Here are a few practical strategies to avoid holiday stress and maintain your emotional well-being in case you hit a bump or two along the way.
Photo: Nicole Michalou/PEXELS
Family Features - Stress and parenting go hand in hand, but during the holiday season, many parents find their stress levels rising to new heights. Between coordinating schedules, shopping, traveling and managing children's expectations - plus the disruption to the school routine that everyone had finally settled into - the season can feel more like mayhem than merry.
However, by thoughtfully planning and implementing a few practical strategies, parents can protect their well-being and support their families. Early childhood experts from The Goddard School share guidance to help parents stay grounded and make the most of their meaningful family moments this holiday season.
Clarify Priorities
One of the most empowering steps is to decide in advance what truly matters to your family. Consider:
Which traditions or gatherings are nonnegotiable?
Are there holiday events you can skip this year without regret?
What obligations are you taking on out of habit rather than genuine desire?
By reducing the number of "must-do" activities, you can avoid overextending your family. It's OK to decline invitations when your calendar is already full.
Establish a Budget
Holiday spending can weigh heavily on your mind. Create a family holiday budget that includes gifts and activities, then stick to it. Use the opportunity to teach your children about responsible spending and gratitude. Remember, the most meaningful gifts are often those made with time, attention or creativity, not the highest price tag.
Set Boundaries
Stress often arises when family dynamics, expectations or traditions clash. You can reduce this by setting boundaries and communicating them early. Speak openly with the relatives and friends you'll see about what's comfortable for your family and what isn't (e.g., physical space, travel, topics to avoid). Let your children know what to expect, as the lack of routine during this time can be particularly challenging. Modeling clear boundaries helps your children learn to express their own needs, too.
Prioritize Your Physical and Emotional Health
Amid the hustle, your own basic care often slips, but your well-being is key to being present for others. Consider establishing routines, such as:
* Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night whenever possible.
* Nutrition: Keep healthy staples in the mix, even if treats abound.
* Movement: A short walk, stretch breaks or gentle exercise may help reset your nervous system. Stepping outside can be especially helpful.
Also, if illness strikes, listen to your body and give yourself permission to pause. Pushing through tends to backfire.
Design a Stress Rescue Plan
Even the best-laid plans don't prevent tension or unexpected emotional triggers. Anticipate stress by creating fallback strategies. For example, plan to use a playlist, a quick breathing exercise or a sensory object to help you regroup when your stress escalates. These strategies work for children as well.
If you're worried about unwanted questions - such as a family member asking about politics or your plans to have another child - rehearse your response in advance with a friend. When these stressful moments arise, having a toolkit gives you a sense of control.
Unplug and Be Present
Screens are omnipresent. While they serve a purpose, they can be an unwelcome distraction, especially when you're spending time with loved ones you don't get to see often. Try to designate screen-free times, such as during meals, after dinner or when gifts are being exchanged. Use screens intentionally, such as video calling out-of-town family members, rather than passively scrolling. Focus on in-person connection by playing games, telling stories, making crafts or taking walks. Remember to lead by example, as your children are watching. Being fully present at key moments is the one gift your family will remember above all else.
As the holidays approach, the pressure to do it all can loom large. By clarifying priorities, setting boundaries and safeguarding your health, you can minimize stress and maximize joy. That said, even with careful planning, things can go off course, and that's OK. Practice self-compassion and allow for imperfections. Enjoy every laugh, surprise and even the occasional moment of calm.
More Related Holiday Stories
Tags: Listen to your body if you get sick, create fallback strategies in case plans fail, Don't worry if things to go perfect, Many parents find their stress level rise during the holiday season, Giving meaningful gifts are better
The Lady Timberwolves advance to state volleyball title match after a win over Tremont. Addison Lucht led the T-Wolves with 14 kills.
NORMAL - Cissna Park advanced to the state title match after defeating the Tremont in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Normal. It is the first time the Lady Timberwolves have reached the championship match since 2014.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie after their semifinal win over Tremont.
While it was an unseasonably warm day outside, inside the arena, the T-Wolves were hot, warming up for a run to a state title easily handling Turks with their offensive firepower.
