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SAVE 40%: As of Dec. 18, you can get 40% off Calm gift cards. Gift a lifetime subscription for $239.99, or an annual subscription for $41.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Calm Calm Lifetime Subscription Gift Card $239.99 at Calm
$399.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

If you’re still scrambling to find the perfect gift for your friends and loved ones this holiday season, you might want to consider giving a digital gift. This way, you won’t have to physically shop for anything, and your giftee can enjoy the present as soon as you send it.

SEE ALSO: The very best digital gifts and subscriptions you can send via email

As of Dec. 18, you can get 40% off Calm gift cards. Just purchase the Calm gift card online, choose to get a certificate (that you can print out) or send it digitally via email, and let your giftee use their code for a year or a lifetime subscription to Calm.

The regular price for a Calm gift card is $69.99 for an annual Premium subscription and $399.99 for a lifetime subscription. With the 40% discount, you can get the annual subscription for $41.99 and the lifetime subscription for $239.99.

SEE ALSO: 50 last-minute gifts that will actually arrive on time

Calm Premium offers access to hundreds of guided meditations, Sleep Stories, exclusive music tracks, and more to help with relaxation, mindfulness, and sleep. The Premium membership also includes a Calm Masterclass and access to all Calm Body programs.

During a time that’s often filled with stress and, for some, grief, giving the gift of a Calm membership could be exactly what someone needs to find a moment of peace and a chance to reset their mind and body.

SAVE UP TO 53%: You still have time to order awesome kids' presents that arrive before Dec. 25, including toys like National Geographic STEM kits and tech like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition.

Best last-minute kids' presents Best STEM kit deal National Geographic Amazing Reactions Chemistry Set $26.99 at Amazon (save $13) Get Deal Best kids' tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition $169.99 at Samsung (save $100) Get Deal Best smart speaker deal Amazon Echo Dot Kids $27.99 at Amazon (save $32) Get Deal

Welcome to crunch time. We're exactly one week away from Dec. 25, which means that if you didn't finish shopping yesterday, today is the next best option. Thankfully, you still have time to order great gifts for kids that'll arrive on time to get wrapped and placed under the tree.

Of course, many kids have big opinions about what they'd like for the holidays, but there's plenty to choose from that's on sale today, including tech and toys. Here are some perfect gifting options if you're still shopping for the kids on your holiday list this year.

Best STEM kit deal Opens in a new window Credit: National Geographic National Geographic Amazing Reactions Chemistry Set $26.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $13.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With over 100 science experiments, the National Geographic Amazing Reactions Chemistry Set is a perfect gift for the curious kiddo in your life. This Amazon-exclusive set is for any kid who loves the science fair or enjoys figuring out how things work. From chemical reactions to crystal growing to fizzy combination, the chemistry set is a great hands-on gift. Plus, it's a gift to parents since the kit is sure to keep kids occupied during winter break from school.

The National Geographic Amazing Reactions Chemistry Set usually sells for $39.99, but it's currently 33% off at Amazon, which means you'll pay just $26.99 for the set.

Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition $169.99 at Samsung
$269.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With an 11-inch screen and durable design, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Kids Edition is great for kids who like to watch shows, play games, or read books on a tablet. The tablet comes with a puffy cover in either yellow, red, or blue, two tethers to help kids keep a good handle on the tablet, stickers, and three pens to use with the tablet.

While the tablet typically costs $269.99, it's on sale at Samsung for just $169.99 which means you'll be savings an impressive $100.

Best smart speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Kids $27.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $32.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With options of either a dragon or an owl, the Amazon Echo Dot Kids is a great smart home device for a kids' bedroom. The smart speaker allows kids to tune into their favorite music and stories, but it can also help them set up an independent schedule. Kids can use the Echo Dot to ask Alexa homework questions or tell her to set an alarm or control lights. They can also ask for updates on the weather to help plan their outfit for the day.

The Amazon Echo Dot Kids comes with plenty of parental controls, and it's also backed by Amazon's 2-year worry-free warranty, which states that if the devices breaks within the first two years of ownership, Amazon will replace it for free.

More last-minute kids' gifts that'll arrive before Dec. 25

• National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit — $12.99 $16.99 (save $4)

• Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Ice Cream Party Set — $12.99 $16.99 (save $4)

• Melissa & Doug Yellowstone National Park Grizzly Bear Games and Play Set — $14.99 $37.99 (save $23)

• National Geographic Diamond Painting Solar System Night Light — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)

• Nation Geographic Dinosaur Terrarium Kit — $16.49 $19.99 (save $3.50)

• National Geographic Rock Bingo Game — $17.49 $24.99 (save $7.50)

• Amazon Echo Pop Kids — $22.99 $49.99 (save $27)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Kindle Kids — $109.99 $129.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Fire 10 HD Kids tablet — $109.99 $189.99 (save $80)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids — $144.99 $179.99 (save $35)

It was Christmas Day night and I couldn't sleep. Not through excitement for continued Twixmas celebrations, but because I knew I had a difficult and almost certainly heartbreaking conversation ahead of me.

