It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, all over social media. Stacey Vanek Smith visited one very Instagrammable spot to see how virality is affecting the bottom line for vendors. Plus: Can the world’s virtual sports bar make the move from X to Bluesky? And a look back one of our most-read stories of the year. If this email was forwarded to you, click here to sign up .
It’s 22F in New York City’s Bryant Park, and the “wintry mix” is in full force: freezing rain, perilously slick sidewalks, face-numbing wind. What could possibly compel a rational person to stand in line in this weather?