this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.

It’s Thursday, December 26 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• An ambush attack in Syria

• A retrospective on the 2004 tsunami

• The debate over eggnog

• 6 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Syrian ambush attack

Syria in turmoil -- an ambush leaves 14 police officers dead, highlighting the intensifying conflict between rebel and Assad loyalists.

According to Investing.com, the attack shook the Tartous countryside, sparking unrest that’s now widening its grip over Syria.

The Hindu points out Tartous's strategic importance on Syria's coast -- the area serves as the backdrop for the high tensions and clashes.

Devdiscourse says the situation sparked the imposition of a curfew in Homs. State efforts are struggling to rein in growing unrest.

Tsunami retrospective

Yahoo says the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 was the deadliest in history and survivors like “Baby 81” still face personal and systemic challenges.

Theguardian.com says that while the Indian Ocean Tsunami was the deadliest ever, early warning systems have improved, but education is still crucial.

The Diplomat argues despite disaster management advancements post-tsunami, Sri Lanka struggles with policy implementation and maintaining infrastructure.

ABC.net.au reports the tsunami was triggered by a massive quake, killing 230,000, with ongoing grief and unclaimed bodies haunting survivors 20 years later.

Indianexpress says Aceh, Indonesia shows resilience: They've rebuilt infrastructure and keep prepping for future tsunamis with regular disaster simulations.

The debate over eggnog

The Cut says Eggnog does not deserve its divisive reptuation: It's a delicious holiday delight! As Gwyneth Paltrow says, don't “nog it 'till you try it”!

This TikToker did try it, though…and wasn't very impressed. Check out their reaction video here.

Taste aside, Parade suggests another downside to Eggnog: Its high fat, sugar, and sodium content make it an unhealthy pick.

But Bon Appétit was another proud eggnog defender: It's a nostalgic and traditional treat -- Turkey Hill makes the best one you'll find at the grocery store.

Still, if it's not your thing, The Atlantic suggests coquito: The drink nixes the raw egg risk and goopy texture, while preserving the sweet, spicy flavor.

1) Bodycam footage shows Kazakhstan's crash site with firefighters battling flames, highlighting the dire situation survivors faced.

2) Trump focuses on Panama Canal fees, appoints Kevin Cabrera as U.S. Ambassador to Panama amid shipping cost tensions.

3) Pope Francis calls for "bold" negotiations in his Christmas address amid ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

4) After Russia's Christmas attack on Ukraine's energy systems, Biden increases weapons aid.

5) Trump selects Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Miami-Dade official known for his "America First" approach, as Panama Ambassador.

6) On Christmas Day, Zelensky condemned Russia's attack as a “conscious and inhumane” choice, highlighting Kremlin's disregard for holiday peace.