By now, the only thing decking your halls may be pine needles. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Sure, the holidays are all fun and games — but if you celebrate Christmas, you know that sooner or later you have to deal with that “Night of the Living Dead” tree in the corner. But that doesn’t mean it’s dumpster-bound — instead, here’s how to put an old tree to good use.
Drop-off recycling
Marion County has several sites where residents can drop off their live trees to be recycled into mulch. Drop-offs will be accepted until Wednesday, Jan. 31 from dawn until dusk. Be sure to double check that you’ve removed your tree stand, ornaments, lights, and other decor.
Natural feeders
Give back to Mother Nature by making a natural bird feeder. Get creative with edible ornaments (think: orange-apple garlands and peanut butter pine cones), then set the tree out for birds to eat and take shelter. If your property includes a pond or lake, you can toss in the tree to make a natural reef for fish.
Things are looking peachy for Indy residents who want to watch the Hoosiers play in the Peach Bowl this Friday, Jan. 9. Six nonstop flights have been added from IND to Atlanta for the game — see dates and airlines. (WTHR)
Open
Hear that bell? Recess, Indy’s first matcha cafe, is now open at 902 E. 17th St. Get a preview of the cozy space + menu offerings.
Sports
Despite the team missing the NFL playoffs, the Colts are bringing back head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard for the 2026 season. Locked On has more on the decision.
Traffic
Take a deep breath, commuters. INDOT’s Clear Path project is nearing 80% completion and is set to wrap this year — among several other major traffic projects crossing the finish line in 2026. (WTHR)
Try This
Speaking of commutes, what’s one thing that could make yours better? Maybe an Indiana Fever license plate, which just became available at the BMV. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Fever Fund, which supports programs that help women and girls succeed on the court, in the classroom, and beyond.
Eat
Dinner date inspo incoming. Check out OpenTable’s annual list of the top 10 most-booked restaurants in Indy to plan your next culinary outing. Can you guess which restaurant was shouted out for its skillet mushrooms?
Feel Good
If you need a pick-me-up, follow the Hamilton County Humane Society’s Instagram page, where “first family photos” are posted every few days — like this one of recently-adopted Myra and her new dad. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Editor’s Pick
The Indiana Hoosiers beat the Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 at the Rose Bowl.
Thanks to reader Mike May for submitting this timely poem celebrating the Hoosiers.
A Pasadena Poem About The Hoosiers By Mike May
This is truly a perfect time
to share my latest college football rhyme.
Indiana is now on a roll
after its historic win in the Rose Bowl.
IU won on New Year’s Day in the ‘Grandaddy of Them All,’
which means the Hoosiers remain atop of college football;
As the IU defense tackled hard and low,
the offense scored by playing get up and go;
With Henby and Black running the ball,
they made Alabama’s defense look weak and small;
While IU won the game, 38 to 3,
Tide fans stayed away, preferring to watch it for free on TV.
With IU’s Don Fischer calling the radio play-by-play,
this big win certainly made his work day;
When the game clock ticked down to three zeros,
Indiana had formed a new group of gridiron heroes!
Make plans to watch IU play in the Peach Bowl in pursuit of a win —
that game will be shown on ESPN.
The Hoosiers will play Oregon next Friday night,
and I expect IU to play with grit, focus, and fight.
Violets are blue and roses are red…..
Remember that Coach Cig just wins, which is what he once said!
The Buy
Don’t let chilly temps keep you cooped up all winter. Bundle up with one of our favorite scarves:
If you’re more of a coffee connoisseur than a matcha maven, let me introduce you to the super secret spot where all the cool kids are getting their coffee: No Frills, located at 118 S. Audubon Rd. in Irvington. The coffee clubhouse just serves espresso and drip coffee — bring your own cream and sugar if you need it.
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