Let’s focus on the one who really brings light to our lives and is the light of the world and that’s the baby Jesus.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
We can’t think about December without thinking about Christmas. December is saturated with Christmas. Christmas shopping, Christmas baking, Christmas Carols, Christmas television programs, Christmas religious services and the Christmas spirit.
Christmas has an accelerated pace of hustle and bustle but it also has an eerie haunting side. I was going through my cell phone contact list this morning and was appalled at how many contacts I have in my phone who are now deceased. Every time I turn around I discover an acquaintance has passed. For so many of us, we can’t really arise to the crescendo side of Christmas celebrations without wading through the mire of grief. We think about parents, spouses, children and friends whom we loved so much who are not here to celebrate Christmas with us. We remember old times that were good times. Those times aren’t as possible as they once were. So, this presents a major hurdle for many of us to overcome and it’s not easy.
Christmas presents a yearly challenge for us to create a new and special time. What was, will not be again. Thus, we have to recreate our holidays which means they will be different. They can’t be the same, because what was no longer exists. Therefore, what was, cannot happen again.
The baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He was God in the flesh. He came with a divine purpose to bring joy and life. He brought joy to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wisemen who traveled from afar to worship him. Unfortunately, Jesus was troubling to some who did not understand his mission and purpose.
This month of December we will not forget those who were so special to us. They helped make Christmas bright. Let’s focus on the one who really brings light to our lives and is the light of the world and that’s the baby Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world.” We need his light to navigate the darkness. Yes, the world has a dark side. Death and grief are difficult to navigate. We need the Christ child who came to help and save us to lead us through this month and the rest of our lives.
This December let’s focus on loving those we know and those who are here. Let’s draw close to each other. Jesus will help us. He said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” He will make our journey lighter and brighter. Reach out to others. Don’t wait for your phone to ring. You make the call. Send the text and reach out. Spread God’s love and spread well wishes and goodness to all you know.
When we give love and hope to others, it comes back to us. If we invest in others, the invest in some way will be returned. Jesus is our example. He came to earth. He lived, loved and walked among us. We are the benefactors of his life. As we look to Him this season, may others be the beneficiaries of the Christmas spirit that dwells in you.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
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Once a one-day shopping event, Black Friday has evolved into a month-long season of rolling discounts and online deals. Research from TopCashback shows most shoppers now prefer the flexibility of longer sales.
Family Features - Once a one-day shopping extravaganza defined by long lines and doorbuster deals, Black Friday has transformed into a season of rolling discounts and fading excitement.
Photo: Ashkan Forouzani/Unsplash
Shoppers are changing tactics for taking advantage of Black Friday deals. The emotional rollercoaster of Black Friday remains while shoppers have become more aware of the marketing tactics to get them to buy more.
According to new research from TopCashback, nearly 7 in 10 Americans no longer consider Black Friday a one-day event, viewing it instead as a month-long shopping season. Only about one-third still see it as a single-day tradition. More than half of respondents said they now shop online instead of in stores, and 43% start scouting deals in early November.
Findings suggest Black Friday's sense of urgency has shifted, replaced by a steady flow of rolling discounts and digital promotions. What was once a race for the best bargains has become a marathon for savings.
The evolution of Black Friday appears to be changing how people spend, too. While 18% of shoppers said they spend less now than they did five years ago, another 18% said their habits haven't changed much. Only 3% reported spending more. For many, the shift seems to be less about budget and more about timing.
Asked whether they'd prefer Black Friday return to a single-day event, 44% said they like having more time to shop, while 26% said a one-day version would feel "less overwhelming." The rest simply don't mind either way.
"Consumers are rethinking how they approach major sales events," said Destiny Chatman, consumer analyst at TopCashback. "They still want value, but they're less willing to be rushed. The new Black Friday is about planning, timing and feeling in control of spending."
Photo: CardMapr.nl/Unsplash
Black Friday shopping has morphed into a strategic, less impulsive shopping event. Nearly one-third of shoppers say they are proud of the deals they score from Black Friday sales.
The research also found shoppers are increasingly aware of the marketing tactics behind the hype. Two-thirds said they believe brands create fake urgency around Black Friday, and another 30% said they think it happens "sometimes." Despite the skepticism, most still admit deep discounts drive their decisions - nearly 87% said upfront savings are their top motivator, compared with just 6% who said they're most influenced by cash back or rewards.
Still, money-back incentives aren't without impact. Four in 10 respondents said they've made a purchase specifically because cash back was offered, and about half said they'd consider choosing a smaller discount if it came with meaningful rewards. Electronics and tech ranked as the top categories where shoppers expect to earn the most cash back, followed by fashion and beauty.
Even with the season stretching longer, the emotional rollercoaster of Black Friday remains. Most respondents said they feel neutral after shopping while 33% said they feel proud of the deals they scored. Smaller groups reported guilt or regret after their purchases.
