Here is the AP Lifestyles digest for the week of Dec. 21.

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TRAVEL

Writers-American Places: From coastal Oregon and Solvang, California, to Ellis Island and New Hampshire’s Black Heritage Trail, a group of celebrated writers picked places that they believe help define and shape America. The resulting collection of mini-essays, including contributions from Cheryl Strayed, Jodi Picoult and Gloria Steinem, was published by Frommer’s, the travel guidebook company, and can be read for free online. By Beth J. Harpaz. UPCOMING Thursday, 500 words, photos.

Virus Outbreak Holiday Travel: Flying from Johannesburg to Paris, one hotspot to another - AP photographer Jerome Delay documents his impressions of international air travel in December 2020. About 400 words and a gallery of photos document one journey. UPCOMING Wednesday.

Skiers Dead-Avalanche: Experts issue warning after 3 killed in Colorado avalanches. SENT Monday.

FAMILY

Virus-Outbreak-France-Freed-for-Christmas: France is springing elderly residents from care homes for the holiday season. The aim is to alleviate some of the mental suffering and solitude of the coronavirus pandemic by letting care-home residents spend time with family members over Christmas and New Year’s. But the 20-day window of opportunity is creating a dilemma for some families. SENT Wednesday, photos.

Virus-Outbreak-Public-School-Enrollment: US public school enrollment dips as virus disrupts education. SENT Tuesday.

HOLIDAYS

One Good Thing-Charlie Brown Christmas Trees: Frank Pichel’s Christmas trees will probably never be picked to light up New York’s Rockefeller Center. They look more like the scrawny, pitiful tree made famous in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” But Pichel and his customers don’t seem to mind. His trees have been flying off the lot since he started selling them last month to raise money for a school that provides scholarships for students from an impoverished area. SENT Tuesday: 720 words, photos.

Virus Outbreak-Winter is Coming: Now, winter is arriving — a winter like no other in living American memory. And with its imminent approach, a nation holds its breath. SENT Monday, 1,150 words and photos. By Mallika Sen.

Nielsens: For the past decade, the Hallmark Channel has been a reliable destination for holiday programming. And in a year when many Americans are homebound because of the COVID-19 pandemic, network executives say there’s been a craving for the feel-good movies. By David Bauder. SENT Tuesday.

PETS

Virus Outbreak-One Good Thing-Four-Legged Comforts: The Hebrew Home at Riverdale in the Bronx has a team of new recruits – four-legged – who have been enlisted to help nursing home residents and health care staff get through the pandemic. The pet therapy program includes a team of four dogs – all very different – to provide comfort to residents and staff. SENT Monday: 710 words, photos.

GARDENING

Winter-Young Trees: Young trees need protection during the winter from animals, cold, dryness and sunscald. Tips on protecting them. By Lee Reich. UPCOMING Wednesday: 640 words, photo.

PERSONAL FINANCE:

NerdWallet-Millennial-Money-Pandemic-Money-Talks: As the pandemic drags on, stress levels are high, and that can lead to money arguments with loved ones. But if you approach each conflict with empathy, compassionate negotiations and steadfast boundaries, you can end the fighting and restore harmony. SENT Tuesday.

NerdWallet-Liz-Weston-Avoid-RV-Mistakes — Recreational vehicle sales are soaring, and the RV industry expects 2021 to be a record-breaking year. Dealerships say much of the demand is coming from first-time buyers and others anxious to find a safer way to vacation during the pandemic. If you’re considering your first RV, these are some of the errors to avoid. By Liz Weston of NerdWallet. SENT Monday: 860 words, photo.

FASHION

Leather-Yoga-Mat-Hindu-Complaint: Louis Vuitton yoga mat made of leather draws Hindu complaint. SENT Tuesday.

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In case you missed it:

HOLIDAYS: Virus Outbreak-Safe Santas-Photo Gallery; Virus-Outbreak-Office-Parties; One Good Thing-Operation Santa.

HOMES: Soothing Decor.

FOOD: Local Mail Order; Virus Outbreak-Asian Food.

HEALTH: Virus-Outbreak-Viral-Questions-Vaccines-Kids; Virus Outbreak-Viral Questions-Sports; Virus Outbreak-Nursing Home Worry.

PERSONAL FINANCE: Online-Shopping-Scams; Virus Outbreak-Nonprofits; Nerdwallet-Skimpy Life Insurance.

ENVIRONMENT: Monarch Butterfly-Threatened.

TRAVEL: San Francisco-Cliff House; Virus Outbreak-Winter Travel.

CULTURE: Smithsonian-Emoji-Acquisition.

PETS: US Exchange-Nevada Pet Cemeteries.

FASHION: Italy-Milan-Fashion Week.

ONE GOOD THING: One Good Thing-Estonia Dog.

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