(NewsUSA) - Until now, one of the most widely used Internet of Things (IoT) networks has operated quietly behind the scenes, powering smart cities, tracking shipments, and protecting public spaces. For years, it has connected the world around us and now, the same technology that powers smart cities is starting to enter your home.

It’s called LoRaWAN^®, short for Long Range Wide Area Network, and it’s one of the fastest-growing wireless standards in the world. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, LoRaWAN^® uses very little power to send data over long distances, even through walls or underground. More than 125 million devices already rely on it, from air quality sensors to streetlights that alert crews when bulbs burn out.

LoRaWAN^® networks are increasingly popular among building managers for comfort, security and health and safety applications, including indoor air quality, temperature, energy consumption, water leak detection, office and desk occupancy, pest control, tracking, motion detection, panic buttons, thermostat, door/window contact sensors, and vibration sensors, among others.

LoRaWAN^® runs on open, unlicensed radio frequencies, and leverages its low-power and high-penetration capability to enable use cases that are not practical or cost-effective with other in-home technologies. A single gateway can connect dozens of devices without draining power, and it can easily penetrate walls and ceilings to offer very strong coverage with long battery times for connected sensors.

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, LoRaWAN^® is stepping into the spotlight. New products will demonstrate how the same secure, energy-efficient network used by cities and industries can power home technology. Solutions encompass applications such as smart sensors for health, climate, security and energy monitoring, to automated irrigation, pest control, and more, which all come together to provide efficient, reliable, and cost-effective home automation solutions. 

For anyone looking to deploy IoT, CES offers the opportunity to connect with LoRa Alliance^® members, who are the leading IoT experts. They have extensive experience deploying IoT across multiple verticals and are bringing it to this year’s show in the LoRa Alliance^® Pavilion, LVCC North Hall booth 10349 and a dedicated conference track on Wednesday, January 7, titled “LoRa Alliance^®: Massive IoT Unfolding – LoRaWAN^® in Action,” in the LVCC North Hall, room N257.

LoRaWAN^®’s reach extends across continents, yet its promise is simple: connect what matters, reliably and efficiently. With its arrival in the home, that promise is about to become personal. For more information about the next generation of networking, visit lora-alliance.org.

(NewsUSA) - On December 2nd, the world came together for Giving Tuesday—a day of generosity and impact. At Marine Toys for Tots, Giving Tuesday transformed into Giving TOYSday—the perfect day to support the Program’s mission of delivering toys and hope to children in need.

Rising costs have stretched budgets to the breaking point, and millions of families are being forced to choose between providing basic necessities or watching their child’s face light up on Christmas morning.

"It’s a heartbreaking reality when families can't afford Christmas presents for their children. For parents and guardians struggling to make ends meet, Toys for Tots offers more than something tangible—it offers relief and reassurance. The simple act of unwrapping a toy gives children a moment of joy and reminds them that they are cared for,” said Lieutenant General James B. Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Our supporters help fulfill our mission of providing comfort and hope—every gift given on Giving TOYSday tells a child they are valued and gives families the encouragement they need most this holiday season.”

For 78 years, Toys for Tots has delivered more than 708 million toys, books, and games to 314 million disadvantaged children across the country. What began as a simple act of kindness by a local chapter in Los Angeles County has grown into a nationwide holiday tradition built on the belief that every child deserves to feel the magic and joy of Christmas. Right now, nearly 900 local Toys for Tots Chapters are working tirelessly to collect, sort, and distribute gifts to children in need in their local communities, but we still need the help of the American people.

Every dollar given has the power to transform a child’s future. The generosity shown on Giving TOYSday will do more than brighten the holidays—it will spark resilience, joy, and inspiration that children will carry with them for a lifetime.

“What made Giving TOYSday so powerful was the generosity of the American people,” said Lieutenant General Laster. “That’s our Nation coming together to ensure children feel the magic of Christmas. It’s that spirit of giving that has sustained Toys for Tots for nearly eight decades, and it’s what will carry this mission forward for generations to come.”

Toys for Tots is more than a holiday tradition—it’s a lifeline for families and a symbol of what communities can accomplish. From the first toy donated in 1947 to the 708 million gifts shared since then, our mission has stayed same: to ensure no child is forgotten at Christmas.

We encourage our supporters to continue embracing the spirit of generosity shown on Giving TOYSday and help children in need unwrap the magic of the season.

To learn more or donate, visit www.toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - As autonomous vehicles (AV) continue to evolve, consumers may be on the cusp of a new age of autonomous mobility, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

The international standard for vehicular autonomy classification includes six levels from 0 to 5, with 0 being cars with features that provide short-term and limited assistance, such as blind spot and lane departure warnings, and 5 being “full, unfettered autonomous driving,” according to SCSP.

