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I always shovel beyond my own sidewalk, but my neighbor doesn’t. Am I expecting too much?
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I always shovel beyond my own sidewalk, but my younger neighbor only does his patch.

Am I expecting too much from him?

By

Evan Weiss

,

Sam Ruland

, and

Tommy Rowan

Published Dec 20, 2025

Tomorrow is the first day of winter, but the snow has already started. I invited two Inquirer staffers who have to shovel their sidewalks to answer the seasonal issue.

.inno-chat__body {
border-radius: 12px;
}

Evan Weiss

Deputy Features Editor

The question is…

I usually shovel beyond my own sidewalk, but my younger neighbor only does his patch. Am I expecting too much from him?

Tommy Rowan

Programming Editor

It depends on the type of youngin' we're talking about. If they have a Doordash order on their stoop after it already snowed 4 inches and it's still coming down, then yes, you're expecting too much.

Sam Ruland

Features Planning and Coverage Editor

Yeah, that’s exactly it. I still feel like a jerk if I only shovel my own sidewalk, that’s just how I was raised. But I also know that’s not the default anymore. Some people are strictly “my patch is clear, my work here is done,” and apparently that’s acceptable now.

Sam Ruland

I just can’t stop at the property line without feeling weird about it… especially when I live on a block where neighbors will bring your trash cans back to your house if they get to them first.

Tommy Rowan

Yeah and if there are elderly people on your block, that should just be automatic. You know, we're trying to live in a society!

Sam Ruland

Once elderly neighbors are involved, pretending you didn’t notice becomes embarrassing.

Evan Weiss

Maybe your neighbor was in a rush one time or their back hurt, but if you know they're physically capable and they always stop at the border… that's being a bad neighbor.

Sam Ruland

Totally. One time, fine. Life happens. But if you’re physically capable and it’s every storm, people notice. And once it becomes a habit, I’m gonna feel a lot less bad about moving your cone and parking in your spot when the snow melts.

Tommy Rowan

I was one of those kids who would grab their plastic shovels during snowstorms and go around with a few buddies to knock on doors and offer our shoveling services for a few dollars. Then we'd get pizza and a few cool, refreshing glasses of Mountain Dew.

Tommy Rowan

I may sound old, but I don't see those kids around anymore.

Sam Ruland

What REALLY gets me is watching the single mom on my block out there shoveling by herself while her three sons are completely MIA. I don’t know about you, but that would not have stood in my house. And Philly notices stuff like that.

Tommy Rowan

Yeah, that ain't right.

Sam Ruland

My dad had three daughters, and if he was home, he took the lead on shoveling. And if he was at work? There was no way my mom (with her forever aching back) was going to be out there alone.

Tommy Rowan

Yeah and if a neighbor saw your mom or you doing it alone they would have yelled at you for not asking for help!

Sam Ruland

That public scolding was mortifying and honestly enough to shape my entire personality. Which is basically how I operate now. I don’t want to shovel. I hate it. But I’d rather suffer for 20 minutes than be silently judged by my neighbors all winter. I don’t shovel because I love it. I shovel because I fear the block.

Evan Weiss

Okay, if a few kids knock on your door asking for money to shovel, how much do you give them?

Tommy Rowan

Depends on the size of the property.

Sam Ruland

I want to say $5.

Evan Weiss

Yeah, $5 seems fair for a rowhouse.

Tommy Rowan

And $10 for a rowhouse if they also dig out the car. If we're talking a Northeast house, with a full driveway, sidewalk, and steps, that's at least $20. And possibly a ~~hot chocolate~~ Mountain Dew break.

Evan Weiss

Any final advice?

Sam Ruland

Snow melts. Reputation doesn’t. Help your neighbors.

This conversation has been edited for length.

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December 20, 2025
Porch pirates stole Christmas and Donna Kelce goes full ‘Traitors’ | Weekly Report Card

The Delco Pooper’s day in court: C

Every Philly-adjacent viral saga eventually ends the same way: not with a plot twist, but with probation.

The Delco Pooper (a title no one asked for but Delaware County fully delivered) finally reached the unglamorous end of her moment in the internet sun this week. Instead of a trial, Christina Solometo entered a first-time offender program that includes probation, community service, anger management, and a strict “no posting about this” rule that feels tailor-made for someone who briefly became a meme.

If she completes it all, her record could be wiped clean. Which feels… both reasonable and deeply unceremonious, given how loudly this story echoed across the internet.

Here’s the thing: This was never really a crime story. It was a spectacle. A perfect storm of road rage, cell phone video, Delco energy, and a news cycle that will absolutely stop to rubberneck if given the chance. The moment went viral because it was shocking and absurd, not because anyone was asking for a legal reckoning.

And now, like most viral Philly chaos, it fizzles out in a courtroom with no cameras and a lot less laughter.

The C grade isn’t about whether the punishment fits the offense. It’s about the strange disconnect between how massive this story became and how ordinary its ending is. Two years of probation and some mandated self-reflection doesn’t feel dramatic. But maybe that’s the point. Real life isn’t a meme, and viral notoriety doesn’t translate to anything meaningful once the internet moves on.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores a touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Taking back a Jalen Hurts touchdown ball: D

If a quarterback hands you a touchdown ball, that’s not a loan. That’s a gift. And if the allegations in this lawsuit are even mostly true, what followed was one of the most aggressively uncool things the NFL industrial complex could’ve done to a fan.

Jalen Hurts scored, made history, and chose a guy in an Eagles jersey to share the moment with. That should’ve been the end. Instead, according to the suit, it turned into security, state police, and multiple officials allegedly insisting the fan return the ball, including being told he’d be “breaking the law” if he didn’t.

Yes, historic game balls matter. Yes, teams want them back. But there is a time-honored, normal-person solution here: You ask nicely, you offer a jersey or autographs, everyone leaves happy. What you don’t do is allegedly escalate a good-vibes moment into a stadium-security fever dream.

If this played out the way it’s described, the failure wasn’t policy. It was vibes. You can’t spend all week saying fans are the heart of the game and then, on Sunday, treat one like he stole the Declaration of Independence.