Cissna Park posted 19 kills in the first set and 15 in the second, with Addison Lucht leading the team with 14 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Josie Neukomm added 10 kills and five digs, while Ella Schluter set up 14 assists. Mady Marcott distributed a match-high 16 balls, keeping the offense moving efficiently.
Tremont managed just 16 kills across two sets, eight in each. Nora Parson contributed five kills, three blocks, and three aces. Hayden Alwerdt had four kills and three digs, Kaylee Johnson set up 11 assists, and Carly Whitcomb recorded 10 digs. The Turks kept the first set close through the first 26 points, trading sideouts with Cissna Park, but a three-point run followed by a four-point surge gave the Lady Timberwolves a 19-14 lead they would not surrender.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Turks Kaylee Johnson back sets the ball during the second set. The senior setter entered the final four on Friday with 481 assists to her credit.
The second set was more competitive early on, but Cissna Park’s consistent offense and momentum proved decisive. Balanced scoring and strong team distribution helped the Lady Timberwolves maintain control and secure the win.
With this victory, Cissna Park returns to the state championship match, looking to capture its first state volleyball title since their previous deep run in 2014. Tremont, while competitive in stretches, could not overcome the T-Wolves’ scoring runs, ending their season in the semifinals.
Cissna Park will play for the state championship Saturday at CEFCU Arena, hoping to convert semifinal success into a historic title.
PrepSports Coverage
Cissna Park volleyball, IHSA girls volleyball, Tremont Turks, Illinois high school sports, state finals volleyball
CHAMPAIGN - The Illinois men’s basketball team notched an 84-65 win over Colgate on Nov. 14, 2025, improving to 4-0 on the season. While the final score reflected a balanced team effort, forward David Mirkovic delivered the night’s defining performance, showcasing a level of interior dominance rarely seen in the college game.
Mirkovic controlled the paint and established himself as the premier player on the floor throughout his 38 minutes.
His final stat line underscored his efficiency and relentlessness. He finished with 27 points on 8-for-16 shooting and went 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. He also pulled down 21 rebounds, posting a massive double-double that neutralized Colgate’s interior presence.
Eight of his rebounds came on the offensive end, creating several second-chance opportunities that fueled Illinois’ scoring runs and wore down the Raiders’ defense. He added three assists, strengthening his impact as a complete offensive contributor.
The performance was a definitive statement, reinforcing his status as one of the Illini’s most reliable forces and a player capable of carrying the team through challenging stretches as Illinois continues its early-season momentum.
For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.
More Sports Stories
TAGS: David Mirkovic double-double Illinois vs Colgate basketball recap, Illinois Fighting Illini 4-0 start 2025 season game summary, Colgate Raiders vs Illinois dominant interior performance Mirkovic, Illinois basketball standout player stats David Mirkovic 2025, NCAA men’s basketball early season Illinois vs Colgate analysis
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 16 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
Editor's pick ~
As youth find their way in a digital age, the threat of online harassment continues to grow. A study earlier this year raises concerns that cyberbullying may be significantly more likely to influence suicidality.
ST. JOSEPH - Vandalia receiver Kohnor Depew is turned upside down after a hit by St. Joseph-Ogden's Kodey McKinney on a pass play late in the fourth quarter. The catch would have put the Vandals in a short field situation where they had been successful in scoring earlier in the Class 3A quarterfinal playoff game. The Spartans rallied back from a 21-17 first half deficit to defeat Vandalia and extend their playoff run. Next Saturday, the SJO hosts Unity, who beat Williamsville 42-7. The two programs last met in a semifinal game a decade ago.
Past Photo of the Day
TAGS: Kodey McKinney breaks up pass play, St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans advance to 3A semifinals, SJO wins home playoff game against Vandalia
The Saints opened strong with a 25-19 first-set win. Columbia responded by taking the next two sets. The runner-up finish capped a standout postseason for Central Catholic.