For all its changes, Black Friday still reflects the psychology of modern spending: the balance between excitement and restraint, hype and habit.
Impulse buying persists with more than 62% saying they occasionally buy things they didn't plan to, and nearly 1 in 5 said it happens most years. Still, only 5% said they always feel pressured by sales, though 39% said they sometimes do.
For 68% of shoppers, seeing a huge percentage off is what makes them feel best about spending. Another 8% said they enjoy feeling like they "beat the system" and 7% said earning cash back brings them satisfaction.
"People want to feel proud about their spending," Chatman said. "They're realizing that a good deal isn't just about price in this economy. It's about timing, confidence and getting something that feels worthwhile."
If Black Friday disappeared altogether, 55% of Americans said they'd be indifferent. Only 31% said they'd be disappointed while 13% admitted they'd feel relieved to skip the pressure.
For all its changes, Black Friday still reflects the psychology of modern spending: the balance between excitement and restraint, hype and habit. Experts say shoppers can make the most of the season by planning ahead, comparing prices over time and focusing on rewards that add long-term value rather than chasing every flash sale.
"Black Friday isn't gone; it's simply grown up," Chatman said. "Today's shopper is more strategic, less impulsive and more aware of what makes a deal truly worth it."
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TAGS: Black Friday 2025, Holiday Shopping Trends, Retail Consumer Behavior, Online Shopping Statistics, Cash Back and Rewards
URBANA – The CU Community Fab Lab will host its 4th annual Holiday Maker Market from 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
The Fab Lab is now accepting applications from craftmakers and artists for booths at this year’s market. Whether you are a veteran artist or just starting out, the Holiday Maker Market is an opportunity for local craft makers to sell one-of-a-kind gifts, customizable ornaments, and other handmade goods.
The market prides itself on offering a wide variety of art styles, crafting mediums, and unique gifts at different price points, making a visit to the holiday event fun and festive for all. The products offered must be crafted, made, or designed by the artisans, who will be selected through the application process.
Applications for vendor booths are due by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 11. All applications will be reviewed, and vendors will be selected by Nov. 1. You can apply online here.
Proceeds from booth fees and Fab Lab sales benefit the Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. All proceeds generated from Fab Lab goods directly support local youth and families by removing financial barriers to attend the lab’s summer camp programs. Last year, the Fab Lab provided $2,200 in scholarship funds to kids in the community.
For more information, contact the Community Fab Lab at communityfablab@gmail.com or call (217) 265-5342.
StatePoint Media - The holiday season is the perfect time of year to upgrade the kitchens of home chefs with the latest tech and tools. Here are three cool holiday gift ideas that will elevate the way your loved ones cook, host and clean up.
Smarter Composting
According to a recent report, the United States discards more food than any other country in the world, equating to 325 pounds of waste per person annually, with nearly half this waste generated in home kitchens. Whether you’re shopping for someone living in a region with mandatory composting or simply someone striving to be more sustainable at home, you can now gift them an effective solution to this issue.
While many people are aware of the environmental benefits of composting, such as reducing food waste, diverting trash from landfills and enriching garden soil, composting has also garnered a reputation for being time-consuming, messy and emitting unpleasant odors. Fortunately, new technology is addressing these challenges, making composting a convenient, clean and odor-free process for any household kitchen.
The THINKWARE BLUEVENT MUMU is the world’s first AI-powered smart food composter to use a new cutting-edge Metal Organic Framework (MOF) to block and inhibit the propagation of fungi to ensure clean and harmless use. Smart technology automatically measures food waste by weight then automates the disposal process accordingly. Additionally, AI storage automatically monitors food temperature and humidity to prevent spoilage. In summary, it eliminates the need for guesswork, leading to more successful composting. With a powerful, triple-activated carbon eco filter, this 4-liter capacity composter is odorless and whisper-quiet at just 20 decibels. It is now available at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, eBay.com, Newegg.com and Thinkwarestore.com.
Sparkling Water on Demand
One million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, according to Giving Compass. Unfortunately, the majority of them never get recycled. Help your loved one reduce their own contribution to this growing problem and bestow upon them an endless supply of carbonated beverages with a sparkling water maker. With a slim countertop profile, they’ll be able to transform tap water into seltzer in just few easy steps. This gift is great for mixologists who love to make and batch fizzy mocktails and cocktails for parties, as well as anyone with a thirst for reducing plastic waste.
Precision Cooking
Today’s kitchen scales don’t just simply weigh ingredients for precision cooking and baking, they also connect to smartphone apps for real-time nutritional analysis, recipe inspiration and instruction, and more. The best models ping the user’s device when they’ve added the correct amount of a given ingredient, easily toggle between different units of measurement, and allow users to save and share recipes via the app. This makes for a great gift for beginner cooks who want to get a feel for measurements, expert bakers looking for better results, those focused on portion control in the New Year, and anyone looking to optimize food prep.