That said — and this is where Philly clears its throat — declaring you’re no longer an Eagles fan over it is… a lot. We’ve survived the Vet, Santa, and several entire seasons of Chip Kelly. Eagles fandom is not something you simply return at the gate like a confiscated football.

So yes: If the ball was forcibly taken back, that’s deeply uncool and deserves a D. But also: Buddy, you still bleed green. You just had a very bad day at MetLife.

Stolen Christmas Package – bummed
by
u/Ok-Goal-6880 in
philly

The porch pirates who stole Christmas: F

Every winter, Philadelphia relearns the same brutal lesson: The stoop is not a safe place, especially in December. This week’s Philly Reddit reminder came courtesy of a transplant who made it almost a full year without incident, a rare and beautiful run, only to have a Christmas package stolen. Not electronics. Not sneakers. Homemade cookies from an aunt. The kind of theft that doesn’t just steal stuff, but steals joy.

The comments quickly turned into a familiar group therapy session: delivery drivers who won’t ring the bell, packages sitting untouched until they’re suddenly gone, neighbors debating whether knocking on strangers’ doors makes you a Good Samaritan or a suspect on Ring footage. One person suggested fake poop packages. Another admitted they stopped ordering anything between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Several people basically said, “Welcome. This is Philly.”

The frustrating part is that everyone involved is kind of right and kind of powerless. Drivers are overworked. Neighbors want to help but don’t want to be mistaken for thieves. And the data back up the collective misery: Package theft reports are up again this year, with December doing what December always does and accounting for a disproportionate share of the pain.

The unofficial Philly solution, as always, is community. Grab your neighbor’s packages. Knock if you see a box sitting too long. Use lockers if you can. Put up a sign that says “PLEASE RING THE BELL” and hope for the best.

The two most-beloved Pennsylvania convenience store chains are just .3 miles apart – with a CVS in between – Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, as the first Wawa in Central Pennsylvania – solid Sheetz territory – had its grand opening in the Dauphin County borough of Middletown.

Wawa absolutely cooking Sheetz: A+

Wawa once again reminded Pennsylvania who the main character is. The Delco-born convenience store giant is still the state’s largest private company. And while Sheetz’s revenue took a 20% tumble, Wawa kept cruising, widening the gap like a hoagie wrapper slowly unpeeling in victory.

Sure, Wawa’s revenue dipped slightly on paper. In reality? The lights were on, the coffee was hot, and no one has ever stress-cried in a Wawa parking lot at 2 a.m. wishing they were at Sheetz instead. That’s brand power you can’t spreadsheet.

Sheetz hired more people. Wawa hired none of our doubts. It’s expanding, it’s everywhere, and it continues to dominate the only metric that truly matters in this region: where people go when they’re tired, hungry, and emotionally fragile.

The Christmas Village mystery package hut: A

Only in Philadelphia would one of the longest lines at the Christmas Village be for a booth selling completely unknown items in heavily taped boxes. No cocoa, no ornaments, no guarantees. Just curiosity, chaos, and the real possibility you’re paying $25 for either a diamond bracelet or a deadbolt.

Hundreds of people a day are voluntarily handing over cash for packages nobody ordered, nobody claimed, and nobody is allowed to peek inside. It’s reckless. It’s hopeful. It’s the purest form of “eh, sure” spending this city has ever embraced.

Watching grown adults aggressively shake mystery mail like they’re working airport security is peak Philly behavior. So is opening it immediately, accepting your fate, and announcing it’s “actually perfect” no matter what comes out. Lacy lingerie? Seasonal. Random hardware? Useful. Animal pregnancy tests? That’s a story you’ll be telling for years.

This hut works because it removes all the pressure of gift-giving. You didn’t pick a bad present — the box did. And now it’s everyone’s problem.

Some cities do traditional Christmas markets. Philly sells you a taped-up question mark and says, “Good luck.”

FILE – Chicago Cubs closing pitcher Brad Keller celebrates after the Cubs defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in a baseball game, Aug. 16, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)

Phillies landing Brad Keller: A-

Credit where it’s due: The Phillies actually identified a problem and spent real money fixing it. That alone deserves applause.

Brad Keller isn’t a flashy closer signing or a back-page splash, but he’s exactly what this bullpen has been screaming for: a legit, high-leverage righty who doesn’t make everyone start bargaining with the universe in the seventh inning. A 2.07 ERA, a fastball that suddenly touches 97, and proof he can handle pressure without combusting? We’ll take it.

This is also a refreshing break from the Phillies’ recent bullpen habit of “maybe this guy will be fine” optimism. Keller isn’t a flier. He’s a bet. And at two years, $22 million, it’s a smart one. Not cheap, not reckless, just intentional. That’s new.

Is there risk? Of course. Relievers are famously fragile creatures. But after last postseason’s bullpen roulette wheel, it’s hard to argue this team didn’t need another arm they can trust when the game tightens and the stadium starts vibrating.

The best part: This move signals awareness. Dave Dombrowski didn’t pretend last year’s formula was good enough. He didn’t wait for July. He didn’t say “internal options” and hope everyone forgot October.

No parade yet. But for once, the Phillies didn’t ignore the fire and buy another rug.

Donna Kelce and Jason Kelce pose for a photo at the premier of Jason Kelce’s documentary at Suzanne Roberts Theater in Philadelphia on Friday, Sept. 9, 2023. The film, “Kelce,” is a feature-length documentary featuring Jason Kelce and the Eagles’ 2022-23 season.

Donna Kelce on ‘The Traitors’: A (Philly claims her, sorry not sorry)

Donna Kelce entering a Scottish castle to scheme, lie, and possibly backstab for $250,000 feels less like reality TV casting and more like destiny. Yes, she technically gave birth to two NFL stars in different cities. But let’s be clear: Jason Kelce played his entire Hall of Fame career here, wore a Mummers parade costume, screamed about underdogs, and permanently imprinted his mom onto the city’s cultural fabric. Donna Kelce is Philly now.

