Warmest wishes, Cola. We’re taking a pause on newsletters to spend time with our loved ones. We’ll see you back in your inboxes daily at 6 a.m., starting Tuesday, Dec. 30. In the meantime, peruse our archives here.
13 gifts you can buy today
Treat your loved ones to fun, cozy, and personalized picks this holiday gifting season. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Columbia. Here are 13 gift ideas you can still shop this holiday season:
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick: Nana by Sally Dotty Bag | $225 | You can never go wrong with a beautifully crafted, handmade leather bag.
Picken Pearls | Bill’s Music Shop, West Columbia | 7 p.m. | Donation requested
Fireflies Holiday Lights | Friday, Dec. 19-Saturday, Jan. 3 | Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia | $12-14 | Holiday spirit awaits at Segra Park — Fireflies Holiday Lights, presented by Lexington Health, is now open nightly 6-9 p.m.*
Oricle Hearing aids can be charged wirelessly. | Photo courtesy of Oricle Hearing
Incredible advancements in hearing aid technology are now more accessible than ever.
Oricle Hearing offers the Rolls-Royce Of hearing aids, designed for comfort and discretion so users can hear clearly without the bulk of traditional models.
Users rave about the sound quality, which rivals that of more expensive models, helping them regain confidence and reconnect with loved ones.
Discover how Oricle is redefining hearing aid accessibility without the hassle of appointments or extensive fittings.
This new development will change Columbia’s skyline and transform the 1400 block of Main Street. | Rendering via Core Spaces
Development
Core Spaces broke ground on ōLiv Columbia, a 2,352-bed mixed-use project at 1401 Main St., expected to open in summer 2028. The two-tower development will bring student and market-rate housing, retail, and a 1,600-car parking deck downtown.
Kids
Brick Box Toys, a LEGO-centric buy-sell-trade shop, is coming to Crossroads Commons on Devine Street. The locally owned store is slated to open in January, offering both new and rare retired sets.
Holiday
Celebrate Kujichagulia (self-determination) at a Kwanzaa vision board workshop on Friday, Dec. 27. Hosted by local creative and entrepreneur Marquitta Asè, the family-friendly event includes guided meditation, sound bowls, and goal-setting.
Announced
Meet The Brief: local business news, announcements, jobs, events, company blogs, podcasts, and deals — all in one tidy weekly newsletter. Think COLAtoday, but strictly business content. Take ~2 minutes to share your thoughts and help us craft it. Only five industry-exclusive launch spots exist; email rjohnston@6amcity.com to snag one.
Seasonal
Gather for a Yule Potluck Party on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. There’ll be food, games, plus a Witches Ball ornament workshop from 5 to 7 p.m.
Today Is
Ugly Sweater Day, a chance to wear the most eyesore-inducing threads in your closet. If you don’t have one, don’t worry. You can get this light-up sweater or a colorful cardigan in time for Christmas.
Community
The Five Points Association closed out the year by celebrating the completion of new beautification projects, the growth of events like NEON Joy, and a boost in public safety staffing. The meeting also honored Five Points merchants, including CJ’s, which was named Merchant of the Year.
Finance
Do you have an emergency fund in place? If not, now’s the time to start planning ahead. As 2026 approaches, the experts at AllSouth Federal Credit Union share six smart financial goals to help you start fresh and stay prepared.*
Nirvana awaits with this multi-shape vibrator that hits all the right spots. Reignite the fire of your most electrifying encounters with sublime sensations that intensify arousal. Get 35% off this award-winner today + an extra 15% off with code H4PPY15.*
Pets
Your dog’s wagging tail hides more than love — it hides a world of genetic information. Uncover their ancestry, genetic traits, and potential health risks with 50% off Basepaws Dog DNA Test, now on sale for the holidays.*
Culture
Culture
🎄 Yule be the judge
The holidays are full of traditions we love — and a few we love to argue about. | Graphic by 6AM City
Holiday traditions evoke warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and togetherness. But for all the joy that traditions inspire, they also tend to spark something else: very strong opinions.
This year, we’re stepping in to settle classic holiday hot takes. After all, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a few friendly debates.
Real tree or fake tree?
Is cutting down a fresh spruce part of the magic, or does an artificial tree make more sense? Still team real tree? Hollow Creek Tree Farm still has them.
Big night out or stay home on New Year’s Eve?
Can a couch countdown by the television beat a sequin–filled night on the town? Going out with a bang? Here’s what’s happening around Cola on NYE.
Should you leave festive decorations up past the holiday?
Is eggnog festive and flavorful or absolutely foul?
Don’t get us started on whether it should be served warm or cold. The Griswold, aneggnog latte with maple and cinnamon, is back at Curiosity Coffee.
Do you still send and receive holiday cards?
Is this tradition fading or holding strong in your household? Snail mail isn’t dead yet: It’s not too late to pick up some cute stationery from If It’s Paper.
Take the poll to put in your two cents — then stay tuned for the final results in an upcoming newsletter.
The Buy team here. We’ve recommended a lot of items this year, from home organization staples to wardrobe must-haves. Here are the top-shopped products:
We bought a real tree from the State Farmer’s Market, our go-to each year. The splurge this year was on new lights. I bought Tru-Tone lights from Re-Find.
I prefer NYE parties at a friend’s house, but we like to sneak out at midnight to see the fireworks over the State House.
We typically take our decorations down the weekend after NYE, but sometimes a little longer.
I don’t usually buy eggnog, but I won’t turn down a cup in the season.
I should really get the holiday cards out, so maybe I’ll do that today. It’s not too late!
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