I really loved this book. It was so fascinating and the way they didn't just dive into the history of the crimes, but of the country at the time was so good.
Another fave: The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum!!

You can, and you should, have whatever joy you can scrape up.
It's not selfish to consider yourself first sometimes. It only feels like that because we're taught that we shouldn't think of ourselves first, if at all. But you can and should take care of yourself. And that includes celebration. ❤️

If you're solo, not celebrating, heck even if you're throwing a blow out for the whole block: care for yourself. Take a warm shower if you feel up to it. Take your meds. Drink a big glass of water. Step outside for a hot second and take a deep breath. One day isn't worth your mental health.

If you are flying solo, or opting out of celebrating: take a moment and remember, you are magnificent. Stars collapsed to create you. Wow! We're all really lucky you're here!
That's something to celebrate, even if nothing else feels worth celebrating.

Save your spoons: use paper plates if dishes are overwhelming for you right now. Use aluminum pans, use plastic cutlery. It's about knowing your exhaustion triggers and working around them.

Next: Figure out what feels special for you. What food, what activity.
Is sugary cereal a big treat for you? Does going out for a hike feel special?
If you're hosting, ask your guests in advance what their special foods are. Offer to make them, or even better, ask them to bring it.

Our first step, is to decide how you will celebrate. (I'm assuming you've decided to celebrate. If you decide not to, please have a self care day! These tips will help you with that!)
Are you going to spend the day with friends? Family you still speak to? Will you host? Are you going solo?

What are my qualifications? I am an average, middle aged, Midwestern gal who hosts an Oops All Siblings Thanksgiving. I have been No Contact with my parents for 6 months. And I have 3 grown daughters who still snuggle up to me and their Dad on the couch.
I want you to have a good holiday.

"But Allyson", you say, "Isn't The Onion already, basically, The Weekly World News"?
No. Because when we entered this hell dimension, everything The Onion wrote became true. So it's become real news.
I want the fantastical. Give me clam chowder shuddering to sentience and becoming an influencer.

My subscription for the print edition is worth it for this alone.

It's my husband's favorite! And I think, criminally overlooked.
We named our Youngest daughter after a character in The True Bride.

Technically Jim Henson's Storyteller is a "tv show" but today we'd call it a "limited series", which tip toes into movie territory for me.

My top 5 would be
1: Christmas Carol
2: The Great Muppet Caper
3: Labyrinth (I know it's not Muppets proper, but it is Muppet adjacent)
4: Follow That Bird
5: Jim Henson's Storyteller (also Muppet adjacent, but I have to include it)

I thought it was great. Really interesting plot device that gives a real creepy vibe.

I really enjoyed Talk to Me, for a movie about possession.
I don't remember there being a ton of gore.