Watching her plot alongside Johnny Weir (a Coatesville native, also claimed) is just icing on the Tastykake. While the rest of the cast is stacked with reality-show professionals who’ve been training for deception their whole lives, Donna’s superpower is subtler: calm mom energy and the ability to disappoint you with one look. That’s lethal in a game like this.

Also, the idea of Donna Kelce quietly maneuvering through a castle while reality stars spiral feels extremely on brand. She has raised elite athletes, survived Super Bowl media weeks, and somehow stayed likable through all of it. A few traitors don’t stand a chance.

If she wins, we’re counting it as a hometown victory. If she betrays someone? Even better.

December 20, 2025
A seller backed out after verbally accepting their offer. It led to their dream home in Point Breeze. | How I Bought This House

The buyers: Casie Girvin, 30, performer and voice teacher; Steve Crino, 32, musician

The house: A 984-square-foot rowhouse in Point Breeze with three bedrooms and one bath, built in 1923.

The price: Listed and purchased for $305,000

The agent: Benjamin Camp, Elfant Wissahickon

The ask: For Casey Girvin and Steve Crino, the home-buying journey began long before they opened Zillow. “We always knew that we wanted to be homeowners,” said Girvin. “It’s something we were saving for a long time.”

Both musicians, they spent years learning what did and did not work for their lifestyles. They started in a one-bedroom, which didn’t work because their practice sessions often overlapped, creating a cacophony of noise. Eventually, they moved into a bi-level apartment where they had room to work.

That experience shaped their home-buying wish list. That meant they needed at least three bedrooms — one for sleeping and two for music studios — and a layout that let two musicians practice without driving each other mad. “We needed it to be either like a bi-level space, or we needed a buffer room between the two of us,” Girvin said.

They also wanted a backyard. “We learned during COVID that having an outdoor space was really important to us,” she added. So was being close to the Broad Street SEPTA line. Fixer-uppers were a nonstarter.

Upon entering the house, the couple immediately fell in love with the staircase, especially its architectural detailing.

The search: The couple intentionally waited until winter to search, hoping for lower prices. They saw 21 houses in Point Breeze and liked a lot of what they saw, but tried to be ruthless when it came to making an offer. “That was a very informative part of the process, Crino said, “because when you’re contemplating actually putting an offer down, your preferences emerge.”

They ended up making only one other offer on a house they nicknamed “the Grandma house” because of its funky carpeting and wallpaper. The seller verbally accepted it but eventually pulled it from the market.

“Ultimately, we’re happy with what happened,” said Girvin.

Girvin and Crino love all the natural light pouring through the living room windows.

The appeal: Girvin had a good feeling about the house when she saw it online. “I was like, ‘Wow, that looks exactly like where we want to be, at a price point that was quite exciting,’” she said. Even better, it had central air, beautiful hardwood floors, and matched the couple’s aesthetic. But the couple panicked when they saw an open house the next day. They called their agent and secured a same-day viewing.

Inside, the house aligned almost perfectly with what they had been searching for. What they weren’t expecting, though, were interesting artistic details, like the sunflower etched into the banister and the mural in the backyard. They loved the staircase, the amount of natural light pouring through the living room windows, and the view from their bedroom window of a church they admired. “The house is on a nice, little, cute side street,” Cirsi said. And crucially: “It’s so close to the subway.”

The second floor sealed the deal. The layout was perfect: a bathroom between the two smaller bedrooms. A built-in sound buffer for their future studios. “Most Philly rowhomes, you go up the stairs, it’s like a bathroom right at the top, and then the three bedrooms in a row,” Girvin explained. “But this one has bedroom, bathroom, bedroom, bedroom. That was ultimately one of the main reasons we bought the house.”

Crino’s studio is separated from Girvin’s by a bathroom, allowing the couple to practice music at the same time without disrupting each other.

The deal: The couple made an offer that evening. They offered the listing price — $305,000. “We felt that the house was worth what it was asking,” Girvin said. The sellers accepted right away.

The inspection revealed two issues. First, the oven needed to be replaced. The sellers issued the couple a credit to buy a new one.

The bigger issue was the HVAC system. The breaker tripped during the inspection. “We watched it go boop,” Crino said. The fix required electrical work, and they insisted it be completed and certified before closing. “That was the right decision because it definitely was pricier than they thought it was going to be,” Crino said.

The money: Girvin and Crino had been saving for almost a decade. Every month, they set aside a portion of their earnings in a separate account. They also had money saved for a wedding that they decided to put toward their house instead. “At one point we thought about having a really big wedding,” Girvin said, “but we decided to do the whole micro wedding, DIY backyard thing.”

The small side street the couple lives on was no sweat for their movers, Old City Moving Co.

Between their life savings and the wedding savings, plus generous gifts from wedding guests, Girvin and Crino had “$80,000-ish” to spend. They put 20% down, which was $61,000, and spent the rest on closing costs, which were $27,000. “That was the $80K right there,” Girvin said. Their mortgage is a little less than $1,800, which is exactly what they had been paying in rent.

The move: The couple moved in mid-March, one month after they closed. “Moving was relatively painless,” Girvin said. “We hired Old City Moving Co., and they were really great.” They navigated getting a giant moving truck down a tiny side street like pros, backing in so that they could get out more easily.

Any reservations? None worth mentioning. The only thing they’d add is a second bathroom — another half bath someday, maybe in the basement. But that feels like a future luxury, not a present problem. “Most days we’re like, I love this house,” Girvin said.

Girvin and Crino purchased a new oven with help from a seller’s credit.

Life after close: Their first major purchase was a new oven. “When people come to the house, I’m like, ‘You know, we bought that oven,’” Crino said, laughing. Decorating has been slow and thoughtful. The most sentimental change is the three-teardrop lamp from Steve’s grandmother, now hanging from their ceiling — something they never would have installed in a rental. The backyard is next.

Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear about it. Email acovington@inquirer.com.

December 20, 2025
Cozy inns, vintage finds, and wintery walks in the Western Catskills | Field Trip

Follow the Delaware River north, past the Jersey border, past the Poconos and the Water Gap, and in about three hours, you’ll arrive in Callicoon, at the foot of New York’s Catskill Mountains.

