The best advent calendars are full of surprises—literally. The magic of the holiday advent calendar, which is ostensibly used to count down the 24 days before Christmas or, in some cases, the 12 days of Christmas—there are no rules here—is that you never really know what each day will bring. Think of it as a fun pregame for Santa’s official touchdown, with a new, super-tiny present to open daily until then.

These Christmas countdown calendars often have themes, from annual faves (like Harry Potter, for all the low-key wizards out there) to limited-edition versions and classic options, such as Godiva’s chocolate advent calendar. It’s important to choose wisely, since no one wants 24 days of straight duds. That’s where we come in: We’ve rounded up the best advent calendars to serve as your holiday-spirit hype crew—or, of course, make for a foolproof holiday gift. A word to the wise: They’re going fast, so add to cart and go right to checkout as soon as you find your fave. 

Best Beauty Advent Calendars

Maybe we’re biased, but our favorite Christmas advent calendars always seem to have some kind of beauty aspect, be it makeup, nail polish, or 24 days of simply incredible skin-care products. Among our top picks you’ll find L’Occitane’s insane lineup of body lotions, hand creams, and more, as well as a carefully edited 12-day advent calendar full of Atelier Cologne’s impeccable fragrances. More into scented candles? We’ve got you there, too.

Best Food Advent Calendars

Whatever flavor gets you in the holiday mood—sugar-filled gummies, gingerbread, peppermint, milk chocolate, or some totally wacky combination of the above—these calendars deliver. Some also double as Christmas decorations, with packaging so pretty that they merit a spot of honor on the counter. (Or, alternatively, they can be gifted without a gift box needed—we’re looking at you, Palais de Thés tea advent calendar.) Pro tip: If you’ve got your eye on the best-selling, limited-edition Bonne Maman calendar for jams and jellies, we recommending jumping on it ASAP, since it’s sold out nearly everywhere.

Every Other Advent Calendar Imaginable

Most of these advent calendars would be totally at home in any gift guide, but that’s especially the case for this free-for-all category. That Star Wars Mandalorian and Williams Sonoma mash-up is practically begging to be given to a lucky teenager—as is that Lego advent calendar designed to delight kids of all ages. Dad will go wild for the totally unique, musically minded advent calendar featuring a record; it’ll take him back to the ’70s, in a good way. Are you still shipping Jim and Pam? Then consider one inspired by The Office. Whether it’s a DIY situation or a Christmas tree-inspired version designed for little ones, this more niche range of advent calendars delivers.

Let’s face it, even the best gift cards have been met with fake smiles and sing-songy “Oooooh, you shouldn’t have” reactions. But amid a holiday season rife with pandemic-induced delivery delays, gift cards are a no-fail way to ensure your loved ones know you’re thinking about them (and that you definitely haven’t forgotten to buy them a last-minute gift).

Whether it’s a big-box retailer they miss perusing the aisles of or a boutique brand they’ve been DM’ing about on Instagram, so many brands are rolling out email gift card options this year—and they all come with the added bonus of being untethered to the whims of a disastrous supply chain. Plus, they’re a perfect vehicle for giving your hard-to-shop-for friend what they really want for Christmas: to be left alone to shop in peace. Just us?

Of course, if quickly narrowing delivery windows don’t spook you, take a chance on ordering something from our curated gift guides. After December 15 the package may not get there, but you could always send them tracking info in an email. Ah, right back to where we started. Shop 32 of the best gift cards to give virtually in 2021. 

Psst…plenty of gift cards get marked down during Black Friday, so savvy shoppers should keep an eye out for slashed prices in the weeks to come.

The Best Beauty Gift Cards

Beauty, makeup, and hair products are surprisingly difficult to give. What do they really want from their cleanser? What blush shade actually works for their skin tone? How complex does their nighttime skin-care routine need to be? Rest easy knowing a gift certificate for their favorite beauty retailer will be redeemed immediately.

The Best Clothing & Accessory Gift Cards

Have a giftee that could use a winter wardrobe refresh? (We’re raising our hands as well.) Lucky for all of us, there are plenty of popular gift cards from big and small brands alike that’ll help them stock up on everything from cozy jackets to everyday jewelry.

