Table of contents for December/January 2026 in Woman's Day

Julee Wilson Guest Beauty Editor The industry icon believes beauty is more than skin-deep—it’s a celebration of culture, confidence, and joy. A longtime beauty and lifestyle editor, Julee has made her mark at top publications including Cosmopolitan, Essence, and HuffPost, championing stories that reflect every shade of gorgeous. When not testing the latest lipstick or chatting with icons about self-care, Julee is likely hanging out with her husband and sons, scrolling for travel inspo, or planning her next big hair moment. Her mission: to make everyone feel seen, celebrated, and absolutely stunning, inside and out. Check her out! @missjulee Kate Merker Chief Food Director, Hearst Meet the tastemaker behind your favorite recipes. Kate leads the team cooking up food content for Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, and more. Her kitchen…

save the dates! winter wonder ★ DECEMBER 9 ★ National Christmas Card Day ★ DECEMBER 17 ★ National Maple Syrup Day ★ JANUARY 2 ★ National Science Fiction Day ★ JANUARY 16 ★ National Religious Freedom Day ★ JANUARY 21 ★ National Hugging Day Follow me! @heather_stillufsen rosehilldesignstudio.etsy.com it’s sweater weather! ★ DECEMBER 19 ★ Celebrate National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day with a batch of our sugar cookies that double as edible works of art. Invite friends and family members to join in the decorating: Set out bowls of toppings, play holiday music, and vote for the “ugliest” (or most creative) cookie. editor-approved presents ★ MERRY EVERYTHING ★ We asked Julee Wilson, beauty editor at large of our sister mag Cosmopolitan, to spill about her gift choices. SLOWLY SIMMERED ★…

In 2016, Michelle Smith left behind “mommy wine culture” and chose a life of sobriety—a move that cracked her open and changed everything. Out of that transformation came Recovery Is the New Black, a community in which women can be honest about their struggles and find support in living alcohol-free. “I was drinking to escape the stress of life,” Michelle says. “Getting sober taught me to give myself the same grace I’ve always given everyone else.” Now she shares her story to normalize sobriety and remind women that they’re not alone. gentle shift “Giving myself the same grace I have always given everyone else has changed everything.” Pick up Michelle’s Living Sober, Living Free: A Guided Journal for Women Who Want to Stop Drinking on Amazon. 10,000 Steps a Day,…

Thinking about your next getaway? London has a way of making you fall in love with it at first sight. One moment you’re passing centuries-old icons like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, the next you’re sipping tea in a chic café or browsing colorful market stalls. With world-class theater, charming neighborhoods, irresistible shopping, and history at every turn, the city offers a sublime mix of old-world magic and modern-day fun—all just a flight away. Stay in the heart of it all The Stafford Hotel  thestaffordlondon.com Tucked on charming St. James’s Place yet steps from Buckingham Palace, The Stafford is the rare London hotel where you feel hidden away but have the whole city at your doorstep. See all the sights A private guide from Kensington Tours turns viewing…

Baking family memories Faithful reader Virginia Maisch’s award-winning challah has twice taken top honors at the North Carolina State Fair, and she has passed her love of baking down to her children and grandchildren. Whether she’s decorating cookies with one of her granddaughters (Caleigh, left; Loren, when she is home on military leave; or Emily, a mom of two who even makes her own bread) or family members are just swapping photos of treats, Virginia says WD recipes keep them connected in all seasons.…

table talk What’s a small joy you’d wrap up and give to everyone? Sheet Pan Salmon with Artichokes, Chickpeas, and Spinach ACTIVE 15 MIN. ◆ TOTAL 15 MIN. SERVES 4 1 12-oz bag frozen artichokes, thawed1 13.5-oz can chickpeas, drained3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped4 Tbsp olive oil, dividedKosher salt and pepper4 6-oz skin-on salmon fillets5 cups baby spinach2 Tbsp toasted pine nuts, chopped½ cup basil leaves, roughly choppedLemon wedges, for serving 1 Set oven rack 2 in. from broiler and heat on high. On large rimmed baking sheet, toss artichokes, chickpeas, garlic, 3 Tbsp oil, and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. 2 Brush salmon with remaining Tbsp oil; season with ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Nestle fish in chickpea mixture, skin side down, and broil until salmon is golden…

1 Journal for joy. “I love journaling, because it boosts self-reflection, enhances creativity, and reduces stress,” says Vaughn Gray, NASM-CPT, a wellness expert and personal trainer in New York City. He suggests experimenting with journaling styles to see what you like: “There’s no right or wrong way—just make it enjoyable!” A bullet journal is task-oriented, a gratitude journal focuses on positive aspects of life, and a free-form one is about release and self-expression. Start with a few minutes daily, then expand on that. 2 DO A DAILY DIGITAL DETOX It can be all too easy to get lost in a doom-scrolling spiral on dark winter days, especially when you’re cooped up at home. Don’t let that happen! Your overall well-being will benefit if you take a little break each day.…