Central Catholic's Kampbell Niepagen pummels the ball during the Saints' Class 2A state championship game against Columbia. The junior finished the three-set affair with a team-high 12 kills, seven digs and two aces. by Alan Look Best Look Magazine
NORMAL - The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints closed out a remarkable season on the state’s biggest stage, earning a runner-up finish in the IHSA Class 2A Girls Volleyball Tournament. While the final result — a three-set loss to Columbia (25-19, 20-25, 17-25) in the championship match — may have stung in the moment, the team’s legacy is defined by the exceptional journey that led them to the state final floor in Normal.
Saints' Josie Certa passes the ball to an outside hitter during Saturday's IHSA Class 2A title game.
The Saints’ dominant postseason run showcased the best of heartland volleyball. They played as a cohesive unit, displaying skill, balance and resilience throughout the state series. In the championship match, they came out strong, taking the first set 25-19 and dictating the early pace. Though Columbia rallied, the Saints’ numbers reflected their determination. They finished with 36 kills, led by Kampbell Niepagen’s 12. Setter Josie Certa powered the offense with 32 assists, distributing the ball with the precision and chemistry built over months of work.
For Central Catholic, the season was a testament to perseverance, consistency and belief. The 2023 Saints cemented their place among the state’s elite and set a new standard for the program. They returned home with silver medals, but the pride they brought to their school and community shone brighter than any hardware.
The championship stage is more than a showcase of athletic ability. It is where communities rally, memories are made and pride is forged. This Saints team will be remembered for its grit, its unity and the joy it brought to every match.
For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.
TAGS: Bloomington Central Catholic IHSA Class 2A volleyball championship recap, Columbia vs Central Catholic state title match three-set summary, Illinois high school volleyball 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic, Kampbell Niepagen and Josie Certa state championship performance stats, Central Catholic Saints postseason volleyball run 2023 analysis
St. JOSEPH - Spartans' Cameron Wagner is all smiles after St. Joseph-Ogden Wyatt Wertz scores the winning nail in the Vandalia coffin in their Class 3A quarterfinal game. SJO defeated the Vandals 38-24 at home on Saturday.
Illini Prairie Conference scores
St. Joseph-Ogden 38, Vandalia 24
Unity 42, Williamsville 7
St. Joseph-Ogden 38, Vandalia 24
Unity 21, Williamsville 7
Richmond-Burton 31, Monmouth-Roseville 6
Byron 28, IC Catholic 6
CLASS 4A:
Montini 47, Coal City 0
Morris 28, Geneseo 26
Breese Central 36, Cahokia 12
Rochester 41, Sacred Heart-Griffin 35
CLASS 5A:
Belvidere North 17, Cary-Grove 10
Wheaton St. Francis 44, Chicago King 14
Providence Catholic 39, Washington 6
Oak Forest 34, Peoria 20
CLASS 6A:
Nazareth Academy 24, Lake Zurich 21
Fenwick 49, Burlington Central 21
East St. Louis 49, Simeon 0
St. Laurence 28, Dunlap 14
CLASS 7A:
Batavia 42, Glenbard North 27
Downers Grove North 28, Lincoln-Way West 10
St. Rita 56, Hersey 42
Brother Rice 42, St. Charles North 18
CLASS 8A:
Oswego 24, Maine South 21
Mt. Carmel 48, Lincoln-Way East 7
Lockport 35, Barrington 0
Fremd 34, Bolingbrook 33
More Sports Stories
TAGS: IHSA football quarterfinal scores, Mt. Carmel beats Lincoln-Way East, St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity win in 3A, Westville season ended by ALAH, East St. Louis Flyers blank Simeon in quarterfinal battle
Normal University controlled both sets against Prairie Ridge with balanced hitting and minimal errors.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Prairie Ridge libero Tegan Vrbbancic digs a kill shot from Normal U-High in the second set of their state semifinal match.
NORMAL - Prairie Ridge has been on this stage before. Five times now, the Wolves have stepped beneath the state finals lights, trying to summon the right mix of steadiness, grit and energy to reach a championship match. On Friday at CEFCU Arena on the Illinois State University campus, that experience helped them stay composed, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the precision and firepower Normal University brought to the Class 3A state semifinals at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals. The Pioneers controlled both sets and handed Prairie Ridge a 25-20, 25-18 loss that sent the Wolves into today’s third-place match.