The Best Gift Cards for Foodies

Set them up for success in the new year by stocking their pantry, kitchen, and wine rack with these very good gift cards. We’ve sung our praises for Winc’s monthly wine subscription, and this holiday gift card allows them to select their favorite bottles and varietals so you can put your sommelier hat away. Haus and Atlas Coffee Club will help expand their sipping palettes, and meal kit delivery services will be their saving grace if and when their offices start calling them back. 

The Best Homebody Gift Cards

Whether they’ll be bingeing holiday movies, reading a new audiobook, playing endless hours of the currently trending video game, or listening to Red (Taylor’s Version) on repeat, there are so many gifts for the homebody, gamer, and streaming aficionado on your list.

Browsing the best places to buy Christmas decorations right now? Join the club. Between major shipping delays and living through last year’s not-so-cheery vibes, planning for the holidays is all we’re thinking about, which is why you can currently find us scoping out the best artificial Christmas trees, stocking up on outdoor Yuletide decor, and digging up the most affordable holiday decorations out there.

Whether you’re in need of a few accents after dusting off whatever’s been hiding in storage or have a fancy holiday fete in your future, these are the can’t-miss retailers to start shopping right now. While you might find the usual suspects here (*waves at our Amazon shopping cart*), you’ll also find some under-the-radar spots for seriously cool holiday decor, be they festive decals, funny candles, or (faux) Fraser firs. Scroll on to shop the best places to buy Christmas decorations.

Amazon

Got T-minus three days until your holiday party? No sweat: Try Amazon. Amazon Christmas decorations don’t disappoint for fast shipping and endless ideas—you can find practically everything you need to turn your home into a winter wonderland. From the huge variety of different Christmas lights to wall decor, gingerbread houses, and beyond, there’s something here for every design style and color palette.

Etsy

Are you a sucker for all things monogrammed and crafty? Then you’re probably already familiar with Etsy, which is a free-for-all for DIY queens and kings. But the handmade holiday decorations are just as fun: You can find both indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations, but Etsy really goes above and beyond when it comes to kitchen, tabletop, and living room staples. Shopping at Etsy is a great way to support small businesses and artisans while stocking up on items you can’t find anywhere else—many of them personalized too, like Etsy Christmas stockings. Bonus: It’s also great for holiday shopping, so check some gifts off your list while you’re at it. A set of holiday cutting boards for the family chef? You bet. 

Target

One major plus about Target‘s signature Wondershop is that majority of the home decor items are made to be paired with others in the collection, but you can mix and match too if you want to be ~different~. And if you’re putting together a last-minute holiday bash and need wintry touches like Christmas villages or gingerbread houses, the best Target Christmas decorations are just a drive away for many.

Anthropologie

Chic, elevated, and (sometimes) out of the ordinary is how we’d describe Anthro‘s home decor and holiday decorations. You can swap a holiday tree for a prelit mushroom, or add every candle under the sun into your space with one of its many candelabras—your choice. But that’s not all: Ornaments, throw pillows, and kitschy-chic figurines make the cut for decor must-haves too.

Pottery Barn

We look forward to Pottery Barn‘s holiday edit each year because it gives us serious inspo for transforming spaces into a ski lodge, Nordic getaway, or North Pole–esque setting that will make Santa feel like a chump. With everything from holiday-themed pillows to Advent calendars, it offers high-quality decor—so you can ditch the standard tree skirts and ornaments and turn your space into the winter dream scene you deserve.

Urban Outfitters 

Yet another destination for unique items, Urban Outfitters‘ holiday lineup is right on brand for anyone who wants to stand out (in a cool way). From artificial trees in funky colors to denim stockings and more, trick out your home with nontraditional holiday touches. 

Walmart

Not only are Walmart‘s holiday decor options virtually endless, but the retailer’s affordable price range makes them accessible to everyone. You can be a little extra and pop an inflatable snowman on your front lawn alongside some string lights, or keep it simple with a cute wreath on your front door. Pro tip: Bring your holiday decor shopping list with you on your next grocery run and kill two birds with one stone.

Shop Disney

The Disney store is more than just a place to stock up on character and movie merch. Sure, you can get all the Mickey and Minnie accessories to wear as you celebrate the holidays, but you can also amp up your indoor decor with throw blankets, snow globes, ornaments, and more. And don’t worry: You can totally show your love with Disney Christmas decorations and make your space kid-friendly without an overwhelming amount of polka dots and mice taking over your living room. 

