People share what's giving the holidays, 2024 meaning
CBS News spoke with people from a variety of backgrounds and faith traditions about what they're thinking about this holiday season.
Holiday Season
Florida town maintains year-round holiday spirit
The post office for the town of Christmas, Florida, keeps its Christmas decorations up year-round, but it's during the holidays when it sees the most visitors. Cristian Benavides has more.
Millions hit the skies, roads ahead of Christmas
Millions of Americans are on the move, making the dash to family and friends for the holidays, just in the nick of time. The group Airlines for America said the number of people traveling by air is 16% higher than a year ago. Elise Preston reports.
Christmas shoppers turn out for "Super Saturday"
Shoppers were expected to turn out in huge numbers for the last Saturday before Christmas, known to retailers as "Super Saturday." The National Retail Federation predicts 16 million more people will shop today than on the same day in 2017, the last time Christmas fell on a Monday. Astrid Martinez has more.
How to make the holidays about giving, not getting
As spending increases, people are feeling more isolated and stressed than ever before, surveys show.
Here's how NORAD tracks Santa on his Christmas travels
NORAD first started tracking Santa in 1955. This is what it looks like behind the scenes.
How to stop feeling ill after taking off work
The holidays are supposed to be a time to rest and relax, but not if you're sick. Dr. Susannah Hills, pediatric airway surgeon and assistant ENT professor at Columbia University Medical Center, joins CBS News to discuss the science behind vacation illness and how to prevent it.
What airlines took from 2022 holiday meltdown
Millions of people are taking to the roads and at the nation's airports as they head to their holiday destinations. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave is following things from LAX.
Airports seeing smooth holiday travel season so far
Despite stormy weather in some regions of the U.S., air travel has largely been on the nice list so far this holiday season, with airlines seeing fewer delays and cancellations than last year. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Man brings Christmas joy to grieving neighbor
When Donald Wilson lost the mother of his three children to a stroke, he was left alone, struggling to parent them while keeping a fulltime job. Then an unlikely neighbor came to his aid. Steve Hartman has the story in "On the Road."
Many who are struggling financially won't be buying any gifts this season
Just 1 in 5 say they'll buy more gifts for others this season, compared to recent past years — and this is true even among higher-income earners.
Christmas trees might flare your allergies
'Tis the season for sneezing and coughing, but it could be what's inside your house this holiday season that's making you feel lousy. CBS News' Jarred Hill shares how your Christmas tree can be causing indoor allergies to flare up.
Holiday travelers battle weather, traffic
Since Sunday's storm brought flooding to the Northeast, flyers have encountered close to 20,000 delays, but cancellations have remained limited. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his office is closely tracking U.S. airlines' performance during the holiday season, while AAA estimates about 104 million people will travel by car. Kris Van Cleave has more.
Holiday travel rush has begun as airports brace for record-breaking crowds
Airports are bracing for an influx of almost 3 million passengers daily through the holiday period, marking a significant 16% increase from last year.
Airlines prepare for record travel
Airlines are preparing for a record 39 million passengers this holiday season. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave talks with United CEO Scott Kirby and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to weigh in on improvements made for this year's travelers.
Houston hospital offers child patients holiday magic beyond the medicine
The 16th floor of Texas Children's Hospital looks like a high-end holiday store.
Children's hospital offers patients holiday magic
The 16th floor of Texas Children's Hospital in Houston looks like a high-end holiday store. Janet Shamlian has the story.
Tips for saving money this holiday season
Looking to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank this year? If you haven't done your shopping yet, Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick joined CBS News with advice on how to save.
Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara returns to downtown Detroit
The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara, which was labeled as the world's largest kinara of its kind, is returning to downtown Detroit this year.
California woman rents sustainable Christmas trees
A California farm rents out Christmas trees with an eye toward sustainability. Rather than cutting the trees down, they are delivered potted and returned to the farm after Christmas to be used again next year. John Blackstone has the story.
USPS goes into overdrive for holiday shipping
Americans could spend a record amount for holiday gifts this year. The U.S. Postal Service is ramping up operations to get everyone's gifts shipped on time. Elise Preston takes a look at the prepartations.
Remote work is changing the holiday travel season
The pandemic is helping create a longer holiday season, as remote workers with greater job flexibility are beginning trips sooner and ending them later. Elise Preston reports.