My self-esteem was at an all time low and a situationship of mine had developed into an emotionally torturous interaction. Sex with a good friend meant catching unreciprocated feelings. Despite the friendship, he'd gone quiet and ghosted me during a winter lockdown. It felt terrible. Rotating all possibilities, my mind searched for answers during this period of silence. My inner critic used the situation as a stick to beat me with, evidence of all my shortcomings, proof that I was deficient in other people's eyes (not just my own).

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps and sites for this cuffing season

When he got back in touch to search for guilt absolution, to make sure his reputation remained unscathed in our friendship group, I was confused by his intentions and, I'll admit, I hoped he'd had a change of heart. Things came to a long overdue head as I sat next to my parents' Christmas tree sipping a gin and tonic — I knew I needed to end my misery and ask him what he wanted from me. Deep down, I realised the answer possibly wasn't going to be what my heart wanted, but I needed to be set free from this waiting room of sorrow. My anxiety was mounting to unbearable levels and I knew I couldn't put off the conversation any longer. So, on Boxing Day morning, I rolled over in bed and awoke to a message from him, apologising yet again for his behaviour. I sighed in recognition of what I needed to do.

After I'd sent the dreaded message, I sat in silence waiting for the inevitable. When his message arrived, the contents weren't surprising to me — but that didn't make it any less painful. And though I was free from the turmoil, that's when anxiety gave way to heartbreak, a feeling that wasn't exactly what I'd hoped to be dealing with over Christmas, a time of year I usually love. A neverending stream of tears rolled down my face as I sat watching my favourite films with my family. My mum looked at me with pity and concern, as I muffled tragic sniffs on the sofa. It was, as you can imagine, not a great time. And no amount of pigs in blankets or Terry's Chocolate Oranges would make me feel better (though you can't say I didn't try!).

Heartbreak, sadly, doesn't take a day off when it's a special occasion.

Heartbreak, sadly, doesn't take a day off when it's a special occasion. And the holidays can be particularly difficult when you're in the throes of a breakup, or the ending of a situationship. As writer Annie Lord, author of Notes On Heartbreak, tells me, "It's pretty horrible because everyone's so loved up during Christmas."

"There are couples everywhere, holding hands at the Christmas markets, looking for rings in shops, and when you turn on the TV they're still there, kissing in cozy cottages in The Holiday, declaring their love in Love Actually. I think the coldness makes people want to cozy up with someone they love," she says.

Just because it's hard doesn't mean you have to put up with it, though. Mashable spoke to psychotherapists for tips on coping with heartbreak during the holidays.

Limit your time on social media

If there's anything guaranteed to make you want to throw your phone at the wall, it's seeing endless pics of engagement rings with the caption "so, this happened!" You simply don't need to see it right now.

Fiona Yassin, family psychotherapist and founder and clinical director of The Wave Clinic, says it's a good idea to limit your social media use so you're not bombarded with what your friends and internet pals are up to during this period. "When we see others having fun on social media and we feel we are not, it can trigger negative emotions like loneliness and isolation," says Yassin.

Here are some tips on how to limit your Instagram usage and TikTok usage.

SEE ALSO: Why social media algorithms hurt after a breakup Give yourself time to grieve

The holidays are a time that champions joy. And that can be particularly challenging when you feel, well, pretty rotten. Giving yourself permission to feel sad is important in validating the difficult emotions you'll be (understandably!) feeling during this time.

"Don't feel like you're ruining other people's good time."

Dr. Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, says, "A big break up is comparable to grief, particularly if that person was very embedded in your life. Instead of rushing out to date again and trying to 'get over it,' be gentle with yourself and give yourself time and space to process the loss."

Also, don't feel bad for feeling sad. "Don't feel like you're ruining other people's good time," author Lord says. "You are not a burden. It's an honour to be able to be there for people when they need it."

If you've been ghosted, Mashable has some tips on how to move on.

Featured Video For You 'I was cloaked.' What it's like to be blocked and stood up by your Hinge date. Surround yourself with people you love

Heartbreak is a universal emotion and chances are, everyone around you right now will have gone through it at some point in their life. Opening up to others about what you're going through can make you feel less alone.

