Hi, Linda Holmes here. Somehow we are almost at the end of 2025. And I'm going to be honest with you,

it's been a pretty challenging year for NPR and local stations. But here's the thing. Despite

losing federal funding for public media and despite all the attacks we've seen on the free press,

we're still here for you. We are still independent, a critical right

guaranteed by the First Amendment. And with your support, NPR will not be silent. Here at

Pop Culture Happy Hour, we will continue keeping you company with thoughtful, engaging conversations

about all the movies, TV, music, and more 2026 has in store.

If you're already an NPR Plus supporter, thank you so much.

We see you, and we're so grateful for you.

If not, please join the community of public radio supporters right now before the end of the year at plus.npr.org.

Signing up unlocks a bunch of perks like bonus episodes

and more from across NPR's podcasts. Plus, you get to feel good about supporting public media

while you listen. End the year on a high note and invest in a public service that matters to you.

Visit plus.npr.org today. Thanks. Thank you. Visit plus.npr.org today. Thanks.

What's the best Christmas gift you've ever received? Was it the laughter of your children,

the love of a good friend, a smile on your partner's face, maybe a dusting of snow,

glittering in the Christmas Eve moonlight.

Yeah, well, we're not talking about any of that nonsense.

We're talking actual, tangible Christmas gifts here, specifically that one gift you found waiting for you under the tree and still think about from time to time.

I'm Linda Holmes.

And I'm Glenn Weldon, and on this encore episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, we're talking about the best Christmas gifts we've ever received.

This message comes from Wise, the app for using money around the globe.

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