theSkimm - Weekend: Karma is the guy on the Chiefs

Weekends are a good time to unwind. For that, we’ve rounded up the most fun and interesting stories we came across this week — the ones we texted our friends about. Enjoy.

“This is why I stay on land”

— One person, after exploring the depths of #NorthSeaTok. For shore.

theSkimm With

Travis Kelce

One of 2023’s MVPs? Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. He earned his second Super Bowl ring, hosted “Saturday Night Live,” and launched his own music festival. And that was before a certain someone walked into Arrowhead Stadium and ate a chicken finger, seemingly with ranch. Ahead of today’s game against the New England Patriots, we caught up with Kelce over email. He’s promoting Pfizer’s updated COVID-19 shot (“I got mine!”) but agreed to answer a few rapid-fire questions about playing against his brother, whether he’s a cat lover (listen up, Olivia Benson), and more...

Q: Let’s start with some ‘90s nostalgia. What was your first screen name, and what’s the story behind it?

Haru_90210 because “Beverly Hills Ninja” was my favorite movie growing up.

Q: What’s your most-used emoji?

😂 I use this emoji all day, every day.

Q: What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy.”

Q: Cold plunges have made quite a splash this year. Are you Team sauna or Team cold plunge?

Team sauna.

Q: This one’s a little more controversial: Are you a cat person or dog person?

Dog. But I had both a dog and cat growing up.

Q: What’s one thing — material or immaterial — that you wish there was an endless supply of?

Positivity. Who doesn’t love a positive mindset to go through your day?

Q: What’s the very last thing you do before each game?

Eat some good French toast and listen to some game day music.

Q: With the holidays around the corner, what’s your favorite tradition?

My new favorite tradition might be recording holiday music with my brother, [Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce].

Q: Speaking of Jason, what’s it like to play a NFL game against your brother?

We grew up playing together in our backyard. We are never on the field simultaneously, but that energy and excitement feels the same as when we were kids.

Q: What do you think is secretly your mom’s favorite NFL team?

Gotta be the Chiefs, right? 😏

Q: What do you think people would find most surprising about your wellness routine?

No surprises, the rules are the same for everyone – eat well, sleep well, hydrate, stay active, remain positive and driven. Another important thing you can do to help protect yourself is get an updated COVID-19 shot. That’s why I got mine! Ask your doctor or pharmacist about an updated COVID-19 shot or go to VaxAssist.com to schedule an appointment.

Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What's Happening

❤️ In relationships…

As more couples are reportedly changing their tune on wedding music, others are saying ‘thanks but no thanks’ to modern marriages. And some are keeping their breakups on the DL. Plus, if you’re tired of paired-up friends living vicariously through your dating drama, maybe get them wrapped up in “Dating Wrapped.”

🏠 In home…

If your house is in need of a little glow up, get ahead of the curve with scalloped edges. You could also consider cozying up to corduroy or adding a dash of kitsch to the kitchen. And while some are feeling divided, more and more Americans are bunking up, apparently.

🧘‍♀️ In wellness…

Can’t sing a song while sprinting? Join the club. Perhaps you’ll have more success with skijoring. Meanwhile, some experts are planting seeds of doubt about flax seeds. Oh and if you’re a morning person, you might have Neanderthals to thank.

Bookmark'd

Here's a look at the reads we’ve saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…

Advantage Naomi...Naomi Osaka is headed back to the court. But first, she’s opening up about motherhood and feeling more confident than ever.

I Spent $85 to Eat Breakfast With Santa...calling all “Christmas adults,” here’s something to dig into.

Hairstylists Have Always Been Mental Health Caretakers. Now, They’re Being Trained for It...turns out, lots of people are asking for a shampoo, cut, and cry sesh.

Our Favorite Holiday Gifts

You’ve scoured the internet and you’ve racked your brain trying to think of a gift for the person in your life who has everything. Now sit down and take a load off, because we’re here to help. Check out:

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. The only face wash you'll ever need.

One of our shopping editors started cleansing with this back in 2019, and now she can't use anything else. It's made with turmeric, white tea, blueberry, and a probiotic blend to leave your skin clean, soft, and glowing.

Wash up

2. The secret to staying hydrated.

...is a water bottle you enjoy drinking out of. This one has a built-in filtration system, so any old tap water will taste crystal-clear. It's the best kind of practical gift, for anyone on your list.

Sip it

3. What our editors are obsessed with: gifting edition.

Here's what our editors are planning to gift for everyone on their lists this holiday season...and what's still on their personal wish lists. (Hint, hint.)

Shop on

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Gifts of the Day

This adult coloring book, a thoughtful journal, and a handy book light.

Save the Date

Like ours, your work and personal calendars are probably hectic. So here are some events you should know about...

Want your gifts to arrive before the holidays? UPS, USPS, and FedEx are all saying ‘last call.’

Consider this your cue: “Maestro,” starring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan, is now on Netflix.

In case you needed another excuse to stay inside all day, winter is officially here.

PS: Want more events like this on your cal? theSkimm App gives you a heads-up on when everything from holidays to sports games to awards shows are going down. Download it here.