Reader's Digest

In this era of information overload, Reader’s Digest offers something unique: the very best advice, information and inspiration from multiple sources, condensed into an easy-to-read digest. In each issue you’ll get trusted, time-saving insights about Health, Personal Finance, Work, Family, and National issues, PLUS exclusive book excerpts, news-making interviews, and humor.

Ode to an Old Tree

A Blank Canvas

A Ride for a Lifetime • An Uber trip took a detour when the driver offered his ailing passenger one of his kidneys

GLAD TO HEAR IT 3 STORIES TO Make Your Day

How to Write an Unforgettable Holiday Letter • Nothing tells family and friends you're thinking of them more than a form letter. But how to begin? Don't fret! Writing the annual holiday missive isn't difficult. To help you get started, we've jotted down a few simple rules to guide you. alongside an annotated version of the letter we're sending out this year.

Cider the Service Cat

LIFE IN THESE United States

911 FAILS

A Cup of Comfort • The delicious beginnings of a beloved winter tradition: drinking hot chocolate

Magical Facts About the World of Disney

HUMOR in UNIFORM

WHERE, OH WHERE?

ALL in a Day's WORK

STILL LAUGH-IN’

Holiday Eating to Boost Immunity • Don't worry, you can still enjoy yourself!

News FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICINE

LAUGHTER THE BEST Medicine

HMM … WHERE HAVE I SEEN THAT FACE BEFORE? • Three art lovers meet their artistic doppelgangers.

Holiday Miracles • Magical tales of Christmas cheer, shared and received

The Cat Who Came Home for Christmas • And the making of a believer

When a Doorbell's Ring Means Hope • Who was leaving these mysterious gifts on our doorstep each night?

Blizzard Rescue • A disabled man was stuck in a snowbank—until a stranger heard his cries

A Scout Plays Santa • He sold more popcorn than almost anybody, but he had a bigger goal in mind

THE BEST GIFT I EVER GOT • Handmade or bought, these presents don't skimp on thought

10 NUTRITION myths • Plus what health experts want you to know instead

I WANT TO LIVE • The “most wonderful time of the year”is hard for many. Here, suicide survivors share what keeps them going.

SO THAT'S WHY WE DO THAT! • Where did all these common habits and inventions come from?

PARADISE ON FIRE • The historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, was burning, overwhelmed by the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history. For many, the only escape was to leap into the ocean.

FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE HOBBY • Have more fun. Learn new things. These aren't bad New Year's resolutions! Here's how to get started.

Next Goal Wins

The Holdovers

The RD List

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Brain GAMES SHARPEN YOUR MIND

WORD POWER • Wouldn't it be ice? In case you hadn't noticed, this three-letter sequence is all over the English language. As the winter solstice approaches, raise a glass to the ice hiding in these choice quiz words. If one or two skate by you, take our advice and check the answers on the next page.

SPECIAL OFFER

ANSWERS

A TRUSTED FRIEND IN A COMPLICATED WORLD • Friends and Family by Tom Froese, exclusively for Reader's Digest