👋 Welcome to Smileworthy, where we round up all the good things happening out there that are not receiving the attention they deserve!

This week, we’ve got a mammoth coffee donation to protesters, holiday reunions and the big maximalist Christmas decor trend that’s sweeping social (and how you can get in on the nostalgia without breaking the bank!)

Before we jump right in, we want to wish all our wonderful Smileworthy readers a joyous Christmas filled with love, laughter, and the magic of the season! 🎄✨

Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here!

Happy Headlines 📰

It’s not all doom and gloom out there. Here’s some positive news items from publications around the world.

☕ Anonymous donor prepays $3,800 worth of coffee for protesters

🦾 Three children receive 'best Christmas present in the world' - bionic arms

🐶 Saddest dog in town spent over 2 years at shelter but finally gets a home for Christmas

🐢 After being struck by a boat, this paralyzed sea turtle can now swim with an innovative 3D-printed harness

🌍 Seven quiet breakthroughs for climate and nature in 2024 you might have missed

💝 Olivia Rodrigo donates more than $2 million from Guts World Tour proceeds to global charities

⛹🏽‍♀️ From Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles to a new hockey league, women’s sports had a pivotal year

Quick Lifts ❤️

Heartwarming human interest stories from Happilynews.com guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Battle Buddies Reunite After 3 Years Apart 🪖🥹

A former USAF medic leaped into the arms of his battle buddy when he turned around to see him for the first time in three years.

This Christmas Reunion Will Warm Your Heart ❤️🔥

When he lost his job, Aaron feared he wouldn’t be able to fly in his son for Christmas like he always did. But then his big brother stepped up…

Teen Surprised With Late Uncle’s Beloved Truck ❤️🛻

Brodie couldn’t believe his eyes when he stepped outside and saw the truck. He keeps his late uncle’s hat on the passenger side headrest whenever he’s driving it to this day.

Give a gift that gives back this season! Shop our store and support spreading positive news worldwide. Exclusive offer for our amazing subscribers: Use code SMILE15 at checkout for a special discount. Happy shopping!👇

Live Life Happily 😃

This Christmas, more is more! Maximalist decorating is taking over, with people embracing vibrant colors, extravagant displays, and a "go big or go home" approach to holiday cheer.

And Erika Kikola (@whilefloriansleeps) - whose Christmas tree alone features hundreds of decorations alone - has shared her tips with us on how to achieve that perfect nostalgia-filled Christmas look without breaking the bank.

“When people come into the house, they’re like, whoa! This is like the North Pole!” says Erika, an interior designer whose maximalist Christmas style has become one of the hottest trends this festive season. 

For Erika Kikola, more is always more, and her unapologetic Christmas aesthetic – made up of tens of thousands of items some dating back over 100 years – is bringing a sense of nostalgia at every turn. 

Maximalist Christmas decor has become a viral trend on social media, with many seeing Erika as the North Star of the style – though she humbly doesn't see things that way. 

For anyone looking to start, though, Erika has shared her top tips for how and why Happily followers can explore and create a stunning maximalist Christmas. 

#1: Maximalism = maximum fun! 

“When people come into the house, [they’re] like, whoa! This is like the North Pole! It's just really incorporating tons of color, pattern, and fun, and you don't match it. You really just go all in, use as much as you want. It feels great. Sometimes I do buy stuff that's not really practical, but I won't regret that, I don’t think.” 

#2: You can thrift your decor! 

“Keep your eye out at all times for good deals at thrift stores, yard sales, you name it. You have got to be looking at [online marketplaces]. It takes a long time to collect this many ornaments! 

“For ornaments that are on the tree, there's definitely over a thousand on this tree. I have some that are probably 100 years old. I was raised mostly by my grandparents, and they would only show vintage TV shows, and I remember just being obsessed with all the decor and the clothing. 

“They just don't make stuff like this anymore, they really don't with all the color and whimsy. One is actually a homemade ornament probably from the sixties or seventies [when] women would have parties and take push pins and design their own ornament. I love to think about how much time it took and the gathering. It's just so special to me!”

Click below to get the rest of Erika’s exclusive tips ⤵️ 

Before You Go…A Serotonin Booster* 📺

This dad gets surprised with a dream Mustang for Christmas…and his reaction is so wholesome!

*Studies show that watching cute, heartwarming videos can boost your mood. So sit back and start your weekend positively!

P.S. Fancy spreading some extra sunshine? ☀️ Your support helps us keep the good vibes flowing and brings these heartwarming stories to life. If you're feeling the Happily spirit, why not buy our team a virtual coffee? ☕ It's like a warm hug for our hearts, and it fuels our mission to share the best of humanity with you. Just click here to show your support! buymeacoffee.com/happily