A very merry Christmas to you, friend! Here’s your trivia for today. In "A Charlie Brown Christmas," which iconic line by Linus pitted the CBS executives against Charles Shultz? Was it … A.) "Isn't this what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown?" B.) "I don't have a security blanket! It's my comfort companion!" C.) "I'll be your shepherd," or D.) "Happiness is Kim Komando, Charlie Brown"? Answer at the end!

❤️ I’m keeping this email short and sweet. Enjoy the day with your loved ones. If you’re alone today, I am sending you a huge virtual hug. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for your full dose of tech know‑how. — Kim

Whether you celebrate the Christmas holiday or not, it's only fitting we take a few moments to remember the ones working so hard behind the scenes to make today special for all of us: The thousands in law enforcement and national security working right now to protect us from some of the world's worst evils.

There are also the firefighters, doctors, nurses and medical specialists who are there for us today and tonight. And don't forget about the pilots, flight attendants and air traffic controllers bringing families together, along with the many technicians who keep our telecommunications systems up and running.

And, of course, the men and women of America's military.

To all of these wonderful people, let's take a moment and remember the words of Charles Dickens' Tiny Tim, who said, "God bless us, everyone!"

I want to give you a special thanks, too

I totally turned our newsletters around this year, and I'm thrilled you're here with me day in and day out.

I love reading your comments that say, "Wow, Kim, it feels like you're talking to me in this newsletter." Yes, it's real, human Kim here gathering what you need to know in the world of tech and writing it for you. That's especially important to me now that AI is everywhere. I want this email and the info I pass along to be something you can trust.

Some of my Christmas traditions

Below, I put links to the recipe for my annual Christmas dinner, movies and more. But I want to reach out to you if you’re not having a great day.

Years ago, my Dad was a little depressed and missing his mother terribly one Christmas. My Mom thought a quick trip to Las Vegas would get him out of the slump. I gave him a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD to listen to on their drive. When they returned, my Mom had a huge smile on her face and said, "Wow! That CD is wonderful! It totally turned his frown upside‑down!"

I shared this story with Chip Davis, the founder of Mannheim Steamroller. He explained he did that on purpose with the tempo so people would have an emotional lift. If you're a little down, here’s a YouTube playlist. When I miss my loved ones, it helps me, too.

I'm sending lots of love to you and your family. Let's rejoice because Jesus, our Savior, has been born. — Kim

• What’s on your Christmas menu? Every Christmas Day, I make individual chicken pot pies. So cozy and everyone loves them. Here’s the recipe I’ve perfected over the years. Another tradition in our home is "A Christmas Story," which plays over and over all day.
• For something wonderful, here’s a video of my son, Ian, reciting Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Christmas Bells" when he was 8. Where does the time go?
• Here’s Content Queen Allie’s favorite scone recipe for a sweet treat with your coffee. P.S. Here’s a trick to skip right to the recipe on food blogs.
• Love a festive cocktail (or mocktail). A Christmas margarita is perfect if you’re in Arizona like me. Lazy option: Toss some pomegranate seeds in a glass of champagne.
• Need a good book to curl up with? This cozy mystery series is a classic.

The answer: A.) “Isn't this what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown?” Linus recites KJV Luke 2:8‑14. CBS executives wanted to cut it out of the show because it says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” The poopy-face execs did not want any religion in the program.

🎄 Merry Christmas, friend. I’m grateful you’re here getting tech-smart with me. See you tomorrow back with our usual news and tricks! — Kim