The region has been an iconic American resort destination since the late 19th century, most famously during its Borscht Belt heyday, when Jewish families filled sprawling summer resorts to play tennis, lounge by the pool, and stir up trouble with dirty dancers. Riding the popularity of the neighboring Hudson Valley, the Catskills’ recent revival offers easy access to nature without requiring you to rough it. Think vintage shopping, natural wine, and cedar saunas between snowy walks through the woods.

The Catskills are huge (about 6,000 square miles), so for the purposes of this getaway, you’ll focus on the Western Catskills, which rise from the Delaware River and are less rugged than their eastern counterparts. Nothing on this itinerary is more than 30 minutes apart. Start the car.

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Stay: Kenoza Hall

There are more than a dozen cool places to stay in the Western Catskills, four of which come from locals Kirsten Harlow Foster and Sims Foster of Foster Supply Hospitality. Their properties blend the idiosyncratic architecture and fine craftsmanship of historical buildings with the luxury finishes and playful amenities you want on a weekend escape.

At Kenoza Hall, perched above the lake of the same name, rooms are split between the Victorian inn and a cluster of cottages with front porches, gas stoves, and arched armoires. Inside, there are plenty of cozy corners for reading or cocktails as snow falls outside. Don’t miss the spa, with its pebble-floored relaxation room and cedar barrel sauna.

📍 5762 Route 52, Kenoza Lake, N.Y. 12750

Shop: Downtown Callicoon

Hugging the New York side of the Delaware River, the riverside village of Callicoon has evolved from its past lives (hunting grounds, timber town) into an artsy retail refuge for Catskills visitors. Browse groovy lamps at Callicoon Vintage, elevated tableware at Spruce Home Goods, hand-dyed yarn at Wool Worth, and more at the new and old boutiques along Lower Main Street. Tucked behind Callicoon Caffé, at the Shell gas station of all places, is an excellent photo op: the Callicoon Bridge spanning the Delaware.

📍 Lower Main Street, Callicoon, N.Y. 12723

Eat: Annie’s Ruff Cut

Rightly famous for its roast beef, Annie’s Ruff Cut in nearby Cochecton might consider a name change to Annie’s Exquisitely Cut. The beef is sliced paper-thin, piled high in cold sandwiches or served open-faced and drenched in warm gravy. The vibe is classic country tavern: old wood, beer swag, and locals mildly surprised you found the place.

📍 90 Forman Rd., Cochecton, N.Y. 12726

Snack: North Branch Cider Mill

Warm apple cider, cinnamony cider doughnuts, and the smell of a smoldering wood stove pull you into North Branch Cider Mill, a rust-red outpost along the North Branch Callicoon Creek. This historic operation has been around since 1942 (and under new ownership since 2022) and while they’re not pressing their own apples yet, it makes an atmospheric stop for a snack and shop along the old-timey general store-style shelves: New York maple syrup, sweet dill pickles, candles, ceramics, and more.

📍 38 N. Branch Callicoon Center Rd., North Branch, N.Y. 12766

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Watch: Callicoon Theater

A block off Callicoon’s main commercial drag, the Callicoon Theater hides a 35-seat, barrel-ceilinged auditorium behind its art deco façade. Catching a first-run movie here is worth it for the architecture alone. Dating to 1948, it’s the oldest movie theater in Sullivan County.

📍 30 Upper Main St., Callicoon, N.Y. 12723

View: Catskills Art Space

Though the Catskills cachet is a relatively recent phenomenon, its status as an arts haven goes back decades, with the founding of Catskills Art Space in 1971. Housed in a converted theater in the cute downtown of Livingston Manor, half an hour northeast of Callicoon, since 2007, the dynamic gallery features a mix of up-and-comers and heavy hitters — Sol LeWitt and James Turrell both have site-specific exhibits here through 2027.

📍 48 Main St., Livingston Manor, N.Y. 12758

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Dine: The DeBruce

Another stylish Foster Supply property, the DeBruce sits in the scenic Willowemoc Valley, about 10 minutes east of downtown Livingston Manor. You could stay here — original wood doors and claw-foot tubs make a compelling case — but the award-winning tasting menu is the real draw. In the tranquil, forest-view dining room, bergamot scents a matsutake raviolo, and coal-baked pears meet scallops and parsnips. Cross the storybook bridge over the Willowemoc River to arrive, and if you have time, explore the five miles of trails that wind through the woods behind the property before dinner.

📍 982 DeBruce Rd., Livingston Manor, N.Y. 12758

December 20, 2025
Dear Abby | Son disappoints mom by failing to return calls

DEAR ABBY: My sister recently became very ill and had to be hospitalized for four days. When I called and told our daughter, she was concerned and supportive. Then, I called our son, “Isaac,” and left a message to please call me because it was important. He did not return my call.

A couple days later, my husband left another message for Isaac to call. He finally sent us a picture of himself and his family at Disneyland in California. He was on vacation with his wife and two kids and didn’t want to be bothered. After he got back, he waited a few days to call me.

I am hurt and disappointed in Isaac. We live in Texas, and they go to Disneyland three or four times a year. I think Isaac should have taken five minutes to return my call so I could fill him in about the situation with his aunt. Because of this, I no longer feel as close to my son. In fact, I feel I’m very unimportant to him. Am I wrong to be sad and disappointed? Is it common for close relatives not to respond when they are on vacation? My sister is now recovering, but her illness has taken a huge toll on her.

— DISILLUSIONED IN TEXAS

DEAR DISILLUSIONED: What a rude awakening you had. That you are hurt and disappointed is understandable. Have you been in the habit of calling your son at inconvenient times? I can’t think of another reason why he would fail to respond to your urgent request to talk with him.

Your son appears to be self-centered and emotionally distanced from you and the family. If this is the first time you have noticed, pay attention to it. If you need a support system as you and your husband grow older, do NOT take it for granted that Isaac will be there for you.

** ** **

DEAR ABBY: I am a 61-year-old woman who still works full time. My husband is 65 and retired. Unfortunately, he has severe back issues that prevent him from doing much. He’s unable to walk or ride long distances or even sleep well at night.