The landfill of fast-fashion
This holiday shopping season, environmental groups are urging consumers to avoid fast-fashion items, which are cheaper items that may only be wearable a few times before falling apart. In Chile, a massive pile of used clothing from around the world keeps growing, impacting local communities and the environment. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez has more, including a first-hand look.
A Secret Santa motivated students to raise thousands for those in need
The story of a wealthy businessman who annually gives out hundreds of $100 bills to strangers motivated a group of Phoenix students to start their own Secret Santa club.
How shipping companies handle the holiday rush
About 82 million packages per day will be shipped in the U.S. during the peak of the holiday season. Kris Van Cleave examines how shipping companies handle that enormous scale.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Senate passes $895 billion defense bill with gender-affirming care restriction
The Senate approved the mammoth National Defense Authorization Act despite concern from some Democrats over a controversial gender-affirming care policy.
U.S.
More U.S.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
U.S. Mint announces 5 historical women on new quarters for 2025. Here's who.
It's the last year the American Women Quarters Program will put historical female figures on reverse side of coins.
U.S. mulls ban on Chinese-made TP-Link routers over national security concerns
TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to a report.
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione expected to waive extradition
An attorney for Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, says he will waive extradition at his hearing on Thursday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
U.S. Mint announces 5 historical women on new quarters for 2025. Here's who.
It's the last year the American Women Quarters Program will put historical female figures on reverse side of coins.
U.S. mulls ban on Chinese-made TP-Link routers over national security concerns
TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to a report.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
Fed lowers rates by 0.25 percentage point, but expects fewer cuts
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points, but said it plans fewer cuts in 2025.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Politics
More Politics
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
Migrants with temporary legal status ask Biden for help before Trump takes office
Migrants in the U.S. under what's known as Temporary Protection Status are worried that Trump will revoke the program upon taking office.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
World
More World
Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Technology
More Technology
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
What's next for AI in 2025?
After a landmark year for AI advancements like chatbots and image generation, questions loom about the future. Generative AI expert Sam Gregory shares what's ahead.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rise
FAA data shows lithium battery fires are up 388% on U.S. flights since 2015, happening nearly twice per week on average. The lithium batteries inside your tablet, laptop and phones can be flammable when they're damaged or they overheat. Passengers should never put a lithium battery in a checked bag, but it's also advised to keep an eye on your devices during your flight.
Free ChatGPT search engine tool from OpenAI
OpenAI is rolling out its ChatGPT search engine for free to everyone with an OpenAI account after first making the service available for paying subscribers back in October. Will Knight, senior writer with Wired, joined CBS News to discuss the tool.
Science
More Science
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
School shooting suspect's family life
Investigators are learning more about the suspect in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting that occurred in Madison, Wisconsin. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione expected to waive extradition
An attorney for Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, says he will waive extradition at his hearing on Thursday.
Seeking a motive in school shooting case
Officials are probing social media and other clues that the suspect in the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting may have left behind. Investigators are trying to piece together a possible motive for the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. CBS News Confirmed's Rhona Tarrant has more.
ATF director on disrupting violent crime
Steven M. Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined CBS News with more on the agency's mission to disrupt violent crime. This comes after another deadly school shooting occurred in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison shooting suspect's family life
Records are providing more details about the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting suspect and her family life. CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks down what's known as officials investigate the 15-year-old's motive.
Space
More Space
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
Possible Israel, Hamas ceasefire deal
U.S. officials appear cautiously optimistic about a potential ceasefire deal and hostage swap between Israel and Hamas. CBS News' Chris Livesay breaks down what's known about the renewed hopes.
How a woman found out about her abuse
A French woman learned that her husband and more than 50 men had been raping her for years while she was drugged. A verdict will soon be reached in her case. Catherine Porter, an international correspondent for The New York Times, joins CBS News with more.
School shooting suspect's family life
Investigators are learning more about the suspect in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting that occurred in Madison, Wisconsin. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
RFK Jr., Gabbard back on Capitol Hill
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard are back on Capitol Hill to lobby for support in their confirmation process to fill top posts in President-elect Donald Trump's second term. CBS News' Allison Novelo reports.