Happy Monday! Today we’re recapping a Christmas dinner debate that turned surprisingly decisive, diving back into the quiet arms race shaping our rec centers, and kicking off a showdown that’s guaranteed to spark opinions. Plus, a smart cruise spa trick, a tempting Mediterranean sailing, and a fresh batch of local happenings to close out the year.

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On this day in 1972, the Miami Dolphins completed the only perfect season in NFL history: undefeated, untied, and still unmatched.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll of The Week Recap

🍽️ Christmas Dinner Poll Recap

Every year, we tell ourselves this will be the Christmas we keep it simple. And every year, someone casually suggests prime rib and suddenly the bar is raised, the grocery bill climbs, and turkey starts feeling a little… seasonal. So we asked the big question — what’s actually hitting Villagers’ tables on Christmas?

🥩 Prime rib took over Christmas.
With 186 votes, rib roast wasn’t just popular — it dominated. Reader comments called it “special occasion worthy,” “a true treat,” and “the one meal a year to go all out.” For many, turkey is now firmly a Thanksgiving thing.

🍖 Ham held strong.
145 votes proves ham is still the dependable crowd-pleaser. Readers loved how easy it is, how well it feeds a group, and the next-day leftovers. Not flashy — just solid.

🦃 Turkey stayed traditional.
Turkey finished third, but the loyalists were loud. Many said Christmas dinner meant more than one meat, with turkey still earning a seat at the table, just not the spotlight.

🍗 The wildcards made it fun.
133 readers ditched the script entirely — lasagna, Chinese takeout!, seafood, and full buffet-style spreads showed up repeatedly. The common theme: cook what your group actually wants.

Villages History

🏊 Rise of the Rec Center Arms Race

Part 2: Bigger, Better, and Built to Impress

Once expectations shifted, the upgrades came fast.

Pools got larger and more decorative. Fitness rooms expanded. Courts multiplied. Rec centers stopped being interchangeable and started developing personalities. Some became known for pickleball. Others for swimming, fitness, or social clubs.

This wasn’t accidental. Each new rec center needed to feel like an upgrade over the last. Not just for residents, but for prospective buyers touring the area. A shiny new rec center wasn’t just an amenity. It was a sales tool.

The result? A quiet competition. Newer centers raised the bar, forcing future builds to raise it again. What used to be “nice” became baseline. What used to be impressive became expected.

Residents benefited most. More choices. Better facilities. And a growing sense that your rec center said something about where you lived.

At this point, rec centers weren’t just places to go.
They were part of the lifestyle brand.

🏊‍♂️ Villages Rec Center Showdown

Every Villager has that rec center. The one you go out of your way for. The pool you prefer. The courts that feel just right. The vibe that wins you over every time.

Let’s settle it — which Recreation Center is your personal favorite?
Cast your vote and see where your go-to stacks up against the rest of The Villages.

Non Couples Dinner Club

🍽️ Dinner Club Check-In

Our next Villages Pulse Dinner Club is coming up January 14, and spots are going fast. If you’re up for good food, easy conversation, and making new friends, this one’s for you. Registration closes January 12 at 5:30 PM, so be sure to grab your spot while there’s still room.

Pulse Travel

Travel Hack of The Week - Port-Day Spa Steals

Cruise spa prices can be eye-watering… until port day. When most passengers head ashore, the ship’s spa is suddenly empty—and that’s when deep discounts appear. You’ll often see specials on massages, facials, and packages that cost far less than sea-day pricing. Same therapists, same service, fewer people, and more time to relax. If you don’t mind skipping a few hours in port, this is one of the easiest ways to treat yourself without overpaying. 🧖‍♀️🚢

Cruise Deal Pick - Barcelona To Rome on Oceania!

Mediterranean Cruise, Fall 2026 🚢
Set sail aboard Oceania Sirena on a gorgeous 7-night Mediterranean voyage, sailing Barcelona to Rome.

Ports of call include: Palamós, Marseille, Corsica, Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Naples

For Villages Pulse readers:
• Exclusive perks: $250 ship credit, 3 bottles of wine, Gratuities included, free wifi, unlimited drinks or $800 shore excursion credit!
• Reduced deposit of just $250

Perfect fall weather, iconic ports, and small-ship luxury. If Europe by sea has been on your list, this is a strong one.

See the full itinerary & grab your spot → Mediterranean Escape on Oceania 🚢

🩺 Screening Spotlight

Sponsored By Life Line Screening

Villages Pulse Reader Elizabeth shared this with me recently: “I did not see your poll on carotid artery screening but everyone should do it. I did and it saved my life. I had 97% blockage. Just saying it can make all difference. That was in 2013!!!”

When Leg Pain Isn’t Just Aging

If your legs ache, cramp, or feel heavy when you walk — and improve when you rest — it may not be “just getting older.”

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects circulation in the legs and feet and often goes undiagnosed. Left unchecked, it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and loss of limb.

Leg symptoms are worth paying attention to.

👉 Screening can help identify circulation issues early.

Upcoming Events

Want a Featured Event with a poster/image? Reach out.

Lady Lake Farmers Market | Rolling Acres Sports Complex | Dec 30 | 9am

Trivia Tuesday | Sawgrass Grove | Dec 30 | 12 PM | Details

Advanced 4.0+ Pickleball Night | Oxford Downs | Dec 30 | 6 - 9 PM

Villages Got Talent Finale | Old Mill Theater | Dec 30 | 6:30 PM

Joaniefit Kickboxing | Sawgrass | Wed Dec 31 | 10 am | Details

Freeroll NL Holdem Tourney $1k Guaranteed | Oxford Downs | Dec 31 3:15 PM

Here’s 3 NYE Party’s that run past midnight!: Chop House, Calypso, Belle Glade

Nearly Diamond: Neil Diamond Tribute | Whispering Oaks | Jan 15 | Tickets

Have an event you want to announce to 8,300+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

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