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021 list just dropped, and not a moment too soon if you ask us. Lifestyle legend Oprah Winfrey scours the consumer landscape each holiday season in search of the best gift ideas for everyone on your list—it’s a highly-anticipated annual tradition at this point—and shares it in her Oprah Daily. This year’s gift guide is packed with everything from thoughtful gifts sets, from small businesses to holiday gift sets from brands you know and love. 

Need a foodie present that’s not a cutesy coffee mug? Oprah has an entire section dedicated to that. Stressing over the perfect “cozy” gift? You’ll find instant relief just looking at her list. Oh, and the best part is that’s everything’s available to shop on Amazon. (We know.)

With 110 seriously tempting items to go through, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice, which is why we combed through her picks to bring you our own favorites from her list. (You’re welcome.) From an adorable DIY bead kit you’ll want to give the new mom to a trio of chic candles perfect your work wife, shop 30 of the best gifts for your loved ones from Oprah’s list of Favorite Things.

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Stylish Gifts

Oprah’s Favorite Things list is packed with crowd-pleasers, even in the style department. Among them, you can find a phone holster that’s essentially a minimalist version of a crossbody bag, a crazy-cozy teddy coat, and one über-comfy cotton jumpsuit that’ll give everyday leggings a run for their money. 

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Cozy Gifts

Slippers are good, but even better is a bath balm bundle—it’s perfect for a *very* overdue self-care moment. You’ll also find cozy socks that are practically begging to be paired with a hot mug of chai and a lounge set so soft, it’ll replace those worn-out PJs in no time. Sign! Us! Up!

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Home Gifts

Make no mistake: Luxe candles are always a good idea, but have you ever considered a touchless mist sanitizer that makes hand sanitizing easier (and less sticky) than ever? Or consider the gorgeous charcuterie board made from reclaimed pine wood. You’ll also find more ~aspirational~ gifts in the mix, like a Hydrow Rowing Machine that’s just about perfect for the former rowing captain in your life (or that lone Peloton hold-out).

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Kitchen Gifts

For the person who loves their food—whether to cook or to eat, or both—Oprah’s got their back. Meet the smart oven that tells you how long an item needs to go in for (just scan the barcode!) and a handy tumbler that helps regulate temperature and makes spills a thing of Christmas past.

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Beauty Gifts

The makeup selection from this year’s list does not disappoint: Scope out the eyeshadow palette that’s cleverly designed to look like a little notepad and a 10-pack of lip balms—give some, keep some. The 5-in-1 curling wand makes styling a breeze in the A.M., too. Best part? It’s as good for your BFF as it is for that hard-to-please teen in your life.

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Tech Gifts

Tech gifts are all about making our lives easier, and the mogul’s annual list definitely delivers. Pick up a wireless charging station, which keeps the bedside table nice and tidy, or a rechargeable toothbrush that comes complete with a two-minute timer to enforce good oral hygiene habits.

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Foodie Gifts

A truly great gift? Waffles, obviously. This Belgian waffle gift box comes with eight waffles and all the toppings their heart desires, including dark chocolate fudge, French toast sugar, peanut butter caramel, and—the motherlode—a strawberries and cream topper. For those who prefer to sleep in, there’s gourmet hot sauce.

Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021: Children’s Gifts

Holiday shopping isn’t complete without picking up something for the little ones. Standout picks for the kiddos include a series of short stories featuring groundbreaking women, a mindfulness coloring set, and a DIY bracelet kit from Super Smalls that you’ll low-key want for yourself.

Halloween has been over for several hours, which means it’s already time for the holiday season! Actually, sorry, that is so rude of me: It is Mariah Carey Szn. Well, almost.

In a video she posted on social media Monday, November 1, the pop star said goodbye to Halloween and hello to her time to rule us all: Christmas. In the video, the Queen of December performs the ritual of smashing a pumpkin to make way for the new holiday. (Question: Did she call The Smashing Pumpkins for approval?) The video opens with a shot of three jack-o’-lanterns carved to say, “IT’S NOT TIME.” Carey, dressed in red glitter from head to toe, goes outside and destroys the middle pumpkin—the one that says “not”—with a massive candy cane while giggling. The bells from the beginning of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” start playing. Then there are shots of Mariah Carey, in a red glittery Santa outfit, holding Christmas things like ornaments, because why not. 