When I get home from work, I cook dinner and clean up, but by then he’s asleep in the living room, and I am unable to entertain myself. He controls the TV, and I’m stuck watching old shows from the ’50s and ’60s. I feel so isolated. We can’t go anywhere or do anything. I am the loneliest married woman I know.

My husband is currently good and kind, but he is getting more easily frustrated by everything. Should I stay or go?

— WAFFLING IN WEST VIRGINIA

DEAR WAFFLING: Where you should go is straight to a store that sells television sets. Buy one for yourself and place it in a room your husband doesn’t sleep in. This should solve part of your problem. As to your husband’s increasing level of frustration, this should be discussed with his doctor. Neither of you is in a particularly happy place right now, but this might be a step in the right direction.

December 20, 2025
Inside the chaotic, magical world of a Philly-area Santa at Christmastime

“Santa Kringle” is always dashing away somewhere.

In the early morning, when creatures are just starting to stir, he is an Uber driver, taking people to the airport or their offices in a red Kia with “ON COMET” emblazoned on the license plate. And during business hours on weekdays, he sits at a desk coordinating ads for Comcast.

But on nights and weekends, he dons the red suit and transforms.

In November and December, Kringle’s calendar is booked solid with photo sessions, home visits, fundraisers, and appearances. He shows up at tree lightings, breakfasts, weddings, and other events across the region, from Doylestown to Media. Each week, as many as 8,000 children and adults tell him their wishes, he said.

Frank Naimoli, aka “Santa Kringle,” greets Miranda Patton, 5, of Doylestown during his recent visit to Altomonte’s Market in Doylestown.

The grueling schedule is worthwhile, he said, but not because of a big payout.

“I will never run it like a business,” said Kringle, also known as Frank Naimoli, 58, of Glenolden. “I literally have charged as little as two cookies for a visit. I’ll never get rich or buy a car off of being Santa. … It’s just something I love doing.”

Professional Santas make about $60 an hour on average, according to the employment platform ZipRecruiter.

The pay can vary by event and by performer. Some charge between $250 and $500 an hour, according to several Philly-area Santas.

Others often play the role for free.

Kiam Patel, 2, is given a candy cane by Frank Naimoli, aka “Santa Kringle,” at Altomonte’s Market in Doylestown.

No matter the pay, being Santa is a grind, with perhaps hundreds of visits packed into a short peak season.

Many Santas schedule all this merriment around full-time careers — Philly Santas work day jobs as corporate professionals, small-business owners, and commercial truck drivers. Their vacation days, much like their natural-grown beards, are carefully kept for the holiday season. And come December, as the Santa grind takes over, they sacrifice time with their own families and operate on little sleep.

By Christmas Eve, “I am exhausted,” said Naimoli, who’s in his 23rd Santa season. “Nine times out of 10, I fall asleep in the suit.”

Keeping the holiday magic alive

Frank Naimoli, aka “Santa Kringle,” greets children and adults during a recent visit to Altomonte’s Market in Doylestown.

Several local Santas said they’re in the industry for the magic, not the money.

“There is not that much money there,” said Paul Bradley, or “Santa Paul,” of Mantua, Gloucester County, who retired from a factory job a decade ago.

“The hugs you get from the little kids, or to have a 5-year-old child run to you and [yell] ‘Santa!’” it melts my heart,” said Bradley, 71. “That’s why I do it.”

Dennis Daniels as New Age Santa stands outside the Comcast Center on Dec. 12.

Dennis Daniels, 66, of North Jersey, called being Santa “a very comfortable and lucrative profession.” The former educator, also a ventriloquist, markets his entertainment services under the company name Mr. D & Friends. When he wears the red suit, he’s “New Age Santa.” (Don’t call him by his other name if you see him out in public, he insists.)

His Santa persona is “simply the traditional Santa,” he said, “but I look a little bit different.”

“My skin happens to be brown, and I’m also not rocking the belly,” explained Daniels, who has been a Santa for more than 30 years.

(From left) Amora Williams, Yanae Petty, and Dennis Daniels, aka “New Age Santa,” at the Comcast Center on Dec. 12.

This year, “New Age Santa” has booked appearances at the Comcast Center and Newark Liberty International Airport, and he usually books several sessions at photo studios. Sometimes he makes up to $800 for two hours of Santa work. Other times, he shows up as Santa for free.

Daniels wants to keep doing this work as long as he can, he said, to be a Santa for all children. “I didn’t see Santas that looked like me when I was a child,” he noted.

Dennis Daniels, aka “New Age Santa,” greets smiling people at the Comcast Center on Dec. 12.

Feeling Christmas joy in return

After decades of bringing holiday spirit to countless families, one Bucks County Santa recently felt the magic come back to him.

When Scott Diethorne’s Fairless Hills home burned down in late October, his family lost everything, including his 12 Santa suits, which cost nearly $3,000 apiece.

Fans of “Santa Scott” quickly came together to help, raising $100,000 through a GoFundMe and finding the family a nearby rental home. Fellow Santas donated four suits, and Diethorne bought two more to get him through the season.

Scott Diethorne outside the charred remains of his Fairless Hills home in late October.

“Without the community, I’d be devastated,” said Diethorne, 58, who has been Santa for more than 35 years. “I don’t know what I would have done.”

Their generosity saved Diethorne’s Santa career this season, allowing him to continue spreading cheer while putting in 50-hour weeks driving a six-wheeler box truck throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

“My wife and kids don’t really see me from the middle of October until January,” said Diethorne, a father of nine grown children. He makes regular Santa appearances at the Fairless Hills Garden Center, as well as schools and daycares.

Diethorne, a former mall Santa, has been freelance for years, ever since he was instructed to tone it down at the Oxford Valley Mall in 2017. That year, he was told he could no longer flash his signature “Naughty” and “Nice” arm tattoos, welcome all animals in for photos, or strike funny poses as requested by visitors.

Some malls are strict with the Santa business, Diethorne said, imposing rules and time limits for each visit. The other local Santas said they’ve seen this too.

Now that he is his own boss, “I don’t care how long the line is,” Diethorne said. “I’m listening to that kid. That’s what it’s about.”