The United States maintains a small lead in AV production over other countries, including China, and forecasts for 2030 project potentially more than four trillion dollars in revenue for fully and semi-autonomous vehicles. Auto manufacturers are responding to these forecasts by ramping up research and development.

However, changes in attitudes toward legal liability and shifts in consumer trust may threaten America’s slim lead, said George Ngoh, a research assistant on the Future Tech Platforms team at SCSP, in a recent newsletter.

Recently, a Florida jury ruled a carmaker partly responsible for a fatal crash involving a semiautonomous car. “To build confidence with both the public and policymakers, automakers and regulators require more than just miles driven; they need comprehensive, transparent data—especially fault data—to definitively prove the safety and reliability of these platforms,” Ngoh explained.

Looking ahead, global leadership in AV goes beyond commercial benefits; it is key to maintaining American security, according to SCSP experts.

AV technology offers a range of military advantages, such as improved precision for munitions guidance and fully autonomous platforms for strike, surveillance, and logistics.

The primary challenge to AV leadership comes from China, where advantages in data and nanometer design may make it easier to develop improved onboard chips in for better decision-making in AVs, and enhanced computing capacity will help Chinese companies develop the complex simulations needed to validate AV safety.

To maintain a competitive advantage, AV firms in the United States should increase their investments in modeling and simulation of their platforms and software, SCSP experts emphasize. In addition, state and federal governments must collaborate to collect the best and most stringent data for developing AV technology. These measures will build trust with policymakers and the public to increase domestic adoption of AVs and position the United States as a leader in the global automotive market. Autonomous vehicles more than the future of transportation; they are a bellwether of strategic advantage in an AI-driven world.

For more information about AV evolution and other aspects of American AI strategies, visit scsp.ai.

(NewsUSA) - Social interaction is more than just a nice-to-have, it’s key to aging well.

Joining a social club or special interest group offers a simple, uplifting way to build new connections through shared experiences, and those connections can help protect against the feelings of isolation many aging adults face.

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness a national epidemic, affecting half of American adults. Older adults are especially vulnerable, according to the report, as social circles can shrink quickly due to life changes like retirement and loss of mobility.

While loneliness has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, dementia, and depression, staying socially engaged offers a powerful counterbalance. It can boost mood, sharpen memory, and improve quality of life.

“Social interaction is a basic human need, and for older adults, it can be the key to living longer and feeling better,” said Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD, MPH, PT, who is the senior vice president of Clinical Quality Evaluation at American Specialty Health (ASH).

Building and maintaining social ties doesn’t have to be complicated, says Bjornaraa. Volunteering, joining an in-person social group, attending group fitness classes, or simply calling a friend can make a big difference. Even small interactions, like chatting with a neighbor, can promote a sense of belonging and help forge new friendships. Read more on the Silver&Fit blog.

For those who find it challenging to get out of the house regularly, virtual clubs are a lifeline. These online communities act like traditional clubs, except members meet, connect, and engage online over interests like wellness, cooking, and meditation.

“Virtual clubs offer an accessible ‘third space’ where members can connect, learn, and thrive,” said Penny Bailey, DrPH, who is a fitness instructor and educator at ASH. Bailey hosts virtual events offered through the Silver&Fit Healthy Aging Program Well-Being Club.

“During these live events, members talk, ask questions, and share stories,” said Bailey. “I’ve had people tell me, ‘This group is my family and my community.’ That’s the kind of connection virtual clubs create.”

Whether online or in person, meaningful social connections can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. In fact, research shows just how critical these ties are: people with strong social relationships are happier, healthier, and live longer than those who don’t. By seeking out shared experiences and staying engaged with others, older adults can nurture their emotional well-being and embrace a healthier, more joyful life.

(NewsUSA) - “God Storys” by Victorya Wright

Do you have a personal mantra that guides you? Have you ever felt God's presence so strongly that it seemed as if He was right beside you? Do you seek His wisdom when faced with tough decisions?

Since childhood, Victorya Wright has experienced God's undeniable presence, leading her in ways both profound and personal. There are moments when she turns, expecting to see someone beside her, only to realize it is His unseen nearness. When uncertainty arises, she seeks clarity through prayer and her own version of the ancient Thummim and Urim — trusting Him to reveal the way forward.

“God Storys: Told By a Daughter of the Most High King” is a compilation of 30 true, standalone vignettes that testify to these Divine encounters — extraordinary moments that are not mere coincidences, but God-instances. May these stories inspire you, strengthen your faith and open your eyes to His presence in your own life.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/493zW1k.