The words It’s Time!!! To smash that pumpkin and treat it as pie…cause we still gotta get through Thanksgiving!!! then come up on the screen. You can watch the video here:

Mariah Carey became Christmas royalty when she released her holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in 1994. Decades later, it is still the most popular Christmas song of all time. It is also one of the most popular songs of all time. Yeah, that includes normal songs that you listen to year-round. In 2019 the song reached Billboard’s Hot 100 for the first time, 25 years after its release. 

In 2020, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” reached about one million daily streams on Spotify between November 24 and November 30. We’ll probably do the same this year, honestly. Anyways, Happy Mariah Szn!

The 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is just a few weeks away, and we’re already excited to see the balloons, floats, and performances. After going virtual last year because of the pandemic (the event was still held but without a crowd), this year it will return in its full form. 

We know you’re going to want to watch it live, if only to understand the memes and tweets. Also, there will be a Baby Yoda balloon, and no one wants to miss that. Move over, Santa, because Grogu is the new Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade king. 

“We applaud Macy’s work to creatively continue this beloved tradition last year and look forward to welcoming back parade watchers to experience it safely, live, and in person this November,” New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.

But how to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones. In case you missed the first airing because of peeling potatoes or tending to a turkey or a needy relative, you can catch the rerun of the parade at 2 p.m. 

You can watch the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live on NBC. If you don’t have a TV, you can livestream the parade on NBC’s website or on the NBC app, but you’ll need a TV provider to get access to the stream. Or, if it’s convenient, you could watch the parade from a Manhattan curb because spectators are once again welcome this year after last year’s ban due. 

If you’re a cable cutter, there are still plenty of options to stream the parade. First, you could beg a friend or relative to give you their TV-provider information. If they do, you can thank them—it is Thanksgiving, after all. If that’s not an option, you can sign up for a free trial of services like Hulu+ Live TV, which adds a live-TV feature to your Hulu account. Currently, Hulu allows users a seven-day Hulu+ Live free trial, then it will charge you for the service. It’s like having cable again, but on Hulu. YouTube TV is a similar service that also provides a free trial to new subscribers (so if you did this same thing last Thanksgiving, you won’t get another free trial). For YouTube TV, free-trial time varies depending on the option you select. 

As for Peacock, it’s still up in the air. NBC’s streaming service doesn’t carry live coverage of all its programming, but in the past it’s let users watch events like SNL live…so it might happen! We expect an announcement on that closer to the date and will update when more information is available.

And after it’s all done, we suggest turning on one of the best Thanksgiving movies for families, firing up our Thanksgiving music playlist, or checking out some Thanksgiving shows.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Music, food, dancing, parades, and speeches are standard at Juneteenth celebrations, but the constraints of the pandemic have seen many major Juneteenth events go virtual. There are virtual cookouts, virtual book groups, Juneteenth-themed face masks, and a full weekend of virtual festivals.

Mariah Williams, a 21-year-old living in Southern California, didn’t grow up celebrating Juneteenth, but her family acknowledged the holiday, and she never felt connected to Fourth of July. “My dad has always said, ‘Independence Day for whom exactly? Because you and me would have still been in chains in the 1700s,’” she says. “I definitely want to see more Black Americans embracing Juneteenth as our true independence day, and I want to see all American citizens accept Juneteenth as a part of this country’s history.”

“We can celebrate everything that we love about America without missing the opportunity to point out that it’s bittersweet,” says Garrett-Scott. “Juneteenth commemorates the waiting and the longing of those enslaved people in Texas, which resonates with today—there is a way to celebrate the greatness of this country and not neglect to highlight how far we still have to go.”

Since the ’70s, Garrett-Scott says, Juneteenth celebrations have spread outside of the South to the rest of the U.S., and even internationally, through art and music festivals and parades. “They were never exclusively Black—they were always really inclusive, and wanted people from all ethnicities and races to come and celebrate this moment and also the wonderfulness of Black culture.”

Why Juneteenth? 

