You might have missed National Comfort Food Day on December 5th, but after the year we’ve had, we’re declaring December National Comfort Food month—because why not? Have that extra slice of pizza, bake a homemade cheesecake, whip up some creamy mac and cheese. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that life’s too short to cut back on comfort food indulgences—especially when they involve cheese.

In other cheese news:

• Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, don’t worry; we’ve got gift ideas for every turophile on your list—from books to gear to wedges—that’ll make the stress of holidays melt away (at least for a little bit). 
• As of yesterday, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year: Whole Foods’ 12 Days of Cheese, that is. In case you’ve missed it from years’ past, this event offers 50 percent off of select cheeses every day for twelve days, including renowned wheels like Pleasant Ridge Reserve and Humboldt Fog. Plus: This year, Prime members will enjoy an extra 10 percent discount. It’s the perfect excuse to overindulge in cheesy holiday cheer.
• The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) has opened registration for next year’s CheeseExpo Global Online, which will take place April 6–8, 2021. “There’s something for everyone at CheeseExpo Global Online, from the CEO to the packaging supervisor,” said WCMA Events Director Judy Keller. Learn more and register here.
• Aldi has released this year’s batch of holiday-themed cheddar cheeses, with Mature, Port Wine, and Caramelized Onion varieties to choose from. They all come in festive packaging (star-, snowman-, and Santa-shaped wedges) that will bring some extra joy to this year’s holiday charcuterie board. 
• As the world celebrates the upcoming arrival of the COVID vaccines, there is some concern about the impact of the rollout on the cheese industry. Since the vaccines must be kept in extremely cold temperatures, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that there could be competition for dry ice between pharmaceutical companies and dairy manufacturers, who rely on it for product shipment. As a result, the WCMA recently appealed to local and federal governments to reserve the necessary dry ice needed to keep up with demands.
• Board At Home’s new seasonal delivery boxes—Fireside With Friends and Ski’n Solo—are curated with cheese and accompaniment products that will get you in the holiday spirit and support artisan producers across the country. Browse their kit options and order your own here.
• In other news that surprised absolutely none of us at culture: Cheese is projected to be one of the most sought-after gifts this holiday season. Along with sweatpants and streaming services, comfort food sales have skyrocketed in 2020 (because, duh) and according to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, online cheese sales grew 108% this year. Now that’s something to celebrate! More cheese anyone?

Monica Petrucci

Monica is Culture's former Social Media Editor. Coming from a formaggio-obsessed Italian family, she was very excited to combine her passions for cheese and writing at Culture. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and pairing wine and cheese in her spare time.