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12/22/2017: A Christmas away from home
Dec 22, 2017

12/22/2017: A Christmas away from home

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Before Hurricane Maria hit, there was already an exodus underway from Puerto Rico to Florida, but the storm put it on fast forward. Since Maria's devastation, nearly 200,000 people have fled the island for the state. We talk to Puerto Ricans in Florida about the difficulties they face staying in touch with home. Plus, if you’re still Christmas shopping, you’re pretty much limited to brick-and-mortar stores at this point. And this year, it may be tough to get the kind of in-store last-minute deals you used to. Anyone out there still looking for a Christmas tree? We catch up with a sidewalk Christmas tree seller in New York as his annual busy season winds down.

Segments From this episode

Inside New York City's 24-hour Christmas tree stands

Dec 22, 2017
A few days before Christmas, our reporter sets out to find a tree for the office.
Danny Abbott hangs lights for the night crew at Soho Trees in New York City.
Ryan Kailath/Marketplace

Stores switch holiday sales strategy

Dec 22, 2017
You’ve waited until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping. It’s too late to order stuff online and get it by Christmas Day so you have to head to the mall. Brick-and-mortar stores have the advantage now. And they may not be offering the best last-minute deals.  Click the audio player above to hear […]

We all used to hate the color green

Dec 22, 2017
Now we associate it with environmentalism, but in the medieval period, it was seen as an "unnatural" shade.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Bond remains strong between Puerto Rican evacuees and those who stayed

Dec 22, 2017
Families, now divided between the mainland and the island, start new endeavors and try to preserve old ties.
Wireless internet at an extended-stay FEMA hotel in Orlando is the main way the Hernandezes keep in touch with family still in Puerto Rico.
Renata Sago/Marketplace
US President Donald Trump speaks after signing a tax reform bill in the Oval Office of the White House December 22, 2017 in Washington, DC.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Before Hurricane Maria hit, there was already an exodus underway from Puerto Rico to Florida, but the storm put it on fast forward. Since Maria’s devastation, nearly 200,000 people have fled the island for the state. We talk to Puerto Ricans in Florida about the difficulties they face staying in touch with home. Plus, if you’re still Christmas shopping, you’re pretty much limited to brick-and-mortar stores at this point. And this year, it may be tough to get the kind of in-store last-minute deals you used to. Anyone out there still looking for a Christmas tree? We catch up with a sidewalk Christmas tree seller in New York as his annual busy season winds down.

Music from the episode

Make Me Like You Gwen Stefani
Sunday - Instrumental 9th Wonder, Keisha Shontelle, Chaundon
Prayer in C - Robin Schulz Radio Edit Lilly Wood and The Prick, Robin Schulz
Oye Como Va Santana
You - Ha Ha Ha Charli XCX