THEY SAY: “Feed a cold, starve a fever” is the recipe for recovery. NAH You should eat no matter what type of illness you have, including when you’re feverish. Your body needs nourishment to help you get well, and it burns more calories when it’s working harder to fight illness. If you don’t have an appetite, soup is a good choice. And drink plenty of fluids, as a fever can dehydrate you. THEY SAY: Everyone should get a flu shot unless their doctor advises against it. TRUE Even if you’re healthy now, you can still be badly affected by the flu. Also, getting a flu shot helps protect those around you who might not fare well if they got sick, such as the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.…

Write On! Part Kindle, part notebook, the Kindle Scribe lets you read, write, annotate, and share notes seamlessly. From $399, Amazon Bliss Blanket Possibly the softest, snuggliest throw that ever existed. My kids fight over ours! Lola, from $109, lolablankets.com Hottest Console The Nintendo Switch 2 tops many wish lists (including my sons’!) —it is portable, family-friendly, and endlessly fun. $450, nintendo.com Genius Ski Goggles One piece of tech that lets you find friends, control music, check notifications, and view stats—all hands-free. Rekkie Smart Snow Goggles, $349, rekkie.com Tree Chic Give peace a chance or spread the love with this reversible ornament. Peace & Love, $42, jonathanadler.com the best gift I love this picture from a few years ago: my kids and I dressed as reindeer and our dog, Dempsey,…

It’s that time of year when the days shorten, the skies feel quiet, and everything, including you, seems to slow down. You’re not broken or burned out; you’re just a little…meh, as if your spark is taking a seasonal nap. Our resident meditation teacher, Lindsey Benoit O’Connell, has a gentle reminder: Your spark hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply in hibernation. If you’re feeling off, take this as your permission slip to stop pushing and start pausing. That energy, that fire, is still there—it’s just in winter mode. Here’s how to keep it glowing while giving yourself the rest you need. “Winter Energy” Is Real Nature slows down in winter—and so should we. Bears are napping, trees are in conservation mode, and even houseplants are chilling out. So why do we expect ourselves…

Have you ever had an anxious feeling in your gut as you anticipate being with certain family members at the holidays? For me, such a person was someone I’ll just call “Aunt Sherry.” Each year I found myself dreading the obligatory air hug beside the Christmas tree. As we released our forced embrace, she’d survey my face and ask, “What are those red bumps on your chin?” Or she’d look over my entire body and remark, “Darling, are you pregnant?” Nope, not pregnant. And those bumps on my chin would be cystic acne, thank you very much. Maybe you have your own Aunt Sherry: an uncle with radical opinions, a cousin who gets loud when she drinks too much, or in-laws who are way too involved in your business. My…

Cindy McKay INTERIOR DESIGNER Based in Toronto, Canada, Cindy creates beautiful, functional, and deeply personal spaces. She loves incorporating color and pattern and layering in vintage elements wherever possible. Follow me! @cindymckayinteriors cindymckayinteriors.com Raise a jolly glass! Swap out everyday cups for conversation-starting glassware. tie one on “I think every space needs a little something—it can be as simple as a wreath with a bow, as seen in my powder room.” Make the Perfect Bow 1. Using about 15" of ribbon for a medium bow, form 2 equally sized loops. 2. Cross the right loop over the left one, creating a small third loop below the first two. 3. Fold the left loop down behind the right loop and through the bottom loop. 4. Gently tug the loops and fluff…

Home sweet home Our chief crafting officer, Amanda Kingloff, has the cure for the post-holiday heartbreak that comes with needing to toss your gingerbread masterpiece. Her clever version—made from an upcycled tissue box, cardboard, and a dash of imagination—lets you enjoy the magic for keeps. Want more of Amanda’s whimsical, family-friendly ideas? Visit projectkid.com. WHAT YOU’LL NEED Square tissue box • Cardboard • Scissors • Aleene’s Tacky Glue • Red-and-white paper straws • Colored cardstock • White cupcake liner • Pipe cleaners • Foam brush • White cardstock • Iridescent glitter • Green felt • Mini red and white pom-poms • White paint pen STEP 1 Trace the side of the tissue box onto cardboard and cut out. Repeat to make a second piece. Print the template (womansday.com/house-template), trace, and cut…

“French onion soup is a full-on tradition in my house—I even registered for those little crocks for my wedding!”—Susan Choung, recipe editor Woman’s Day invites you to devote at least one Sunday this January to gathering around the table for a big, delicious meal with friends and family in honor of National Sunday Supper Month. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, reconnect, and share food (and stories!) with the people you love most. The goal of the movement is simple: Bring back the tradition of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones from multiple generations. And we made it easy with recipes that take the stress out of hosting. Think cozy pasta bakes that bubble away in the oven, slow braises that will feed a crowd, and set-it-and-forget-it dishes made…