"Speak to your parents or any older members of your family. Most of the time they have been through this before and they survived, knowing this can give you hope," says Lord. "Christmas means you're often surrounded by your family and friends. Celebrate the love you get from them, a love that is often less intense or glamorous, but a lot more enduring than romantic love."

Want more sex and dating stories in your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's new weekly After Dark newsletter.

Going home or to safe spaces can sometimes give you an opportunity to reconnect with your younger self. "Going home can be quite grounding," she adds. "You're surrounded by all this stuff from when you were younger which can put things into perspective. I remember finding an old diary of mine where I was crying over a guy and though I was now upset about another one, I could still see that I was dealing with it in a much better way."

Not everyone has access to a support network at this time of year. If your heartbreak is impacting your mental health or if you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody.

You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you're based in the UK, contact the Samaritans (116 123). If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

Try some grounding techniques

As a practical daily means to cope with heartbreak, Yassin recommends equipping yourself with some grounding techniques, which can be helpful for people to manage and work through emotions they wish they weren't feeling. Grounding techniques are exercises or activities that help you refocus on what's happening in the present moment, distracting yourself from triggers, anxious feelings, or difficult emotions.

"By using grounding techniques, we are not saying that we will not deal with or process the emotions and sensations, but we are saying that right now, at this moment, this is not going to intrude in what I’m doing," says Yassin. "Walking can be really good to bring you back into the moment. When we walk and put one foot in front of the other we are actually stimulating both sides of the brain in a process called Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) which can feel soothing for some." Here are six free grounding meditations to help you get started.

Repetitive activities like cross-stitch or crochet can have a soothing effect for some, while others like to keep themselves in motion. "Journaling or watching a good movie can also be effective grounding techniques," says Yassin. Touroni also recommends journaling as it "helps get difficult thoughts and feelings down on paper so you can gain greater clarity and a new perspective." Check out Mashable's non-intimidating guide to journaling to get started.

Look after your physical needs

When you're feeling low, it can be difficult to muster the energy to look after ourselves. Taking care of your immediate physical needs can be a way of making yourself feel a little better, despite not being able to shift the difficult emotions that come with heartbreak. Make sure you're hydrated, eating, and getting plenty of rest.

"Make sure you’re doing activities that keep you both physically and mentally healthy e.g. regular exercise, eating healthy, nutritious meals etc.," Touroni says. "Avoid turning to substances to numb any difficult thoughts and feelings. They might provide relief in the short-term but are likely to make things harder in the long run."

Can't sleep? Here are some tips on tangible things you can do to help you drift off.

Don't rush into another relationship

Heartbreak can also be accompanied with feelings of panic, especially if you have been contending with anxious thoughts about "running out of time." If you can resist some of these feelings and try to reassure that anxious voice in your head, know that you are allowed to take time to heal, and that you are enough on your own.

Yassir advises against rushing into another relationship straight away— often referred to as a "rebound". "People that rebound tend to be those who are already struggling around interpersonal relations and relationships. Build a relationship with yourself before having a relationship with someone else. It’s unlikely a rebound relationship will be healthy if you don’t give yourself the time and space to be able to work out what you’re feeling."

SEE ALSO: What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup? Don't read into their texts

As the queen of reading-into-text-messages, I feel highly qualified in saying that it's completely natural to want to search for signs of hope in any contact you might have had from the heartbreak-inflicter. But this habit can also prolong your agony and make it difficult to accept what's really happening.

"If they message you 'Happy Christmas' don't start thinking it signals anything."

"If they message you 'Happy Christmas' don't start thinking it signals anything," says Lord. "They're probably just trying to be polite. At the same time if you're the one who ended the relationship don't send a text, it will confuse your ex."

A good rule of thumb is to assume that there is never a hidden meaning to their messages. If a person wants something badly enough, they'll find a way to make sure their meaning and intention are fully understood. Tell yourself that if they want to communicate something important, they will likely do so in an explicit manner.

Cut yourself some slack

When you're feeling sad, the last thing you need is another voice inside your head telling you what a misery you are. Your inner critic can rear their annoying head during this time to convince you that you're bringing down the vibe, but most people understand that heartbreak truly is the worst.

"Be really kind to yourself," advises Lord. "Don't get annoyed if you don't get off the sofa for the entire day, that's what Christmas is for and everyone's doing it too. It might feel like in doing these things you're going backward, but you're not you're getting somewhere because stewing and feeling miserable is all part of the process."