By putting game-changing smart kitchen appliances at the top of your holiday shopping list, you can brighten the season for home chefs.
Last week, Riggs Beer Company announced the brewery will host its second annual German Christmas Market. This November would have been the third installment had it not been for the state's Covid-19 mitigations mandates.
The market will host local vendors who will be selling homemade candles, local honey, decorative holiday wreaths, beer soap, and more from huts surrounding the beer garden. There will also be traditional German cuisine such as bratwurst, crepes, potato pancakes and warm drinks - hot spiced wine and hot cocoa - in addition to Riggs award-winning beer.
The market will be open on Thursday and Fridays from 4 to 8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 7 pm.
Riggs Beer Company is located at 1901 S. High Cross Road in Urbana. For more information call (217) 718-5345.
Still shopping for that ideal gift this holiday season? A couple of weeks ago we asked a number of area merchants and artists for cool gift ideas for our readers. Discover unique Christmas presents that you haven't thought of yet from our list below.
The great thing about our guide is you can avoid the crowds and shop online! One of these items could be the perfect present for someone on your Christmas list!
Gifts Women & Girls Will Love
Handmade Beaded Cowl
Woven it by hand and with hand-twisted the fringe by artist Leann Gehm, this charcoal, lavender, silver & white cowl with glass beads in the fringe for extra sparkle. Her teardrop-shaped cowls are easy to wear, just put the seam towards your body and slip the cowl over your head, adjust the fringe. Made from renewable wood pulp fiber, its luxurious silky soft feel and lustrous sheen is an absolutely elegant.
Made in Peru with love, these are the perfect everyday stud in a modern geometric silhouette. Never worry about an accessory mismatch when you put on this endlessly wearable pair.
The ultimate gift of glow! Give smooth, hydrated + healthier-looking skin using our Hyaluronic Acid serum for a 200% hydration boost paired with our sugar + salt scrub for all-over exfoliation. Limited-edition.
Give a beautiful one-of-the-kind piece from Luis López who specializes in handmade wire jewelry and three-dimensional sculptures. Featured is a green Tourmaline gemstone pendant wrapped in gold wire.
This fun, five-week introductory course with veteran news photographer Clark Brooks will cover the basic information and techniques for 35mm and digital SLR photography. Go from taking snapshots to visually stunning photos in weeks.
Publisher's note: One of the great things about an online gift guide is it can be updated regularly. Point your browser to this page regularly to check for the latest deals and ideals from The Sentinel area. If you are a local merchant or artist and would like to have your product or art piece featured here, it's not too late. Email us at editor@oursentinel.com for details.
If you are still looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy-for-person on your Christmas list, Bohemia in downtown Urbana may have just what you need.
Packed full of unique jewelry, candles, stylish clothing, vintage and custom-made furniture as well as other unique handcrafted items, there's plenty to choose from for the special someone with a unique sense of style or flair for the eclectic.
Partial to vintage decor? Repurposed or refurbished, there is an abundant selection of vintage furniture waiting for a new home. From funky to functional, Bohemia also has candles as well as handmade soaps and lotions for stocking stuffers.
The Sentinel asked owner Milea Hayes for a couple of gift ideas for this Christmas from her store. She came up with the seven fabulous items featured below.
1.
Jewelry
You can't go wrong with a beautiful ring or bracelet. Wear a new necklace or pennant to your New Year's Eve party or better yet, something completely new. Bohemia currently represents 11 artists whose work is priced from $32 and up.
2.
Soap, lotion and candles and more ...
Enjoy local made soaps and lotions. Try a new lip balms. These along with candles and note pads all make great stocking stuffers. Prices range between $3 and $14
3.
Reconditioned seafoam dresser
$425
Oil paintings
Starting at $125
Vintage end table lamps
$215
4. & 5.
Clothing
Left: There's plenty of distinctive hand-painted tees and onesies by artist Mollie Youngblood. Prices range from $21 to $28.Right: Boutique clothing, long scarves, warm hats and gloves are always a unique find at Bohemia. Create a style of your own or complete an ensemble you already have. Quality clothing priced from $42 to $225.
6.
Holiday Sweaters
Warm and cheerful holiday sweaters priced between $68 and $92.
7.
Home Furnishings
Enjoy this reupholstered with an army blanket and added leather trim. A classy addition to your office or den, this cane chair was revitalized by interior designer Angie Taylor. Chair and adorning pillow $285.
Bohemia, located at 135 West Main in Urbana, is open Monday through Friday from 10am - 6pm, Saturday from 10am - 5pm, and on Sundays open from 11am - 3pm. Call ahead for extended holiday hours.
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by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
