Gideon Resnick

Meanwhile, in the Northeast, a series of winter storms are bringing ice, snow, and their own set of problems for travelers on roads or at airports.

For much of the middle of the country, a bubble of air will create some of the warmest Christmas weather on record.

That includes states from the Rockies to the Appalachians, much of the Plain States, and parts of the Midwest.

And finally, if your travel does include going to the airport, you might be carrying some things for the holidays that you typically wouldn't, and they might get you stopped in the TSA line.

The Washington Post has a few helpful reminders here.

If, for example, you were bringing a dear relative a beloved food item, that might get a second look from TSA.

Peanut butter, specifically, is a common one that gets intercepted.

If you're traveling with gifts, Play-Doh and snow globes are frequently pulled aside, as are candles.

And one other small tip, maybe save wrapping gifts for once you're through security.

If TSA wants to take a second look at something, they might have to undo your beautiful handiwork.

And if you happen to show up to your loved ones empty-handed, I suppose any of this could be used as an excuse.

You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app.

And if you're already listening to the news app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next.

Esquire has the story of Bob Rutan, part of the close fellowship of Macy's Santa Clauses in New York, and how he battled failure and heartbreak, but persevered with some Christmas magic.

If you're listening in the podcast app, you can follow Apple News Plus Narrative to find that story.

And a quick programming note for our listeners, Apple News Today will be taking a break and back with a new episode January 5th.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we'll talk to you in the new year.

Good morning.

It's Thursday, December 18th.

I'm Gideon Resnick in for Shamita Basu.