The idea that clothes could affect my energy like either a venti cup of coffee or a tranquilizer was a long-held belief I temporarily cast aside during the stressful first weeks of the COVID lockdown. It was right around then that I became a walking version of a meme about daytime and nighttime PJ’s and elastic waistbands. The day I finally blow-dried my hair and put on real clothes (albeit still with an elastic waistband… baby steps!) and a little makeup, I instantly felt more motivated and calm than I had in a while. It sent the message to my subconscious that I could in fact homeschool and make a magazine and finish a book and record a podcast and better manage my stress—or at least want to keep trying.…

shell yeah! Celebrate the Italian American Christmas Eve feast—minus the marathon cooking—with seven kinds of seafood in one dish. Salad of the Seven Fishes ACTIVE 20 MIN. TOTAL 50 MIN. SERVES 6 ½ Tbsp finely grated lemon zest, plus2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about2 lemons) and lemon wedges for serving1 small clove garlic, pressedKosher salt and pepper3 Tbsp olive oil8 oz small squid, steamed8 oz large cooked peeled shrimp, tails removed1 lb mussels, steamed12 littleneck clams, steamed6 oz cooked octopus tentacle (about 1 tentacle)4 oz bay scallops (or sea scallops, cut into ½-in. pieces), steamed1 small bulb fennel, very thinly sliced½ small red chile, very thinly sliced1 stalk celery, very thinly sliced¼ cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, sliced4 oz cooked lump crabmeat, picked½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 In large…

1 START WITH GRATITUDE Before your a.m. coffee, name one person you’re thankful for and send them a quick Thinking of you text. Instant yay! 2 Offer a compliment Tell a stranger something kind—and be specific with your praise. The pleasure you’ll give will be contagious. 3. SEND JOY BY SNAIL MAIL Handwrite a thank-you note or a card. The envelope may be small, but the gesture is mighty. 4 Give a local boost Donate to a food pantry, an animal shelter, or a toy drive that speaks to your heart. 5 Light it up Whether it’s a menorah, twinkle lights, or a single candle, pause for a breath as you watch the glow. 6. BREAK BREAD TOGETHER Share a batch of cookies, a gluten-free challah, or even store-bought sweets.…

TWEEN BEAUTY Founded by Tara Tersigni, a mom of three and a longtime beauty executive, Yawn is a brand for tweens that we wish had existed sooner. It offers playful, age-appropriate essentials with gentle formulas and cute, gift-ready packaging—perfect for stockings or first-makeup moments. Tara started Yawn after spotting a gap in the market: Kids wanted fun, parents prized safety. This line delivers both, offering confidence, color, and care with easy routines they’ll love. Check her out! @yawn.world @yawn.world yawn.world heirloom ornaments Inspired by a journey through Central Asia, Anne-Laure Py set out to uplift the craftswomen she’d met. Today her brand, Craftspring, partners with woman-led artisan groups in Kyrgyzstan, India, and elsewhere to support livelihoods and preserve traditions by creating whimsical ornaments that are felted, embroidered, and naturally dyed.…

Tantalizing toffee For more than 20 years, WD reader Diana Barden has made the toffee featured in our November 1998 issue. Every Christmas season she whips up five or six batches to give as gifts and serve at parties, and friends ask if she’s selling it (she’s not!) or guarding a secret family recipe (also no—she happily shares the magazine clipping). Her personal twist: using toasted slivered almonds for extra crunch. “I look forward to Woman’s Day,” Diana says. “It’s where my favorite traditions begin.”…

Treating parts of your daily routine as mini flash workouts could help boost your heart health. Moving with purpose at a higher intensity for just three minutes a day—even while doing everyday stuff—can make a difference, says new research in Circulation led by Emmanuel Stamatakis, Ph.D., a professor of physical activity, lifestyle, and population health at the University of Sydney. MAKE DAILY MOVES COUNT. Walk briskly to the copier, take the stairs, or vacuum like you mean it. Even bursts of “incidental activity” as short as 30 seconds to two minutes strengthen your heart and lower your disease risk. FIND YOUR EFFORT LEVEL. You should be able to talk but not easily sing while doing moderate-intensity activity; if you can’t do either, you’ve hit vigorous intensity—even better! KEEP DOING WORKOUTS…

in this issue For just 7¢ at the grocery store, we were once The A&P Magazine, as this cover shows. The December 1953 issue delivered 24 cookie recipes along with ideas for handmade gifts, Christmas fiction, and dishes for parties—a joyful mix of food, crafts, and inspiration. It’s a nostalgic snapshot of how Woman’s Day helped families bring holiday magic to life on a budget. LIFE in 1953 JANUARY Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated as the 34th U.S. President, ushering in a postwar era of prosperity, stability, and booming suburban development. JANUARY Lucy Ricardo’s onscreen pregnancy broke TV taboos, and about 70% of U.S. households with TV sets tuned in to I Love Lucy to witness the birth of Little Ricky. MAY Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the…