Talk to someone

If you're really struggling, don't suffer in silence. Speak to a mental health professional if you can. Shout is a 24/7 free mental health service in the UK (Text SHOUT to 85258). If you're in the U.S., text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

"If you find yourself stuck in the same recurring relationship patterns, it could be a sign to dig a little deeper," Touroni advises. "Negative early life experiences can sometimes impact the types of relationships we form — and choose —in later life. If you suspect there are things in your past that you haven’t dealt with, therapy is a great place to start this process."

Lean on your support network and don't bottle up your feelings. "If you’re struggling, reach out to friends and family," Touroni adds. "These are the moments when we need their support the most, and the right people will want to be there for you."

If you're nursing a bruised or shattered heart this Christmas, know that you're not alone. And know that it won't be forever. Take care of yourself.

This article was first published in 2022 and republished in 2024.

SAVE UP TO 25%: Now through Dec. 23, you can save up to 25% off select items during Instacart’s ‘Tis a Big Deal Week. Shop Sephora, Best Buy, The Home Depot, Kohl’s, Petco, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart’s ‘Tis a Big Deal Week Save up to 25% Shop Now

The holiday shopping season is almost over, but that doesn't mean it's too late to find some great deals on last-minute gifts. With just a week to go until Christmas, Instacart has announced its second annual Holiday Deal Week, where you can get up to 25% off select products from major retailers like Petco, Kohl’s, Best Buy, and others.

SEE ALSO: Give yourself the gift of time with 50% off a Shipt annual membership

If you don’t have an Instacart membership, the company’s also offering a limited-time deal where you can get two weeks of Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express) for free. This’ll get you $0 grocery delivery fees on orders of $10 or more (usually, it’s $35), in addition to other perks, like a one-year subscription to New York Times Cooking and free Peacock Premium.

Once the two-week trial is up, you can either cancel or opt to pay $99/year or $9.99/month for the Instacart+ membership.

To shop the deals, visit the Instacart app or website, add the items you want to your cart, and watch the savings add up. You can also send a gift directly to friends and family by entering their address and selecting “make it a gift” at checkout.

SAVE $130: The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are on sale for $99.99 (normally $229.99) as a Dec. 18 Bonus Deal of the Day at Best Buy — a 57% discount on their $229.99 MSRP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro $99.99 at Best Buy
$229.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

We're getting a little down to the wire, here, but Best Buy might have just dropped one of the season's best deals on a sub-$100 stocking stuffer for Samsung users.

The tech retailer has the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro on sale for just $99.99 (normally $229.99) as of its Bonus Deals of the Day for Dec. 18. That's a massive 57% savings and what appears to be their lowest price ever. At the time of writing, they were available for pickup as soon as Dec. 24 or available for delivery soon as tomorrow, depending on the color. Choose from graphite, white, or bora purple variants.

SEE ALSO: From studying to working out, these are the best earbuds of 2024

A 2022 release, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are still Samsung's current flagship earbuds. Their "strong audio quality and stronger active noise cancellation" make them an excellent buy for those who own other Galaxy devices, according to Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry, who gave them a 4/5 rating at launch. He thought Apple's Beats Fit Pro had a slight edge over them due to their broader compatibility, and the fact that they're $30 cheaper at full price. But if you've committed to the Samsung ecosystem, Best Buy's one-day deal pretty much neutralizes the competition.

Amazon and Samsung's website were technically matching Best Buy's offer when we checked, but only if you bought the Galaxy Buds2 Pro in used condition or traded in an older audio device, respectively. Elsewhere, they were sold out at Target and full price at Walmart.

Oops, you did it again. You waited until the last minute to get a gift. You love your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, friends, and that coworker who always has work tea — but when you're stressing over the perfect gift for said special person, time gets away from you. Finding a last-minute gift that's actually meaningful is hard, to be quite honest. But there are still ways to get personalized or sentimental gifts even in a time crunch. Depending on how last-minute you're pushing it, there are actually some really neat gifts you can get. This is especially true if you're an Amazon Prime member and get free one- and two-day shipping, plus some overnight delivery options. The safest bets include online services, subscription services, and stuff with digital delivery. And in a year when everything is more expensive than we're used to, a simple gift card isn't boring — it's a lifesaver. Check out some unique last-minute gift options below.

SAVE $35: As of Dec. 18, the Echo Spot is on sale for $44.99 at Amazon. This is 44% off its list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot (newest model) $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

Amazon's offering up some nice discounts in the lead-up to the holidays for those getting some last-minute shopping in. Some items are even at their lowest-ever prices right now, like the Amazon Echo Spot, so you can save big on this smart alarm clock and even get it before Christmas.

Amazon has the Echo Spot marked down to $44.99, 44% off its list price of $79.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is also the lowest-ever price for the Echo Spot, so there's truly no better time to pick it up. And if you have it on your list as a gift for the holidays, what's even better is Amazon notes it'll arrive before Christmas so you don't need to worry about late delivery.

