Weekend: Can I Tell My MIL I Hate Her Gift? 🎁

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. We may not have reached peak holidays yet, but I’m already moving on to 2025. Specifically, my (sort of) unserious resolutions, which include: nailing Katie Holmes’s effortlessly chic cold-weather outfit formula; stocking up on surprisingly cool micro-scarves (they’re apparently “an absurd yet functional must-have”); and making bolder shoe choices, inspired by Céline Dion’s, shall we say, unique boots (I think that’s a chicken…on fire?) and Rihanna’s extremely bejeweled, high-fashion Crocs. I also plan to do more traveling (perhaps a trendy “celestial retreat” is in my future) and baking, which I might get a head start on this weekend. After all, this Single Serve Double Chocolate Cookie is calling my name…

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

EAT: Carolina Gelen’s One-Pan Garlicky Chicken Couscous

Few Things Are Cozier (or Easier) Than This One-Pan Garlicky Chicken Couscous

theSkimm

What’s that saying, don’t mess with the classics? We usually agree — but on occasion, we’re willing to make an exception. This time, it’s for the One-Pan Garlicky Chicken Couscous from Carolina Gelen’s cookbook, Pass the Plate. A twist on traditional chicken and rice, this very unfussy, very cozy crowd-pleaser combines perfectly crispy chicken thighs, pearled couscous toasted in schmaltzy deliciousness, jammy shallots, plenty of garlic, and chicken bouillon for that “ultimate chicken-soup flavor.” Finish off the dish with a bright, tangy dill sauce and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to comfort meal.

The Time Commitment: Just over an hour — but the chicken and couscous bakes for nearly half of that time.

Key Tips: If you’re looking for vegetarian or pescetarian options, Gelen suggests swapping the chicken for salmon, tofu, or even mushrooms. Also, if you don’t have pearled couscous, you can use orzo, basmati rice, or pastina instead.

Other Takes: For more chicken dinners as homey as a pair of worn-in flannel pajamas, this Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Chickpeas comes together in one pan (and all at once), making it ideal for a random Thursday when you don’t feel like cooking. That’s also true of this creamy, restaurant-worthy Chicken and Butternut Squash Orzo, which “delivers in every single way possible.” Meanwhile, this recipe for spicy, saucy Kung Pao Chicken with Noodles is the next best thing to going out for Chinese, and this Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma is a low-lift riff on the beloved street food — which must be served with the best pita you can find.

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Private Rites by Julia Armfield

theSkimm

If you’re a sucker for a good Shakespeare reimagining (hello, 10 Things I Hate About You fans), you’ll want to add Julia Armfield’s Private Rites to the top of your reading list. A queer, dystopian take on King Lear, the gripping novel centers around three estranged sisters — therapist and soon-to-be-divorcée Isla, office administrator and middle child Irene, and barista-with-an-attitude Agnes — brought together by the death of their father, a famous (and famously mean) architect. As the sisters return to the massive glass house where they grew up to sort through his belongings, they uncover the secrets he left behind — including an earth-shattering revelation in his will, which threatens to tear them apart even further. We asked Armfield a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?

Armfield: Uninspiring horror movies — I have a Substack on the topic.

Q: What’s the last social media post you sent to your friends?

Armfield: It was probably Paul Mescal calling himself a big brave strong boy on Hot Ones.

Q: What’s your shortcut to relaxation?

Armfield: Going climbing, then sitting on the bus after climbing and trying not to fall asleep.

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Light Displays You Shouldn’t Skip this Holiday Season

theSkimm

Take in the magic of the season from the comfort of your own car. Imagine driving through a holiday wonderland in a bold and sleek ride from the Toyota Crown Family. Complete with heated seats and an available fixed panoramic roof for an elevated viewing experience, it’s the perfect way to stay present in the moment. Let’s ride.

🪨 Lights Under Louisville is located exactly where it says it is: underground in Louisville, KY. Drive through the largest man-made cave system in North America and discover nearly 1,000 light and laser themed displays set to holiday music. Drive your own car or book a coach bus or limo for bigger groups and special occasions. Prefer a guided tour? They have that too.

🛣️ Winter Wonderland in Portland, OR, aka the largest light show in the Northwest, is a must-visit attraction. The display spans the Portland International Raceway and has 250 colorful light set pieces and fully animated scenes with festive music. Bonus: All proceeds from the event go towards hunger relief for local families in need.

🌲 Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ invites your family for a magical journey through 32 acres of themed light displays, complete with accompanying music you play right from your car. Continue the holiday cheer as you warm up by the firepit, roast marshmallows, and listen to Santa’s singing reindeer.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...to get behind the wheel of the stylish and sophisticated Toyota Crown Family. Every ride provides an immersive experience and leaves an impression on the road. Let’s go places.

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

Q: A few years ago, I made the mistake of being too enthusiastic about my mother-in-law’s holiday gift, which was a tacky sweater. Now, that’s all she gets me. Should I continue faking my excitement, or is there a way to be honest?

“[I’d say something like], ‘Thank you so much for the sweaters you’ve given me throughout the years. I genuinely appreciate the effort and love that you’ve put into choosing them. However, I realize I may have been a little too enthusiastic years ago. Now, I [have so many] I don’t get a chance to wear all the sweaters … If you’re open to it, I’d love to share some suggestions for future gifts. For example, I really enjoy…’ and then fill in the blank. Or, [you could say], ‘Why don’t we schedule some time to do an activity together instead?’ … [Try to choose something that’s about the same price] and make it meaningful.”

Featured Expert

Juliet Mitchell

Life etiquette expert and president/CEO of Life Etiquette Institute

Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week?

My partner and I recently broke up. They want to share custody of our dog, but I think it’s too messy and only one of us should be the owner. Am I in the wrong?

Whenever my kid goes to their best friend’s house, they watch hours of TV instead of playing — which makes me uncomfortable. I know playdates can be exhausting to host, so should I just let this go?

I love my friend, but she always cancels our plans at the last minute. How should I approach her about my frustration?

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If you're sick of your usual dinner-and-drinks situation, try this bowling alley/nightlife experience with great food and cocktails. Even non-bowlers will have fun.

Free T-shirt, anyone? Through December 31, new customers can get Universal Standard's cult-favorite, everyday T-shirt for free with code FREETEE-THESKIMM.

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Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here.

Weekend: Can I Tell My MIL I Hate Her Gift? 🎁

Few Things Are Cozier (or Easier) Than This One-Pan Garlicky Chicken Couscous

theSkimm

What’s new in food & home:

Private Rites by Julia Armfield

theSkimm

Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?

Q: What’s the last social media post you sent to your friends?

Q: What’s your shortcut to relaxation?

Meanwhile, on the internet...

Light Displays You Shouldn’t Skip this Holiday Season

theSkimm

Q: A few years ago, I made the mistake of being too enthusiastic about my mother-in-law’s holiday gift, which was a tacky sweater. Now, that’s all she gets me. Should I continue faking my excitement, or is there a way to be honest?

Featured Expert

Juliet Mitchell

Shop smarter with the Skimm Shopping newsletter—your guide to curated products, books, and more to solve your everyday needs.

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