watching," Kelce said during an episode of his "New Heights" podcast.

"But at the same time, I think they're overdoing it a little bit," Kelce continued. "For sure, especially for my situation. I think they're just trying to have fun with it."

Just a few days before the release of "1989 (Taylor's Version)," the rerecorded version of her fifth album, Swift watched the Chiefs take down the Los Angeles Chargers.

She spent the home game cheering with Mahomes and showing off their secret handshake.

Swift spent most of November 2023 on the road for the South American leg of The Eras Tour. Kelce even flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to watch Swift perform — and received an onstage shout-out in return.

She returned to Kelce's side in early December when the Chiefs took on the Green Bay Packers. It was her first time watching Kelce's team lose.

Swift purchased the '90s sweatshirt from Westside Storey, a secondhand clothing boutique in Kansas City.

The store's owner, Chris Harrington, told Business Insider he originally thought Swift's order — which totaled $1,200 for curated vintage pieces — could be fraudulent.

Instead, she wore one of those pieces at Arrowhead Stadium in December, causing a surge of traffic to Westside Storey's website.

"We've had hundreds of orders over the last 48 hours," Harrington told BI. "Sometimes our online store lights up after a Chiefs game when we win, but this is 100 times more than that, and we lost the game. It was the Taylor effect."

Swift hit the road to watch the Chiefs defeat the New England Patriots on the latter's home turf. She even convinced her father, Scott Swift, to swap his traditional Philadelphia Eagles gear for a Chiefs sweatshirt.

Several friends accompanied Swift, including Alana Haim, stylist Ashley Avignone, and backup singer Melanie Nyema.

Even though the Chiefs lost to the Las Vegas Raiders on December 25, 2023, Kelce praised Swift and her family for making the day special.

The singer's brother, Austin Swift, even gave him a sentimental gift while dressed as Santa Claus, Kelce shared on his podcast.

Swift wore a Chiefs varsity jacket for the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which the home team won.

The Chiefs defeated the Miami Dolphins during the fourth-coldest game in NFL history, according to CNN.

That same day, the Chiefs owner praised Swift and Kelce's "purely organic" relationship.

"It's been a very interesting, very fun year having the two of them dating, the attention that's been focused on the Chiefs," Clark Hunt told CNBC. "Our female audience has grown leaps and bounds."

Swift joined Kelce's family to watch the Chiefs advance through the NFL playoffs — including his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, who lost his shirt in the frenzy.

Swift watched the Chiefs beat the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 AFC Championship Game, securing their spot in Super Bowl LVIII. She even joined Kelce on the field to celebrate the win.

Swift was widely expected to attend the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas, despite having an Eras Tour stop scheduled in Tokyo the night before.

Sure enough, she made the trip in time to watch the Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers, with friends like Lively, Lana Del Rey, and Ice Spice in tow.

Swift was back in Kansas City on the evening of September 5, 2024, as the Chiefs took the field for their first game of the season against the Baltimore Ravens.

She donned an all-denim getup and thigh-high red boots.

Just a few days after attending the MTV Video Music Awards in New York (and giving her boyfriend a shout-out onstage), Swift was back in Kansas City to watch the Chiefs defeat the Cincinnati Bengals.

After skipping two of Kelce's games in Atlanta and Los Angeles, Swift returned to Kansas City in style — wearing over $50,000 worth of jewelry and designer clothing — to cheer for the Chiefs against the New Orleans Saints.

The home team won 26-13, their fifth consecutive win of the season.

One day after Swift wrapped the final US leg of the Eras Tour in Indianapolis, she was back in Kansas City to watch the Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite a touchdown from the Buccaneers in the final minute of regulation play, the Chiefs rallied in overtime to score a winning touchdown.

Swift wore her typical black-and-red combo for another home game at Arrowhead Stadium, pairing a Victoria's Secret corset with a Versace tweed two-piece set. She was joined in the VIP box by her mother, Andrea Swift.

Swift arrived at Arrowhead Stadium with Kelce's mom, Donna. The pair cheered as the Chiefs clinched a narrow defeat against the Los Vegas Raiders.

Swift wore her boldest gameday outfit yet for the Chiefs vs. the Houston Texans, pairing a statement red coat with a faux fur lining from Charlotte Simone with a vintage Chanel bucket hat.

Kelce and the Chiefs beat the Texans 19-27, adding another win to their dominant season. (To date, the Chiefs have only lost three times with Swift in the stands.)