Friday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• How to embrace winter

• Are real or artificial trees more sustainable?

• The gifts worth giving this year

• Crafts for cozy winter nights

True or False?

Snow insulates plants and helps protect roots from freezing.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

How to Embrace Winter

Winter rarely tops the list of favorite seasons, especially in colder parts of the U.S. But psychologist Kari Leibowitz, PhD, discovered something surprising while studying life in Tromsø, Norway (a place where the sun disappears for months). Instead of dreading the darkness, residents looked for what made the season special, and that mindset shift made all the difference.

Her research shows that noticing even a few things you enjoy (quiet evenings, crisp air, soft lighting, a slower pace) can improve your well-being through the winter months. She also found that the way we talk about winter matters. Swapping “I hate this weather” for “it’s so cozy inside tonight” helps your brain focus on comfort instead of stress.

Leibowitz also recommends letting yourself live more seasonally. Shorter days naturally dial down energy, motivation, and social stamina, so it’s okay to ease into gentler routines. Think warm dinners, earlier bedtimes, slower workouts, and calm home rituals that make the evenings feel inviting instead of draining.

And if you can, step outside for a little fresh air. With warm layers and a short daily walk, winter can feel less like something to survive, and more like a season to embrace.

Are Real or Artificial Trees More Sustainable?

The real-versus-artificial tree debate comes up every December, but experts say the greener choice is surprisingly simple: a real tree. Despite getting tossed out at the end of the season, real trees actually help the environment while they grow by releasing oxygen and storing carbon. Most are grown on family farms in seasonal cycles, meaning each harvested tree is replaced with at least one new seedling.

Artificial trees feel convenient, but their production tells a different story. Because they’re made from plastics and metals, manufacturing a single artificial tree releases roughly 10 times more carbon than a real one. And once an artificial tree heads to the landfill, it can sit there for centuries. To break even environmentally, you’d need to reuse it for at least a decade.

Real trees, on the other hand, can be recycled into mulch, used for dune restoration, or turned into habitat enrichment for wildlife. Many cities offer curbside recycling programs, and some farms even sell living, potted trees you can replant after the holidays.

The Gifts Worth Giving This Year

This time of year can feel like a rush, but thoughtful gifting doesn’t have to be. We’ve gathered a few sustainable, practical, and feel-good finds for people (and pets) who appreciate quality, purpose, and a little everyday comfort.

• 🐾 PetPace – Keep pets healthy and connected with the dog and cat smart collar that tracks vital signs and offers 24/7 on demand telehealth and vet access. Use code DAILYDIG50 for $50 off.

• 🧖‍♀️ Coyuchi – Wrap them in comfort with the 100% organic Waffle Robe—soft, breathable, and sustainably made. See the Waffle Robe.

• 🌎 Rosetta Stone – Give the gift of language with lifetime access to 25+ immersive courses. Get 60% off lifetime access now.

• 🎁 KitNipBox – The Best of Catmas Box brings festive toys and treats straight to your doorstep. Use code DAILYPURRMAS for 25% off.

• 🌿 Mellow Fellow – Help them unwind with pharmacist-formulated CBD blends. Save 20% with code NOTEMF20.

• 🐱 Litter-Robot – The self-cleaning litter box that makes having a cat easier. The Litter-Robot 5 automatically scoops after each use, keeps odors away, and even tracks your cat’s health through the app. Explore the Litter-Robot 5.

• 🍳 HexClad – Cookware that lasts a lifetime. It's dishwasher safe, PFAS-free, and nearly indestructible. Through Sunday only, shop HexClad’s Black Friday sale.

Want to see more gift recommendations? See our full Revel Gift Guide here.

Thank you to our Gift Guide partners for sponsoring The Canopy.

Crafts for Cozy Winter Nights

Holiday crafting doesn’t have to be difficult. Search from odds and ends already tucked in your drawers (think mismatched buttons, old magazines, leftover ribbon, or beads from a necklace that broke two summers ago). With a little imagination, these scraps turn into earrings, ornaments, gift tags, or even simple necklaces that feel surprisingly polished.

Old paper makes beautiful rolled beads; thread them onto twine for lightweight jewelry. Spare fabric scraps become tiny bows or tassels for earrings. Bottle caps, safety pins, and leftover hardware transform into rustic ornaments that look intentionally cool, not cobbled together. And if you have a stash of dried citrus, cinnamon sticks, or pine sprigs, those can be tied into fragrant charms that double as décor.

The best part? Upcycled crafts keep usable materials out of the trash and help you create gifts with a story. Set aside an evening, turn on a cozy playlist, and craft with whatever you’ve got on hand.

Quick Picks:

From simple resets to cozier spaces, here are today’s trending eco-finds:

• 🗂️ A 30-day challenge to declutter your home

• 🎅 ‘Tis the season with these cozy holiday picks

• 🕯️ Scents that make any space feel cozy

Final Thoughts:

This time of year can feel like a rush, but thoughtful gifting doesn’t have to be. We’ve gathered a few sustainable, practical, and feel-good finds for people (and pets) who appreciate quality, purpose, and a little everyday comfort. See our full Revel Gift Guide here.

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True. A snow layer can act like a winter blanket for soil.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!