From the opening serve, Prairie Ridge showed the composure of a program comfortable at this level. The Wolves struck first and managed to build a brief 3-2 edge, leaning on clean touches and quick transitions. But U-High’s offensive rhythm tightened almost immediately. Junior outside hitter Laney Snow delivered back-to-back kills to push the Pioneers ahead 4-3. Prairie Ridge’s Adeline Grider answered with a sharp swing of her own to level the score once more, but Snow responded again with another kill that put U-High in front 5-4. It was a small moment in the box score, but it marked the beginning of a shift in control.
From there, the Pioneers didn’t let up. U-High played an exceptionally clean first set, committing just one error while building a lead that swelled as large as eight points. Their serve receive was crisp, their defense steady, and their offense ran with the kind of balance that forces opponents to pick their poison. Prairie Ridge stayed within striking distance through stretches of the frame, but each small opening they created was quickly answered at the net.
Grider gave the Wolves their strongest spark, finishing with 12 kills, seven digs and an assist. Abigail Smith added seven kills and two digs, giving Prairie Ridge solid production at the pins. Setter Addison Smith worked to keep the offense moving, distributing 23 assists while directing the Wolves’ efforts to mix tempo and find seams through U-High’s block. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pioneers’ consistency. Prairie Ridge committed 11 errors across the match — nine of them in the second set — while U-High limited its mistakes to just one error in the first set and three in the second.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Normal University volleyball players on the bench stand to celebrate another point for their team. The Pioneers advanced to today's title match for a shot at the Class 3A crown.
The Wolves needed a clean start to the second set to reset the momentum, and for a while, they found one. The teams traded points and tied the score seven times after the opening serve. Prairie Ridge dug in defensively, with Tegan Vrbrancic anchoring the floor and finishing with eight digs to lead the team. The Wolves' block tightened, forcing longer rallies and creating pockets of energy from their student section.
Still, U-High remained sharp. Snow, who finished with 11 kills and nine digs, stayed efficient throughout the frame. Ava Crabtree added eight kills and eight digs, giving the Pioneers reliable production on both sides of the court. Their two-setter system kept the Wolves off balance, with Morgan Petelin and Madison Funk finishing with 14 assists each. Funk also contributed seven digs, often extending plays that looked finished.
The turning point came with U-High leading 17-15. Emma Jean Bogusz stepped to the service line and seized control of the set. Her serve run stretched to six consecutive points, pushing the lead to 23-17 and silencing any hopes Prairie Ridge had of forcing a decisive third frame. Three serves later, Penn Taylor sealed the match with a solo block, sending U-High into tonight’s championship match at 5:30 p.m.
U-High, meanwhile, advances to face Nazareth, a program with a growing collection of state trophies — one championship, one runner-up and one third-place finish. With the Pioneers performing at their sharpest, tonight’s title match promises to be a strong finale to the Class 3A season.
Prairie Ridge now turns its attention to the third-place match against Providence Catholic, which fell to Nazareth Academy in its semifinal. The Wolves have one more opportunity to close their season with hardware and a performance that reflects their experience and resolve.
More Sports Stories
TAGS: Illinois soccer recruiting 2026, Fighting Illini women’s soccer, Katie Hultin Illinois coach, Big Ten soccer news, University of Illinois athletics
TAGS: Prairie Ridge vs Normal U-High IHSA Class 3A volleyball semifinal recap, Normal University Pioneers straight-set win over Prairie Ridge analysis, Illinois high school volleyball state finals Prairie Ridge performance, U-High volleyball postseason run to 3A championship match details, Prairie Ridge volleyball third-place match preview against Providence Catholic
Columbia swept Rockford Christian 25-18, 25-8 in the IHSA Class 2A semifinals. The win sends Columbia to Saturday’s championship match.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Rockford Christian's Odessa Bucciferro celebrates a point for the Royal Lions during the second set of her team's match against Columbia. Bucciferro and her team lost the match to the Eagles and will play for third place on Saturday in their first-ever state appearance.