SEE ALSO: Seize these last minute tablet deals from Amazon, Apple, and more

The Echo Spot is a worthy investment, too. It's a smart alarm clock with Alexa that can tell you about the weather, reminders you set, and play your favorite tunes or podcasts alongside telling the time. It's also a great size with a sleek design that can fit nicely on a bedside table or desk.

As Amazon states on its deal page, though, this is a limited-time offer so act fast to save on the Echo Spot.

The Echo Spot joins a variety of other Echo devices that Amazon has marked down right now. Have a look at our roundup of Amazon Echo deals to see if any more catch your eye. It's also worth checking out Amazon's top 100 holiday gift ideas to see if there are any more items worth picking up ahead of the holidays.

Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) commit the most magical hit-and-run in the trailer for A24's Death of a Unicorn.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

The directorial debut for Alex Scharfman (producer of House of Spoils) centers on Elliot (Rudd) and his daughter Ridley (Ortega) as they head to a weekend retreat hosted by Elliot's billionaire boss Dell Leopold (Richard E. Grant, The Franchise). On the way there, they hit and kill a unicorn with their car. But what they see as a bizarre tragedy — and possibly a crime? — Dell sees as an opportunity. He and his ultra-rich Leopold family (played by The Bear's Will Poulter and Only Murders in the Building's Téa Leoni) decide to research the poor, dead unicorn's curative properties. According to the film's first trailer, it might even be the cure for cancer. ("That's the biggest one!" Poulter's character exclaims.)

But if you thought killing a unicorn (and exploiting it for dubious studies) was already crazy, the second half of Death of a Unicorn's trailer kicks it into high gear. Turns out, there's another unicorn on the loose. This one has more of a snarling, werewolf vibe — and it is bloodthirsty as can be. Basically, it looks like that one killer unicorn scene from Cabin in the Woods walked so this could run.

Death of a Unicorn hits theaters this spring.

Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown trades psychic superpowers for robots in The Electric State, directed by the MCU's Russo Brothers.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

This retrofuturistic sci-fi adventure adapts Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel of the same name, in which robots live in exile after a failed rebellion. In this alternate version of the '90s, an orphaned girl named Michelle (Brown) travels across the United States in search of her long-lost brother Christopher. She's accompanied by a robot named Cosmo (voiced by Alan Tudyk, Moana 2), who may just be under Christopher's control, as well as a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt, Guardians of the Galaxy).

But there are many, many more stars (and robots) awaiting Michelle on her journey. Brown and Pratt will meet up with Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Stanley Tucci (Conclave), Giancarlo Esposito (The Boys), and more on their journey into The Electric State's robot-filled Exclusion Zone.

The Electric State hits Netflix on March 14.

Redesigned interfaces, new features and artificial intelligence are meant to enhance the experience, even if the changes can be confusing at first.

It took Apple a long, long time to properly bring Apple Maps to the web, but the version that we got in July was...well, adequate. You could use it to search for places, explore the map or get directions, but advanced features such as Look Around, Apple's version of Google Maps' Street View, were missing.

Well, Apple recently rectified this omission.

SEE ALSO: Apple is finally getting serious about foldable devices, reports say

As noticed by Chris Carley (via 9to5Mac) Apple Maps beta now has Look Around, which shows up as a small binoculars icon in the bottom left corner of the map. Click it, and you get a small window showing you the surroundings in a 360-degree, panoramic view. You can extend that window to cover the entire area of the map. Inside the Look Around view, you can click and drag with your mouse to turn around, zoom in and out with a pinch gesture on your trackpad, or double tap anywhere to move the camera forward.

This is an expanded view of a street in New York City. Credit: Apple Maps

It's a little different than Google Maps' Street View, which enables you to drag the little yellow man anywhere on the map to get a view of that precise location. On Apple Maps, you have to activate Look Around, and then click on a precise location on the map to see the surroundings there. Also, Apple Maps lets you move around in smaller increments, which can be useful if you need to check something in a very precise location, such as a street number.

Unlike Street View, Apple's Look Around is not available just about anywhere; you'll find it in some cities in the U.S., most of Europe, the UK, Japan, and Israel, to name a few places. For a full list, check Apple's website.

The feature works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari; you can check it out on Apple Maps.

At long last, Squid Game Season 2 is almost upon us. If you're struggling to wait, though, Player 456 himself (Lee Jung-jae) has appeared on The Tonight Show to give us a few last-minute clues.

In the clip above he's presented with two buzzers — one for "yes", and one for "no" — and asked a series of questions about the new season.

