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Money

Thanksgiving dinner is less expensive this year

Holiday

Yes, Cyber Monday got its start because people shopped online at work

The National Retail Federation coined the term “Cyber Monday” in 2005 after noticing a spike in people shopping online at work on the Monday after Thanksgiving.
Health

Yes, some snow globes contain a toxic chemical used in antifreeze

“It does not take ingesting more than a few laps of ethylene glycol to potentially be fatal to cats and small dogs,” VCA Animal Hospitals says.
Holiday

Poinsettias’ danger to pets has long been overblown

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not deadly to cats and dogs. But they still might get sick if they eat the plant.
Scams

Watch out for these common holiday scams

Scammers try to take advantage of the holiday season, when many people are shopping and donating more than they usually do. Here’s what to be wary of.
Holiday

No, Coca-Cola did not invent the modern image of Santa Claus

While Coca-Cola helped popularize today’s image, its version of Santa Claus drew inspiration from an 1822 poem and earlier Santa depictions.
Health

No, burning scented candles is not bad for your health

Experts say exposure to the chemicals used in scented candles is so low that they pose no significant risk to human health.
Holiday

Safely thawing your Thanksgiving turkey: 5 VERIFIED tips

How long should you thaw your Thanksgiving turkey in the fridge or water? Is it safe to defrost it in the microwave or at room temperature? Here's what we found.
Holiday

VERIFYING which Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets

Much of the Thanksgiving meal is dangerous for pets because of fats, oils, spices, seasonings and other ingredients that can be toxic to them.
Science

VERIFYING the authenticity of a viral firework injury X-ray meme that circulates each 4th of July

Every Independence Day, a viral photo apparently showing hand X-rays after firework injuries is shared as a warning. We traced the origin of each X-ray photo.
Holiday

Yes, the post office will be closed on Juneteenth

Post offices across the country will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of the federal Juneteenth holiday.
Holiday

Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. We VERIFY how it became a federal holiday.