Why these Santas spread the cheer

Santa Paul, aka Paul Bradley, poses with his reindeer.

Every Santa has their own reasons for donning the suit.

For Diethorne and Bradley, it was a single comment. Upon his retirement, Bradley shared a passing thought aloud: Maybe he’d take up being Santa in his new free time. Diethorne, meanwhile, was told he’d make a good Mr. Claus by a mall Santa he met in passing at a local ShopRite.

Naimoli, who was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame last year, parlayed his performance skills as a professional wrestler into embodying the big guy.

Frank Naimoli, aka “Santa Kringle,” poses with a smiling child at a recent visit to Altomonte’s Market in Doylestown.

For Daniels, the New Age Santa, the spirit of Santa came at an unexpected time. While going through a divorce in the early 1990s, he found a Santa suit he’d never seen before among boxes he was moving out of storage. To this day, Daniels isn’t sure how the outfit ended up there, he said, but it was just the right size.

Lilly Retz hugs Dennis Daniels, or New Age Santa, during a visit to the Comcast Center.

So in 1994, with his newfound suit in hand, Daniels became Santa at the Elks Lodge in Red Bank, a role from which his uncle had recently retired.

“I became Santa then,” Daniels said, “and I’ve not looked back.”

While November and December are the busiest times, some Santas stretch their season for belated holiday parties, or they reappear midsummer for “Christmas in July” events.

Dennis Daniels, or “New Age Santa,” departs with his bag from the concourse at the Comcast Center.

But the season’s end still brings a certain sadness, Daniels said, a “Santa depression,” because “for two months you’ve been a rock star.”

“Everywhere you go, people yell and scream: ‘Santa!’ They run over. They want to take pictures with you,“ Daniels said. “And then, on Dec. 26, you become yesterday’s news. We’re only human.”

December 19, 2025
Dear Abby | Months after breakup, man sees ‘signs’ amid heartache

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 55-year-old man who dated a very special lady, “Dawn,” for 12 years. We were both married when we met. I fell in love with her, and after we divorced our spouses, we continued being together.

I have two kids. Dawn didn’t get along with the older one. My daughter wasn’t rude, but she obviously didn’t like Dawn. I proposed to Dawn, and she accepted. Over the next few months, she became agitated and threw her engagement ring back at me. I kept it until we figured things out.

Two years later, Dawn ghosted me. I was hurt, so I gave her space. (We reconciled five months later.) Three years later, I finally trusted her enough to ask her about getting married. Then, right at Christmas, she ghosted me again. Six months later, nothing. I texted her after four months to no avail.

I am now in therapy. Abby, I don’t know how to move forward. Sometimes I get these divine messages, signs, dreams, etc. I hesitate to label anyone, but I wonder if I’m dealing with a woman who has a commitment phobia. What should I do now? I have respectfully not contacted her except once. I am heartbroken. I’m not asking if I should wait around. I’m living my life. But these divine messages and signs have me wondering.

— DESTROYED IN VIRGINIA

DEAR DESTROYED: I am pleased you are now in therapy, because it is where you belong. I don’t know what your daughter picked up on about Dawn, but perhaps you should ask her. If you do, it may give you some insight. Your therapist may be able to explain what Dawn’s problem is, but whatever it is, it is no longer your problem.

Those dreams, signs and messages you are receiving are not divine; they are proof that your subconscious still hasn’t let go of the fantasy about a future with her. If, heaven forbid, the woman contacts you again, RUN in the opposite direction!

** ** **

DEAR ABBY: Some people hint that they want to get on our social calendar, yet they expect us to be the ones to invite them. An example: “Say, when are we getting together for dinner?” is repeated often. If they invited us to dinner at a specific place and specific time, it would probably happen, but I’m uncomfortable that they put the burden on us to initiate the event.

Is there a rule of etiquette about this? Why are people like this? I can’t be sure if they are sincere about wanting to get together. Often, I’m just as happy we didn’t meet up, because we have lots of active friendships already.

— CLUELESS IN RALEIGH

DEAR CLUELESS: When someone asks, “When are we getting together for dinner?” your answer should be, “As soon as YOU CALL ME so I can make sure we are available.” If you prefer NOT to get together for dinner, all you have to say is, “Our schedule is really full right now. I’ll let you know when we are free.” (Then change the subject.)

December 19, 2025
A Guide to the 2026 Philadelphia Mummers Parade
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade, that colorful, boisterous procession that has come to define New Year’s Day in the city.

The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, as more than 10,000 performers take to the streets for a daylong celebration USA Today readers recently hailed as the nation’s best holiday parade.

From parking to road closures to how to go about watching, here’s everything you need to know ahead of time.

Kasey McCullough kisses her son Finn, 5, after his appearance with Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars during their performance in the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Convention Center Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, part of the Philadelphia Mummers New Year’s Day parade. Their theme is “Legends of the Secret Scrolls.” Finn’s dad, Jim McCullough also performed, his 40th year with the Mummers. They are from Washington Twp.Washington Township, N.J.

Mummers Parade route

The mile-and-a-half route begins at City Hall, before heading south down Broad Street to Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia.

How to watch the 2026 Mummers Parade

Watch the Mummers Parade in person

The parade is free to attend. Those hoping for a more intimate experience, however, have a few options:
- Reserved bleacher seats located near the judging stand just west of City Hall are available for $25 at visitphilly.com.
- Additionally, tickets to the Fancy Brigade Finale — held at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. inside the Convention Center — range from $28 to $43. Tickets are available at visitphilly.com or during business hours at the Independence Visitor Center.
Watch the Mummers Parade from home

The parade will be broadcast from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on:
- Cable/Satellite: On Channel 2 (MeTV2) or Channel 69 (WFMZ). Available on Comcast, Fios, DirecTV, Dish Network, Service Electric, Astound, and Blue Ridge Cable.
- Streaming: Livestream of the parade available at WFMZ.com, WFMZPlus.com, Zeam.com, FrndlyTV.com, Newson.us, and LocalNow.com.
- Mobile: On the WFMZ+ Streaming app, available through your Apple or Android devices.
Members of the Saints wench brigade step to the judges’ stand during the 124th Mummers Parade on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

What is the Mummers Parade?

