Starbucks Patrons Spread the Cheer

Carolers crash tree lighting as Catholics hold competing event

(NEWSER) - When Scott Walker rechristened Wisconsin’s Capitol "holiday tree" a "Christmas tree," the atheists revolted ; now, in Rhode Island, the opposite is happening. When the governor unveiled the Statehouse "holiday tree," angry carolers crashed last night's tree lighting, interrupting a children's chorus to sing "O Christmas Tree." Meanwhile, a block away, the local Catholic diocese held a competing Christmas tree lighting. More»

Fantasy gifts for 2011 unveiled in 'Christmas Book'

(NEWSER) - It’s that time of year again: time for Neiman Marcus to say, “Recession? What recession?” and urge you to purchase a $250,000 mahogany speedboat for your beloved this Christmas. Yes, the Christmas Book was unveiled yesterday. To really get into the holiday spirit, read on for the highlights, via AP :

• $1 million: A cool mil will get you a fountain, apparently with water that dances to music, installed in your home.
• $420,000: Private jet tour of European flower shows.

Unfortunately, your peppermint mocha still contains calories

(NEWSER) - Beverages are liquid, so people seem to forget that they still have calories—especially holiday beverages, with their added peppermint, chocolate, and caramel. The New York Post lists five of the worst holiday drinks, courtesy of Eat This, Not That! author David Zinczenko:

• Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha: A venti with whole milk and whipped cream is a whopping 700 calories, about equal to 17-plus actual candy canes.
• McDonald's Frappe Caramel: A large will cost you 680 calories, and the same amount of sugar as 31 Werther's Original caramel chocolate candies.

Six signs that the holiday season has gotten too impatient

(NEWSER) - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ... even though we're not yet past Thanksgiving. The Week pores through local papers to find six tales of Christmas coming too early this year:

• It's never too early for eggnog lattes: In Seattle , at least one Starbucks started selling seasonal drinks right after Halloween.
• It could, however, be too early for Christmas trees: In South Dakota , trees were already being sold this week—will they even make it all the way to Christmas?

Obamas tell kid patients of 26 trees; 'presents not under each one'

(NEWSER) - The first family—minus the president, but plus the first dog—talked about their first White House Christmas yesterday, but Michelle Obama wouldn’t spill any secrets on what’s waiting for Barack under the tree. Malia told patients at the Children’s National Medical Center about the 26 trees decorating her new home, but clarified that, “Unfortunately we don't get presents under every tree,” People reports. More»