Life

Bustle's Editors On The Inauguration + Xmas TV

by Rachel Simon

You've made it to Thursday, everyone! It might not quite be the end of the week, but it's certainly pretty damn close. And for those of you traveling across the country, hopping on a bus, or putting in some other kind of effort to get to see your family and friends over the holidays, hopefully you're able to get a head-start on your trip before things get too crazy travel-wise.

Even if you're just staying put this weekend, though, try to make the most of the wintery weather by cozying up with loved ones and watching those X-mas movie marathons on every channel. Before getting too settled in, though, catch up on today's news and events, from Kellyanne Conway's appointment to Chrissy Teigen's love affair with her popcorn machine.

Kellyanne Conway + Trump's Administration

The woman who served as Donald Trump's campaign manager will be taking on a huge role in his administration, according to the president-elect's transition team. Conway will be Trump's counselor to the president, which is upsetting to many people who have criticized Conway for defending Trump's lewd comments and acting as his surrogate on the campaign trail.

Ivanka Update: On Thursday morning, a man was removed from a JetBlue flight for accosting Ivanka Trump, who was also on the plane with her family. The man reportedly told the future first daughter, "Your father is ruining the country!" before being taken off the flight. Eek.

Inauguration + The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Many people are dreading watching Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 — including countless celebs, as unlike in every other year, no A-list talent has agreed to perform at the event. Instead, it's been announced that a former America's Got Talent contestant and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will perform, which is... quite a lineup.

How to Help the LGBTQ community: If the events of this past year have made you more determined to support marginalized groups than ever, check out the new foundation started by musicians Tegan and Sara, a nonprofit dedicated to helping LGBTQ women and girls.

Must-See TV + Christmas Eve

If your holiday celebration traditionally includes settling down in front of the TV with your loved ones on Christmas Eve, you're in luck, because this Dec. 24, there are plenty of great options to watch. Check out the 2016 Christmas Eve TV lineup to see when and where you should tune in for viewings of The Polar Express, Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, and more.

Fun Fact: According to a survey from the Associated Press, the average age that kids stop believing in Santa Claus is.... 8 years old. So if you have a young'un in your family, keep the belief going as long as you can.

2016 + Pop Culture

I think we can all agree that 2016 was a pretty crappy year, all things considered. But if you look back at the pop culture events that happened over these last 12 months, from Beyoncé dropping Lemonade to Saturday Night Live introducing David S. Pumpkins, you might be surprised to see just how much good stuff happened, too. Take a look at the 107 pop culture events that made 2016 not a total dump of a year and remember the good times that were had.

But Bring on 2017: Once you're done looking back at the year, though, check out the 52 pop culture things that we should all leave behind in 2017, from the adventures of Hiddleswift to that awful Kermit the Frog meme.

Hamilton + Planned Parenthood

Still in need of a gift for your theater-loving, Trump-hating friend or relative? Look no further than the Hamilton—Planned Parenthood sweepstakes, which, if you donate $10 to the feminist organization, enters you into a contest to see three Hamilton productions across the country and hang with the casts backstage. Um, count me in.

Book Break: Catch up on your reading over the holidays by checking out one (or many) of the 20 most important books from 2016, which range from Colson Whitehead's harrowing The Underground Railroad to Jacqueline Woodson's moving Another Brooklyn.

Today's WTF Moment: Chrissy Teigen and her popcorn machine are the love story you never knew you needed.

What to Watch: At midnight, you can check out the Sense8 Christmas special on Netflix, which should get you pumped for the show's Season 2 premiere next year.

Design: Chelsea LaSalle, Alyssa Foote