Juneteenth isn’t the only historic day that has ever commemorated the end of slavery—there’s Watch Night and Emancipation Proclamation Day—but it’s one that has gained momentum. “Juneteenth really highlights the perspective of the folks who got the news—the folks who were the last to know,” Ball says. The African Americans of Galveston were not the only group of enslaved people who waited even longer than they should have had to for freedom, but their predicament captures the painful poignancy of going from enslavement to liberation. “Celebrating Juneteenth privileges that perspective and it captures the joy,” Ball says. “And it becomes a community celebration. It becomes something that people can put together with friends, family, and community, as opposed to a message that’s delivered from on high, and that’s what a good celebration is ultimately.”

On June 19, we’ll remember those people in Galveston, hearing the sound of Union horses arriving, waiting for true, complete, freedom. Over 150 years have passed, and Black Americans are still waiting for the true freedom that comes from being safe from police brutality and systemic racism.

As the novelist Ralph Ellison wrote in his posthumous novel, “There’ve been a heap of Juneteenths gone by and there’ll be a heap more before we’re free.”

Echoing him, Dillard, the 17-year-old organizer from New Jersey, says, “I’ve grown up in a generation that has seen America’s first Black president, but I’ve also grown up in a generation that has seen people who look like our brothers and our best friends get gunned down in the street.” In other words, the work is far from finished.

“We want to not only celebrate the victories and the progress that we’ve been making in our Black Lives Matter movement, but also to just come together and recognize the importance that this particular moment in history has for every group of people.”

Jenny Singer is a staff writer for Glamour. You can follow her on Twitter.

To say that 2020 has put a damper on our social lives is an understatement. And considering the CDC’s current guidelines for holiday celebrations, it’s safe to say that virtual gatherings and socially distanced hangs will continue well into 2021.

But before you pull a Grinch and cancel the holiday season altogether, keep in mind that a virtual holiday party can be almost as good as the real thing with a little ingenuity and extra planning. From proper invites and group games to signature cocktails and a festive outfit, you can still give the holidays the fanfare they deserve via Zoom. 

What’s more, hosts have countless options when it comes to planning. If you really want to nail that cohesive dinner party feel, you can send out party packages in advance complete with a signature cocktail recipe, apps, and desserts, matching place settings, festive decor, and more. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can keep things low-key and just ask party-goers to log on with their favorite carry-out meal and drink of choice — it’s totally up to you, your budget, and your friend group. 

No matter your approach, your squad will love you for giving them something to look forward to this holiday season. Ahead, find everything you need to throw a fun and safe virtual holiday party, complete with Milk Bar truffles, twinkle lights, and personalized wine glasses. 

The Invites & Agenda 

Whether you opt for a paperless post or a printed greeting, proper invitations and some semblance of an agenda will give your event much-needed structure. As anyone who’s attended a Zoom bachelorette party or wedding shower can attest, large virtual gatherings can quickly devolve into mass chaos without any sort of plan (especially when alcohol is involved). 

In addition to basic information like time and login instructions, consider including an agenda, a list of needed supplies, and possibly even a dress code so your guests know what to expect. You can even bundle your invite with a few add-ons that ladder up to the night’s activities, like individual dice sets or customized bingo boards. If funds allow, throwing in a festive candle so all guests can burn them in unison and pretend they’re actually in the same room. Scent goes a long way when creating a memorable experience, and candles are always a home-run gift! 

The Sustenance

First things first: The menu really depends on how much effort your group is willing to put in. You can keep things bare bones and go all BYOB and BYOF, or go full potluck style and ask each guest to safely drop off portions the day-of so everyone’s actually eating the same meal. For a happy medium, you can send guests a few munchies and a bottle of wine as the host, and ask everyone to fend for themselves for the actual dinner.

The Decorations

If you’re the holiday party host, your Zoom backdrop should obviously be on point. While you can certainly make do with your existing decor, festive touches like twinkle lights, candlesticks, and napkin holders will take your solo tablescape to the next level. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can even send each guest a place setting bundle beforehand to recreate that cozy dinner party atmosphere. 

The Outfit 

Once you’ve got the event sorted, it’s time to turn your attention toward the mirror. While dressing up to sit at your kitchen table alone may sound excessive, donning your holiday-party best is a foolproof way to make life feel relatively normal for a few hours. While a dress and heels may be out of the question for some, a festive top, statement earrings, and fun eye makeup is manageable (especially with sweatpants and slippers on the bottom). 

Cheers to throwing a Zoom party that people will actually want to attend. Just don’t forget the music.