Q. How do I bond with teen grandkids?

As you might remember, one of Adam Sandler’s most iconic movies has true Granite State roots.

“Happy Gilmore” was inspired by Sandler’s real-life childhood best friend, Kyle McDonough—a hockey standout from Manchester who wasn’t afraid to take a swing (literally) at his athletic dreams.

WMUR recently caught up with McDonough.

➡️ Read the full story: Meet the New Hampshire man the Happy Gilmore character is based on

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

❓ How do I connect with my teen grandkids this holiday season? Grace, our advice columnist, tackles the question.

Subscribe and share Granite Post with your friends.

🛏️ Seacoast-area nursing homes face damaging funding cuts

“It had seemed nursing home care was spared the carnage afflicting many other areas of the two-year state budget that took effect on July 1. Despite tight revenue, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and state senators made it a point of rejecting House-passed Medicaid cuts. And the appropriation for nursing home care represented a modest increase from the prior state fiscal year, resulting in a heartening 2.4% increase when the budget took effect. However, as it turns out, that increase was illusory.” — USA Today via Reuters Connect 

🎄 NH’s oldest Christmas tree farm is 80 years old. How to go this year

“While the state certainly has plenty of options to choose from, this year, consider heading to New Hampshire’s oldest Christmas tree farm: Weir Tree Farms. The Colebrook farm has been selling Christmas trees since 1945, making it 80 years old this year.” — USA Today via Reuters Connect

💲 The state budget appropriated $15 million toward child care. Its funding source remains unclear.

“It has been months since New Hampshire passed its state budget, and the status of $15 million appropriated for child care employers remains a point of confusion, including for lawmakers.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

The 2028 presidential race may feel far off, but early polls are already taking shape.

A new University of New Hampshire poll shows former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leading the Democratic field with 19% support, followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (15%) and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (14%). Former Vice President and 2024 nominee Kamala Harris trails at 11%. On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance holds a strong lead at 51%, with Nikki Haley (9%) and Tulsi Gabbard (8%) rounding out the top contenders.

So this week’s question is…

If you had to vote today, who would you pick for president in 2028?

The landscape for local news is shifting fast. At Granite Post, our commitment to you—and to New Hampshire—hasn’t changed.

To keep this work strong, we’re working toward a $1,800 goal by Dec. 16 as part of our final fundraising campaign this year.

Your support helps us shine a light on the decisions, debates, and leaders shaping the Granite State’s future. We can’t do this work without you.

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’m living with depression and grief. In the last year, I experienced two losses and had a really hard time during holidays, birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day. I just cry sometimes for days, and it’s hard to come out of that dark place. I’ve been on a waiting list for a therapist for over a year, which only makes me feel more helpless. I need to find a way to keep my head above water. What do you suggest?

— Struggling outside of St. Pete

Dear Struggling,

Oh, friend. I wish I could give you a big hug. Losing someone you love can shake your whole world. You are not alone in facing depression and grief, and it often feels worse during holidays. We grow up seeing pictures of happy families, warm homes, and tables full of comfort food during this season. But the truth is, for many people, the holidays bring financial stress, grief, and loneliness. 

Here are some ways you—and others going through the same thing—can get through this hard time of year…

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from USA Today via Reuters Connect and Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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