Ralph Fiennes, Holiday Relaxation and Warmth

1. On Dec. 22, 1937, the 1.5 mile Lincoln Tunnel opened, connecting New Jersey and New York City. 

2. On this day in 1944, U.S. Major General Anthony McAuliffe responded to a German note to surrender his troops at Bastogne, Belgium, with a single word: "Nuts!" McAuliffe did not surrender, and his troops were reinforced by the 4th Armored Division on Dec. 26. McAuliffe received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions, later became a four-star general, and retired in 1955 as the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army Europe. 

3. Today in 2001, the "Shoe Bomber" Richard Reid tried to light explosives in his shoes while on board American Airlines Flight 63. Reid, a British citizen, was subdued by passengers, and is currently serving a life sentence in a super maximum security prison. 

4. British actor Ralph Fiennes turns 49 today. Other birthdays include: American actor Hector Elizondo (b.1936), American politician Paul Wolfowitz (b.1943), American broadcaster Diane Sawyer (b.1945) and American singer Jordin Sparks (b.1989). 

5. Want to buy someone a relaxing gift this holiday season? Check out our "" Guide. 

6. There is a 20% chance of rain today with a high temperature of 61. This evening, expect rain showers with a low of about 45 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.