How New Zealand Won Christmas: 5 Brilliant Stories

Plus, a unique first dance
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 4, 2016 5:19 AM CST
How New Zealand Won Christmas: 5 Brilliant Stories
Stock image   (Getty Images / PavelIvanov)

In the spirit of the season, a huge gift exchange and a very special Santa make this week's list of brilliant stories:

  • Internet Helps Dad Find Special Sippy Cup for Autistic Son: Ben Carter is 14, autistic, and will only drink from one particular type of cup. When his dad found out it was discontinued, he turned to the internet for help—and that help arrived in a very big way.
  • Newlyweds Have First Dance on Ohio Highway: Jeff and Rebecca Payne were headed from their wedding to their reception in Dayton when they got stuck in traffic on US Route 35 after a multicar crash (no one was seriously injured). After an hour or so, someone in a nearby car offered them a fantastic suggestion, and they took his advice.

  • New Zealand 'Wins Christmas' With Nationwide Secret Santa: Some 2,000 Kiwis will receive holiday gifts this year—from complete strangers. The novel gift exchange idea sounds very cool, even though it does involve some "light stalking."
  • Missing Dog Found 3 Years Later, 1.2K Miles Away: On Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, the Gerstein family's dog, Bella, went missing after Bill Gerstein let her out outside his law office in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Almost exactly three years later, she showed back up—1,200 miles away, in New Jersey. Gerstein has his dog back, and he's learned a very important lesson.
  • Santa Larry Breaks Mall of America's Santa Color Barrier: For the first time in 24 years, the Santa Experience at the Mall of America in Minnesota will have a black Santa. Meet "Santa Larry," who says, "Anybody can be Santa; it’s what’s in your heart."
Click for more uplifting news, including a pilot's friendly message. (More uplifting news stories.)

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