Brown suspect Valente unhappy at school, former classmate says

The winter solstice was Sunday, Dec. 21. If you don’t know, it’s the shortest day of the year, and has long been marked as a time of reflection and renewal.

Spiritually, it’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the light is returning.

It’s a moment to honor stillness, let go of what no longer serves us, and welcome new beginnings. I hope you all had a great solstice.

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

📸 An opossum, having a snow day

🍿 Question of the week: What’s your must-watch Christmas movie?

❓ “It’s my husband’s first Christmas with my family. How do I make sure it goes smoothly?” Grace, our advice columnist, tackles the question

P.S. Still doing holiday shopping? Here’s a free gift for your news-loving friend: this newsletter. Best part? No wrapping required.

(Katy Savage/Granite Post)

An opossum braves the snow last winter.

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👉 ‘We need to fix it’: Providers say NH’s early education quality system isn’t quality at all

“One way for child care programs in New Hampshire to invest in quality is through the Granite Steps for Quality, or GSQ, system. The joint federal-state program ensures early education programs maintain quality and operate above the state’s minimum standards, and, as a result, provides educators with support measures, including training and coaching, as well as quarterly and annual funding. Oftentimes, joining GSQ allows early education programs to receive incentives for work they would be doing anyway as a licensed child care program with credentialed staff. The benefit to participating in Granite Steps for Quality is that providers receive extra support in addition to some stimulus funding. However, the disadvantages are starting to prevail. Maintaining a high-quality program at GSQ standards is expensive and the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start is becoming more rigid in paying out to providers.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

👉 Former classmate: Claudio Neves Valente was ‘bored’ and ‘hated’ Brown, Providence

“Scott Watson said he was a former classmate and friend of Neves Valente during his time at Brown University 25 years ago. Watson is now a professor at Syracuse University. He said Neves Valente complained that the classes at Brown were too easy and left the program early on. ‘He was bored because he knew more than any of us, he already should’ve had a PhD,’ Watson said. ‘He hated Brown and he hated Providence.’” — WCBV

As you read in yesterday’s newsletter, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is New Hampshire’s favorite movie, according to PixlParade.

My personal favorite? “Home Alone.” When I hear the name “Kevin,” I instantly picture the panicked face of Catherine O’Hara.

So, this week’s question (and our last one this year!) is…

What’s your all-time favorite Christmas movie—and why does it earn the top spot for you?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“My favorite is ‘Love, Actually.’ It has a bit of everything, comedy, romance and sadness. One of the best scenes is Hugh Grant dancing and being caught out by a rather stern member of staff. It’s a Christmas romcom that always brings tears to my eyes.” — Lynda Williams

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Dear Grace,

I just got married this year and it’s my husband’s first time spending Christmas with my family. He’s lived in the United States for a few years now but his whole family lives back in their home country and he doesn’t have a ton of experience with American holiday celebrations. My parents have been more or less welcoming to him, but I’ve caught them sometimes rolling their eyes or seeming annoyed when he doesn’t understand something. They are hosting everyone for Christmas—which is our tradition—and I want my husband’s first official Christmas with his in-laws to be special and fun for everyone. Do you have any advice?

— Anxiously Planning in Akron

Dear Anxiously Planning,

You are not alone in feeling stressed about your husband and parents getting along. Welcome to married life, Anxiously Planning! We all know that families are complicated, but there is a special kind of complexity when it comes to inviting someone new to the party—no matter where they’re from.

As an experienced host of family gatherings myself, I bet your parents want everyone (including your husband) to leave the Christmas party with full bellies and full hearts. If I were in your husband’s shoes, I can only imagine the flurry of feelings I might have: homesickness, eagerness to truly become part of your family, and probably a healthy desire for acceptance. So how can you help this holiday blending of cultures and family go smoothly? Here are some ideas to get you started…

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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