The most interesting one? "Do you become the new Front Man?", which prompts Jung-jae to press both buttons at once.

Squid Game Season 2 arrives Dec. 26 on Netflix.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for December 18 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Wednesday, December 18, 2024:

Across"Spy vs Spy" magazine

• The answer is Mad.

Painfully slow

• The answer is Glacial.

Family tree

• The answer is Lineage.

Boolean logic operator

• The answer is And.

Called the shots

• The answer is Led.

Wheeling and _____

• The answer is Dealing.

Informal alliance

• The answer is Entente.

Baby carrier?

• The answer is Egg.

DownWhat a landslide political victory confers

• The answer is Mandate.

High card

• The answer is Ace.

Ringing up, old-style

• The answer is Dialing.

S.C. Johnson spray

• The answer is Glade.

Flax fabric

• The answer is Linen.

Deal maker

• The answer is Agent.

Pigeon's perch

• The answer is Ledge.

Turkey part

• The answer is Leg.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A critical jousting tool.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for December 18 Hurdle Word 1 answer

LANCE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Sometimes depicted wearing a halo.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 18 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ANGEL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To swear.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2024 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CURSE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A sustained period of activity involving a specific act or task.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 18 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SPREE

Final Hurdle hint

To measure how heavy something is.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

WEIGH

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

SAVE $60: As of Dec. 18, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 are on sale at Best Buy for $189.99. This is $60 off their original price of $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

When it comes to travel, I always keep my AirPods Pro 2 earbuds with me. They're an absolute must to keep me busy with audiobooks, music, and podcasts while I'm on the move. And with the holidays coming up, I've already got them charged up and ready to go for a long flight home. If you've been hoping to pick up these earbuds for your own long travel days ahead, the good news is they're still on sale at Best Buy.

Right now you can scoop up the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $189.99, $60 off their original price of $249.99. While they're not as low as they were during Cyber Monday, they're still absolutely worth picking up at this price. As a bonus, they also come with up to three months of Apple Music for free and three months of Apple Fitness+ for free.

SEE ALSO: Should AirPods be white? Hollywood heavyweight Franklin Leonard on the earbuds' hearing feature

The AirPods Pro 2 really shine with their noise canceling features. There are three modes to choose from: Active Noise Cancelation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency mode. With ANC, you can tune out from the world around you and just stay focused on what you're listening to. This is a personal favorite for me so I can zone in on work or block out loud noises.

Transparency mode does the opposite, allowing you to hear your surroundings while listening, and Adaptive Audio combines both features to automatically adjust noise control depending on what's going on around you. On top of these, the AirPods Pro 2 just offer excellent sound in general thanks to Apple's H2 chip, so your ears are in for a real treat once you put them in.

This deal may not stick around for long, though. Pick up the Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $189.99 before this deal disappears.

There's plenty more still on sale at Best Buy that you can check out in its Last Minute Savings event. Alongside the AirPods Pro 2, you can also save on laptops, speakers, gaming consoles, and so much more. Stock up and save some cash ahead of the holidays.

There's all kinds of erotic fan fiction out there on the internet, and you'd better believe some of that fiction features Conan O'Brien proudly at its centre.

In the podcast clip above from Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, O'Brien's co-host Matt Gourley reads some of this creative work out loud while co-host Sona Movsesian tells him to, "Stop, now."

O'Brien's reaction? "I'm glad someone is finally seeing me as a sexual being, because I've been ignored too long."

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 18, the 1TB Xbox Series X all-digital console is on sale for $399.99 at Best Buy. This is $50 off its original price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Series X All-Digital Console (1TB) $399.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Even though Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, it's still not too late to save on gaming items ahead of the holidays. Right now, Best Buy's offering up a nice little discount on the robot white Xbox Series X that's well worth jumping on if you've had a new console on your list this year.

The 1TB Xbox Series X all-digital console is currently $50 off its list price of $449.99, dropping it to $399.99. This is a great price for a console with so much space in it and even matches its Cyber Monday price. What better time to grab it?

SEE ALSO: The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is $50 off for a limited time

And with an all-digital design, you can stock up on several games right away from the online store. The Countdown Sale is even going on right now so you can save a little extra on big games like Star Wars Outlaws, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, and so many more. Or, if you've got Xbox Game Pass, you can stock up with plenty of games from that library as well.

This deal likely won't stick around for long, so save $50 on the 1TB Xbox Series X all-digital console before the discount disappears.

Best Buy's offering even more as part of its Last Minute Savings event. This includes deals on everything from speakers to home goods, so you can stock up on items you need ahead of the holidays without breaking the bank.