NORMAL - Columbia didn’t waste a second proving why it entered championship weekend with one of the most imposing records in Class 2A. The Eagles (38-1) swept Rockford Christian 25-18, 25-8 on Friday at CEFCU Arena, rolling into the Class 2A state title match behind a fast, polished attack that never trailed in either set.
Under the glare of television lights and in front of nearly 1,000 spectators, Rockford Christian (34-6) held its own early. The Royal Lions, making the program’s first-ever appearance in the volleyball final four, traded points with Columbia until the Eagles nudged ahead 20-18 late in the opening frame. An attack error by Madison Anspaugh opened the door, and Ella Horner took full advantage by serving out the final five points.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
LEFT: Rockford Christian's Devon Turner and Odessa Bucciferro collide while trying to keep the ball in play. RIGHT: Columbia's Kinley Jany and Ella Horner celebrate a point for the Eagles.
Columbia’s steadiness took hold from there. The Eagles matched their 12-kill first set with another 12 in the second, but this time the separation was immediate. They opened the frame with an 11-0 surge, punctuated by strong serving and crisp transition play. Rockford Christian didn’t break through until Devon Turner put down a kill set by senior setter Julia Irvin. The Royal Lions managed just seven more points before Columbia closed out the 44-minute match.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Columbia's Claire Sandstrom passes the ball to the front row during second set action against Rockford Christian. The junior led the match with 11 kills, two digs, and one assist, advancing the Eagles to Saturday's Class 2A title match at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals.
Junior outside hitter Claire Sandstrom paced the Eagles with 11 kills, two digs and an assist. Senior Kinley Jany added four kills, two aces and eight digs. Marly Mathews supplied three kills, while seniors Ava Mathewes and Maura Kohlenberger combined for four kills, with Mathewes contributing 11 assists and Kohlenberger involved in four blocks.
Rockford Christian spread its offense across four hitters. Turner finished with six kills, Anspaugh had four kills and two digs, and Allison Lynde added three. Junior Teagan Lawver chipped in two kills. Irvin supplied 11 of the team’s 14 assists, with Odessa Bucciferro recording the other three. The Royal Lions produced 12 kills in a competitive first set but were limited to only three in the second.
The semifinal marked the team’s first loss since Oct. 18, when the Royal Lions fell to Class 4A Stevenson in a three-set match at the Woodstock North Tournament. Anspaugh entered the weekend as Rockford Christian’s leading hitter with 451 kills and 56 aces, while Irvin began the tournament with 779 assists.
Columbia advances to Saturday’s championship match against Bloomington Central Catholic, which reached the final after finishing as last year’s runner-up in a tight three-set battle against Breese Mater Dei. Rockford Christian will play Port Byron Riverdale for third place.
For Columbia, the appearance marks the program’s second trip to a state final. The Eagles reached the title match in 2005, falling to Breese Central. Their only loss this season also came against Breese Central, a September meeting that Columbia now hopes proves to be the lone blemish on an otherwise remarkable run.
More Sports Stories
TAGS: Columbia Eagles IHSA Class 2A volleyball semifinal win, Rockford Christian volleyball first state final four appearance, Columbia volleyball team wins state semifinal, Columbia to play for state title, Rockford Christian to play for third at state
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 14 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
St. Joseph-Ogden unbeaten run ends in playoff loss to Unity
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Cameron Wagner and Tanner Siems hug after SJO's 35-7 second-round playoff loss to Unity. The Spartans' magical season featuring an impressive 10-win streak and conference title ended on Saturday. Read our story after the game.
Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems
(PRNewswire) Chicago -- There are products for sweaty armpits, sweaty feet and sweaty faces. But when sweat shows up somewhere a little less comfortable to talk about, the options get limited fast.
Chicago-based Cheek Sheets is looking to change that.
Cheek Sheets today announced the launch of its namesake absorbent sheets, an ultra-thin, dry and discreet personal-care product designed to help absorb sweat and manage unwanted moisture between the cheeks before it becomes uncomfortable, embarrassing or funky.
Discover the headlines published on each of these days from our news and sports coverage from Champaign‑Urbana and the wider community. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 16 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 14 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