In short, it’s the longest continuously running folk parade in the country. Some 10,000 elaborately dressed performers take part in the celebration each year, part of dozens of groups spread across several divisions.
- Fancies: Painted faces and elaborate costumes.
- Comics: Satirical comedy skits aimed at public figures, institutions, and current events.
- Wench Brigades: Known for traditional Mummers costumes, including dresses, bloomers, and bonnets.
- Fancy Brigades: Theatrical performances. (The Fancy Brigade Finale takes place on New Year’s Day with a pair of ticketed performances at the Convention Center at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.)
- String Bands: Marching musicians playing an assortment of string and reed instruments.
Mummers Parade performers

Fancy Division
- Golden Sunrise
Wench Brigade Division
- Froggy Carr
- Pirates
- Americans
- Cara Liom
- MGK
- O’Malley
- Oregon
- Saints
- Riverfront
- Bryson
- Comic Division
Mother Club: Landi Comics NYA
- Philadelphia Pranking Authority
- Mayfair Mummers
- Barrels Brigade
- The Jacks
Mother Club: Rich Porco’s Murray Comic Club
- Holy Rollers NYB
- Vaudevillains NYB
- Trama NYB
- Wild Rovers NYB
- Mollywoppers NYB
- Merry Makers NYB
- Misfits NYB
- Fitzwater NYB
- Funny Bonez NYB
- Top Hat NYB
- Fiasco NYB
- Golden Slipper NYB
- B. Love Strutters
- Madhatters NYB
- Tankie’s Angels NYB
- The Leftovers NYB
- Finnegan NYB
Mother Club: Goodtimers NYA
- SouthSide Shooters NYA
- Jokers Wild NYB
- Hog Island NYA
- Pinelands Mummers NYB
- Happy Tappers NYB
- Two Street Stompers NYB
- Gormley NYB
- Jesters NYB
- Lobster Club NYB
- South Philly Strutters NYB
- Jolly Jolly Comics NYB
String Band Division
- Duffy String Band
- Durning String Band
- Quaker City String Band
- Fralinger String Band
- Uptown String Band
- Avalon String Band
- South Philadelphia String Band
- Aqua String Band
- Greater Kensington String Band
- Woodland String Band
- Polish American String Band
- Ferko String Band
- Hegeman String Band
- Jersey String Band
Members of Froggy Carr chant as they strut to Market Street during the 124th Philadelphia Mummers Parade on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Mummers Parade-day hacks

Navigating the heavily attended event can require a bit of planning, with entire Reddit threads devoted to parade-day tips — including the best places to park and how to access elusive public restrooms throughout the day.

A few things to keep in mind: The parade is accessible through SEPTA Regional Rail, bus, subway, and trolley lines. And though parking is free because of the holiday, it’s expected to be scarce.

While the heart of the action takes place near City Hall and Dilworth Park, performance areas will also be located along the parade route — at Broad Street at Sansom, Pine, and Carpenter Streets.

Starting at 11 a.m., meanwhile, parade attendees can gather at the staging area for the string bands to watch the performers prepare. (The staging areas are located at Market Street between 17th and 21st Streets and JFK Boulevard between 17th and 20th Streets.)

Also good to remember? Dress warm, bring a lawn chair (they’re permitted), and pace yourself — it has the potential to be a very long day.

Ferko String Band tenor sax players Renee Duffy of Deptford (left) and Tom Garrity of Berlin take a break from the parade as they ride in the bands truck on South Broad Street during the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

Mummers Parade road closures and parking restrictions

Friday, Dec. 26, 2025

No parking from 6 p.m. on Dec. 26 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 2, on the east curb lane of 15th Street from JFK Boulevard to South Penn Square.

Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025

No parking from 6 p.m. on Dec. 27 through 7 a.m. on Jan. 2, on the west side of 15th Street from Arch Street to Ranstead Street. Street and sidewalk vendors will also not be permitted to park in this area.

Monday, Dec. 29, 2025

15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at JFK Boulevard. Closure begins at 8 a.m. on Dec. 29 and runs through 7 a.m. Jan. 2.

Market Street eastbound will be closed to traffic at 16th Street from 8 a.m. on Dec. 29 through 7 a.m. on Jan. 2.

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

No parking on the following streets from 4 a.m. on Dec. 30 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 1:
- Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street (both sides)
- JFK Boulevard from Juniper Street to 20th Street (both sides)
15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at JFK Boulevard. Closure begins at 7 a.m. on Dec. 30 and runs through 7 a.m. Jan. 2.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

Market Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 15th Street to 21st Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. Market Street will reopen at 3 p.m. and traffic will be permitted to travel eastbound on Market Street to 15th Street and continue southbound on 15th Street.

Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 3 a.m. on Jan. 1 through the parade’s conclusion:
- 15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street
- Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street
These streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 6 a.m. on Jan. 1 through the conclusion of the parade:
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
- North Broad Street from Cherry Street to JFK Boulevard
- 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street
- 17th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street
- 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street
- 19th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street
- 1500 block of Ranstead Street
- 1300 block of Carpenter Street
- 1000 block of South 13th Street
- Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side)
- Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street
Broad Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue on Thursday, Jan. 1, beginning at 7 a.m. through the conclusion of the parade.

Vehicle traffic will not be permitted to cross Broad Street during the parade.

Additional Parking Restrictions

No parking from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1 (on both sides of street unless otherwise noted):
- Broad Street from Cherry Street to Ellsworth Street
- Juniper Street from JFK Boulevard to East Penn Square
- South/East Penn Square from 15th Street to Juniper Street
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
- Logan Circle (north side)
- 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street
- 17th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street
- 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street
- 19th Street from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street
- 1500 block of Ranstead Street
- 1300 block of Carpenter Street
- 1000 block of South 13th Street
- Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side)
- Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street
SEPTA detours

SEPTA hasn’t updated their schedule for the parade yet, but bus detours, alerts, and information can be found on SEPTA’s website.