OpenAI is making major moves as it sets the table for 2025.

To the casual observer, OpenAI has spent the past week flooding the tech world with announcements and rollouts — not all of which gel into any sort of clear product agenda.

It's all part of a holiday-timed event called "12 Days of OpenAI," a plan to ship a product or feature every day for 12 days marketed by the AI giant as bold and ambitious, even though some of the announcements, like a folder system for organizing your ChatGPT conversations, might seem like filler.

But if you step back and look at the sum of its parts, you can see that OpenAI is deliberately laying a roadmap for ChatGPT to become the next "everything app."

The term comes from Elon Musk when talking about transforming X, into "a single application that encompasses everything," as he told employees in a leaked 2023 all-hands meeting. "You can do payments, messages, video, calling, whatever you’d like, from one single, convenient place." 

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Musk's plans to build X into an everything app have yet to come to fruition. But it's still a useful description for the strategy of embedding a technology so deeply into users' lives that they use it for all of their technological needs. 

OpenAI seems to be doing something similar with ChatGPT by launching user-friendly tools oriented around never having to leave the app. There's ChatGPT Search, its Google search engine competitor for accessing the web, Canvas, a kind of digital notepad for iterating on writing and code, Projects, a tool for creating and customizing projects that works with ChatGPT Search and Canvas, and Advanced Voice Mode, a vision and voice modalities tool that can see your screen and walk you through tasks.

Beside you the whole time is ChatGPT, underpinned by GPT-4o, that can generate responses with text, audio, voice, and images. ChatGPT is on your iPhone now too, thanks to a partnership with Apple, the original lifestyle embedders.  

Despite persistent shortcomings, ChatGPT's roadmap is clear

In the near future, OpenAI will take one step closer toward its goal of "achieving AGI" by putting all these tools together in an agent that can perform multi-step tasks on the user's behalf. 

This isn't just speculation. CEO Sam Altman said at OpenAI DevDay that "2025 is when agents will work," and CPO Kevin Weil reinforced this in a Reddit AMA, saying ChatGPT being able to perform tasks on its own will be "a big theme in 2025." Indeed, reports from Bloomberg and The Information say OpenAI's agentic tool, codenamed "Operator," will be able to book flights, write code, and generally browse the web.

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Meanwhile, AI model development might be running out of high quality training data and experiencing diminishing returns. And generative AI has a persistent hallucination problem that might not ever be fully resolved, which leads to the proliferation of AI slop, and also harmful misinformation, defamation, and potential copyright infringement. But despite genAI's proven unreliability for certain things and AI-weary public sentiment, OpenAI is doing its damndest to make the case for ChatGPT as the everything app with billion dollar stakes.

ChatGPT already has the parts, now it's time to assemble it

Imagine you or your partner is pregnant for the first time and you have no idea what to do. You frantically use ChatGPT Search to research baby books, pregnancy diets and workouts, the best prenatal vitamins, birthing classes, why doctors hate doulas, baby gear, etc. You create a ChatGPT Project called "Baby Deliverables," and upload all of your research and notes, asking ChatGPT to help you plan a timeline of tasks before the baby's arrival and a budget for all the new expenses. 

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As the pregnancy progresses, you use Advanced Voice Mode with vision to ask ChatGPT if the amount of swelling in you or your partner's feet is normal. You might even find yourself confiding in Advanced Voice Mode about the difficult hormonal changes or sharing ultrasound photos with the warm and friendly disembodied voice who's never busy, unlike family and friends. 

Soon, you might even be able to compile a list of gifts and automatically populate a baby shower registry, or ask ChatGPT to research the best strollers and buy the best-rated one within your price range. 

All of this is already or likely soon to be possible within ChatGPT. And that's exactly what OpenAI wants — particularly since this scenario seeps beyond the 9-to-5 work productivity use case and into everyday companionship.

The everything app concept has Apple origins

The everything app concept isn't something Musk came up with. In fact, he was referencing apps in China like WeChat, a messaging, calling, social media, news, and payment app all rolled into one. 

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But it was really Apple that championed the concept with the "walled garden" ecosystem. Apple is famous for slick, beautifully-designed products that seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices, while being incompatible with non-Apple products. Apple sells its users on the promise of realizing their untapped potential, or as Mashable's Chris Taylor calls it, "aspirational creativity," thus locking them into a neverending product cycle. 

With its reality distortion field, Apple's best trick is to simultaneously make consumers feel like they need Apple devices to be the most productive and creative versions of themselves while defending its anti-competitive business practices. As Cory Doctorow puts it in his description of the cult of mac, "Apple’s most valuable intangible asset isn’t its patents or copyrights — it’s an army of people who believe that using products from a $2.89 trillion multinational makes them members of an oppressed religious minority whose identity is coterminal with the interests of Apple’s shareholders."

