Words: Millie Rogers

The Holidays Are Just Around the Corner!

The holiday season is among us, and we are all ready! Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, December is, to quote Andy Williams, “the most wonderful time of the year.” As the end of 2025 creeps up on us, it is a great time to wind down and bask in the familiar sense of excitement and anticipation that builds throughout the month. Whilst December can bring hecticness and chaos, it is also a time to reconnect, recharge and celebrate with those that matter most. So from everyone here at LDN, we wish you a Happy Holiday season and a wonderful New Year. Now let’s talk about 5 reasons the world didn’t suck this week!

Forget the Setlist: Kendrick Lamar Breaks Into Happy Birthday Mid-Show

Kendrick Lamar made an unforgettable memory for a young fan in Australia this past week. Stopping mid song, Kendrick sang “Happy Birthday” to a 9 year old fan celebrating her special day by attending her first concert. The heartfelt moment happened after the young girl was able to catch Lamar’s attention by shouting about her birthday from the crowd. 

Lamar led the audience in a rendition of the classic birthday song before gifting her a signed PgLang hat, a gift which the young girl described as priceless and something she plans to keep forever. The special moment topped off a remarkable year for Kendrick who infamously headlined the SuperBowl Halftime Show, won multiple Grammys, and completed a record breaking tour with SZA.

Hayley Williams & Rachel Zegler Crash Florence Welch’s Stage at Jack Antonoff’s Surprise Talent Show

At the 11th annual Ally Coalition Talent Show in NYC, the crowd were treated to a night of star-studded performances. Hosted by Jack Antonoff, The Ally Coalition’s co-founder, the intimate concert included Florence Welch, Hayley Williams and Rachel Zegler who all came together in a joyful rendition of “Dog Days Are Over.”

The show is known for having unannounced lineups and this year didn’t disappoint, with Williams performing a selection of her own music before later lending her vocals to assist Zegler with a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River.” Proceeds from the show support the non-profit scheme ‘The Ally Coalition’ to raise awareness and help aid at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.

Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard Directs First-Ever Music Video for George Harrison Classic

Finn Wolfhard is leaving Stranger Things behind as he directs his first official music video for the 1973 classic “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” by George Harrison, proving once again that he is more than just an actor. The music video uses stop motion animation to take viewers through the gardens of Harrison’s iconic Friar Park Estate, and achieves a blend of nostalgia, nature and heart. 

Created alongside a team of Canadian animators, the video honors Harrison’s message of love and spirituality whilst using Wolfhard’s status to introduce the song to a new generation. Harrison’s son Dhani gave the video his approval, saying his dad would have loved Wolfhard’s vision.

Snow Leopard’s Sight Saved After Rare Eye Surgery at Norfolk Zoo

In Banham Zoo, Norfolk, a three-year-old snow leopard named Aurora underwent a rare operation in order to restore her eyesight after developing a cataract. The delicate procedure was described as “relatively unique” – especially due to the challenge of operating on a large predatory cat. Animal manager Deborah Harris praised the team behind the surgery, calling it a nerve-racking but smooth experience due to the expertise of the keepers and veterinarians. 

With the snow leopard being listed as vulnerable, and the wild population of the animal declining, the treatment highlights the vital role zoos are able to play in the conservation of vulnerable animals.