A brief history of the Mummers Parade

What began in 1901 as a way to corral the city’s annual New Year’s debauchery has transformed into one of its most beloved traditions.

Inspired by traditions brought to Philly by Swedish, Finnish, Irish, German, English, and African immigrants, the annual event has grown to feature thousands of costumed performers competing in a colorful, unique, and family-friendly daylong affair.

Despite past funding issues and occasional controversy, the Mummers Parade today stands as one of the city’s quintessential events, celebrated by locals and embraced by Philly royalty; former Eagle Jason Kelce memorably donned a traditional Mummers outfit for the team’s Super Bowl parade in 2018, and actor Kevin Bacon, along with brother Michael, has helped fundraise for the event.
December 18, 2025
What’s open and closed on Christmas Day in the Philly area: Grocery stores, liquor stores, trash pickup, and more

Christmas Day is Thursday this year, and with it comes a wave of closures across the Philadelphia region. If you’re planning last-minute errands or outings, knowing what’s open, and what’s not, will save you time and frustration.

Trash and recycling collection will be impacted, with pickups running one day behind schedule all week.

From city services and grocery stores to pharmacies and big-box retailers, here’s your guide to navigating holiday hours in Philadelphia.

City government offices

❌ City of Philadelphia government offices will be closed Dec. 25.

Free Library of Philadelphia

❌ The Free Library will be closed Dec. 25.

Food sites

✅ / ❌ Holidays may impact hours of operation. Visit phila.gov/food to view specific site schedules and call ahead before visiting.

Trash collection

❌ No trash and recycling collections on Christmas Day. Collections will be picked up one day behind the regular schedule all week. To find your trash and recycling collection day, go to phila.gov.

Grocery stores

Acme Markets

❌ Acme will be closed Christmas Day.

Aldi

❌ Aldi will be closed Christmas Day.

Giant Food Stores

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

Reading Terminal Market

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

South Philly Food Co-op

✅ Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Sprouts Farmers Market

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

Trader Joe’s

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

Whole Foods

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

Wegmans

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

ShopRite

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

Liquor stores

Fine Wine & Good Spirits

❌ Closed Christmas Day.

Mail and packages

U.S. Postal Service

❌ On Christmas Day, local post offices will be closed and there will be no regular mail delivery.

UPS, FedEx, and DHL

❌ UPS, FedEx, and DHL will be closed Christmas Day. There will be no delivery or pickup services either, except for critical services.

Banks

❌ Most, if not all, banks including TD Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, and PNC Bank will be closed on Christmas Day.

Pharmacies

CVS

✅ CVS locations will operate on modified business hours for Christmas Day with most open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call ahead to your local store before visiting or view hours at cvs.com/store-locator/landing.

Walgreens

✅ Walgreens locations will be open but hours have not been announced — check your local store at walgreens.com/storelocator.

Shopping malls

❌ The Shops at Liberty Place, the Fashion District, Franklin Mall, King of Prussia Mall, and Cherry Hill Mall will be closed Dec. 25.

Big-box retailers

You won’t be able to shop at these big-box or specialty retailers on Christmas:

Target

❌ Target will be closed Dec. 25.

Walmart

❌ Walmart will be closed Dec. 25.

Home Depot

❌ Home Depot will be closed Dec. 25.

Lowe’s

❌ Lowe’s will be closed Dec. 25.

Costco

❌ Costco will be closed Dec. 25.

IKEA

❌ IKEA will be closed Dec. 25.

Dollar Tree

❌ Dollar Tree will be closed Dec. 25.

Family Dollar

❌ Family Dollar will be closed Dec. 25.

Sam’s Club

❌ Sam’s Club will be closed Dec. 25.

December 18, 2025
Dear Abby | Wife thinks camper guest is getting a little too cozy

DEAR ABBY: My 58-year-old husband recently shared a bed in our camper with a 21-year-old family friend. The friend is female. This happened in my absence. He thinks of her as a “daughter,” and although I’m not concerned about anything inappropriate happening between them, I still feel it was inappropriate. I expressed my feelings to him and said I didn’t want it to happen again, but it did. He still thinks it’s perfectly fine, but I do not. What are your thoughts?

— INAPPROPRIATE IN THE EAST

DEAR INAPPROPRIATE: My thought is that it’s unusual and inappropriate for a 21-year-old woman to share a bed with your husband (more than once!) in light of the fact that you objected. I can’t help but wonder why no other sleeping arrangement was possible, and what her parents (who, I assume, are friends) think about the arrangement. Perhaps it’s time you had a chat with the young woman about this. You may find it enlightening.

** ** **

DEAR ABBY: A family member — a woman in her 60s — almost certainly has narcissistic personality disorder. She has caused problems in the family, so much so that some have quit their jobs, sold their homes and moved out of town to get away from her dysfunction. This woman blames others, never apologizes for anything and doesn’t seem to think she has a problem.

Having burned all her bridges, she is now moving out of state. However, she still has ties to the family business. We want her to get the treatment she needs, and we want peace and order restored in our family. How do families in a similar situation accomplish this?

— SURVIVING IN KENTUCKY

DEAR SURVIVING: I can tell you how some people in your situation manage. Recognizing that they cannot change the behavior of the disruptive family member, they seek family therapy to learn how to handle their contacts with her. I hope it helps for you.

** ** **

DEAR ABBY: I would love your thoughts on the protocol, if any, for mentioning the name of a decedent’s very good friend/companion in an obituary. I have seen, on occasion, an obituary that lists all the family members (wife, children, grandchildren, caregiver, etc.) and then includes the name of a dear friend/companion, who, in this instance, had been dating the decedent for four years, during which the two of them developed a very close relationship.

— WONDERING IN ILLINOIS

DEAR WONDERING: I don’t think it is obligatory to mention all of the deceased’s relationships when an obituary is written. Often the family is grieving and distracted by the multitude of arrangements that must be made. If you are referring to yourself, and you had a warm relationship with the family, I am sure your name was not omitted to deliberately ignore the caring relationship you shared with the deceased, and sometimes people want to have a say about what’s included in their obituary. If your companion put in writing that your name should be included, then the family was wrong not to follow through.

December 18, 2025