When you look at OpenAI's recent launches, it seems like Sam Altman has taken a leaf out of the Steve Jobs playbook.

"We really want to make ChatGPT as frictionless and easy to use everywhere," said Altman in a meta moment announcing the ChatGPT and iOS integration. "We love Apple devices and so this integration is one that we're very very proud of."

ChatGPT's new features and updates seem to be carefully designed with the consumer in mind: paying special attention to the needs of a user's workflow or overall online behavior. In other words, the promise of enhanced productivity and creative fulfillment is just a monthly payment away.

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ChatGPT subscriptions are a critical part of OpenAI's revenue model. According to financial documents reviewed by the New York Times, around 10 million users pay $20 for a ChatGPT Plus subscription and OpenAI plans to raise the price to $44 a month over the next five years.

And that was reported before OpenAI announced ChatGPT Pro for $200 a month. Combine that with OpenAI's revenue projections of $100 billion by 2029 and you can start to see the company's plan from novelty chatbot to everything app unfold.

That all hinges on making ChatGPT more valuable to its users. ChatGPT has already started to move away from the restricted chatbot experience. In a few short years, it's evolved to support image, audio, and video in addition to text and will soon have more autonomous abilities.

Speaking at Stanford University last spring, Altman called GPT-4 "the dumbest model any of you will ever have to use again," and described the forthcoming GPT-5 as a "significant leap forward" during an interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival. That's assuming the much-hyped GPT-5 is still part of the plan. In the meantime, OpenAI is rounding out ChatGPT with updates and features that emphasize its everyday usefulness. 

But just as OpenAI's allegedly altruistic mission "to ensure that AGI… benefits all of humanity," merits new scrutiny in the company's attempt to become for-profit, so does the intention behind its flurry of product announcements. OpenAI is a business and the goal of any business is to sell you stuff. Some of the new features may seem minor, but it's all part of a broader plan to hit that revenue projection. And maybe achieve AGI along the way. 

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, December 18, 2024:

AcrossOnly instrument in a typical orchestra that reads the alto clef

• The answer is Viola.

Irk

• The answer is Annoy.

Kind of cold brew coffee with foamy bubbles

• The answer is Nitro.

Affirmative head gesture

• The answer is Nod.

One of 88 on a piano

• The answer is Key.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2024 DownVehicle with a sliding door

• The answer is Van.

With a pen, as one's signature

• The answer is InInk.

How a ballerina often dances

• The answer is OnToe.

"___, ___, look who's 40!" (rhyming line on a birthday card)

• The answer is Lordy.

___ Edebiri, Emmy-winning actress on "The Bear"

• The answer is Ayo.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $200: As of Dec. 18, the Lenovo Legion Go gaming handheld (1TB SSD, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme) is on sale for $549.99. That's $200 off its original price of $749.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go 8.8-inch 144Hz WQXGA Gaming Handheld $549.99 at Best Buy
$749.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Who says Cyber Monday is the last day for deals? Best Buy is spreading a little extra holiday cheer through its 12 Days of Gaming sale event. Each day has had a nice little discount for shoppers, and today's deal on the Lenovo Legion Go is a fantastic pick for those looking to get into handheld gaming.

The Lenovo Legion Go (1TB SSD, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme) is currently enjoying a $200 discount, dropping its price from $749.99 to $549.99. This is absolutely worth taking advantage of if you've been wanting to pick up a gaming handheld, but it's worth knowing that this deal only lasts for today as part of 12 Days of Gaming. So act fast to scoop it up before it's all gone.

SEE ALSO: You can still save on the PS5 'Fortnite Cobalt Star' bundle and get it ahead of Christmas

Alongside the 1TB SSD and AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, the Lenovo Legion Go also offers an 8.8-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) 144Hz display so your favorite games will really shine while on the go. In our review, writer Alex Perry said, "it’s easily one of the better entryways into PC gaming you can get right now." It even came out on top in our comparison of Steam Deck vs. Lenovo Legion Go, with Perry saying, "Steam Deck is a fantastic device, no doubt, but Legion Go is better in all the ways that matter if you're really serious about PC gaming."

As mentioned earlier, this deal only lasts for one day. Act fast to save $200 on the Lenovo Legion Go at Best Buy before this discount disappears.

There's even more to explore right now at Best Buy, if you're still doing some last-minute shopping ahead of the holidays. The retailer is currently holding a Last Minute Savings event that features a variety of excellent discounts on everything from tech to home goods, so you can stock up before the holidays.