“Reflections on Life’s Illusions” by Jane Gallagher

In “Reflections on Life’s Illusions: A Memoir of Culture and Consciousness,” Jane Gallagher dives into the pool of memory to explore how her generation — and her own consciousness — were shaped by the cultural revolutions of the mid-20th century. Blending personal recollection with social commentary, she revisits the explosive years between 1954 and 1975, when McCarthyism, the Vietnam War, Watergate and systemic racism collided with the rise of feminism, civil rights and environmental awareness.

Gallagher’s lyrical prose interweaves stories of her search for identity, love and purpose with reflections on the larger social forces that defined an era. Alongside the voices of leading thinkers, she invites readers to look beyond nostalgia toward a deeper understanding of how culture molds belief — and how awareness can transform it. Culminating in a life-changing hike through the mountains of Peru, this memoir offers a wise and graceful invitation to rediscover wonder, curiosity and belonging.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4p41kS1 or https://bookshop.org/a/2572/9781633379077.

“Souls Adrift” by Max MacCaigh

The whispers find her. They always find her.

October 1873 — Chicago, after the Great Fire. Three broken souls board a steamship to escape despair and the city’s ashes. Maribeth, born to wealth in England but now penniless in America, searches for purpose. First Mate Atticus, a widowed Civil War veteran, longs for oblivion. Nine-year-old Kristi, an orphaned Norwegian immigrant, has nowhere left to turn.

As Maribeth and Atticus take Kristi under their wings, love begins to heal them all. But with the good comes darkness — chilling visions, ghostly voices and deaths that defy reason. What begins as a voyage to new life may end as their final crossing.

A historical novel of supernatural suspense, “Souls Adrift” is a sea story, a ghost story and a love story — “Titanic” meets “The Others.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4pdNlIL.

“Touch Me” (Dark Sides, Book One) by Lynn Crandall

The darkness is growing.

In the City of Auralia, bounty hunter Payson Silver can feel it pulsing through every cry for help. Born an Aeon, descended from the evolved people of Atlantis, she was born to restore balance — to counter dark energy with light. With her partner and soulmate Braden Powers, she uses her psychometric gifts to battle the Dark Aspects, forces bent on plunging the world into darkness.

But when a former Aeon, Diane Butler, twists Braden’s mind and traps him in a false reality, Payson must race against time to save him — while the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Ten days. One impossible choice.

As light and darkness collide, love becomes both weapon and weakness. The fate of Auralia — and humanity itself — depends on whether Payson can conquer the darkness within and rekindle the power of love strong enough to pierce the shadows.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4i8vXTs.

(NewsUSA) - Let’s face it, a cracked windshield or shattered window never comes at a good time. Between work, errands, and upcoming holiday travel, most people just want to get it fixed fast… without stretching their budget.

That’s exactly why Auto Glass Now offers Buy Now, Pay Later through Zip; a flexible payment option that lets eligible customers take care of their auto glass needs right away, and split the cost into installments over time.

Shop with Confidence: Flexible Payments and a Price Match Guarantee

Because life happens. And sometimes, so do cracked windshields!

With a Buy Now, Pay Later option, Auto Glass Now is making it easier for customers to say “yes” to the repairs they need without worrying about paying the full amount upfront.  If you’re managing a tight budget or facing added holiday expenses, Auto Glass Now is here to keep you safe on the road without the extra financial burden.

To use Buy Now, Pay Later with Auto Glass Now, simply get your quote, schedule your service and download the Zip app to create a profile. At the time of your appointment, your total invoice will be split into equal payments over time.  Whether you're dealing with a full windshield replacement or a quick chip repair, you can apply at checkout or in advance by downloading the Zip app and setting up your account after approval.

Auto Glass Now also has a Price Match Guarantee policy that ensures you always get the best price on your auto glass services, so you can book with confidence, knowing you're getting great value. Combined with flexible payment options like Buy Now, Pay Later, it’s never been easier  to get the services you need without compromising safety.

Auto Glass Now is committed to supporting customers at every stage of their journey. The company offers same-day or next-day appointments, along with the option of in-shop or mobile service, providing convenience and flexibility to meet individual needs. Auto Glass Now accept all insurance providers and even help you navigate the claim process, taking the stress off your plate.     

At the end of the day, Auto Glass Now isn’t just fixing your glass, they’re making sure you’re taken care of from start to finish, on your time, not anyone else’s.

Whether you’ve been putting off that windshield crack or just had an unexpected break, now’s the time to take care of it. With their price match guarantee and Buy Now, Pay Later program, Auto Glass Now helps you get the job done without breaking the bank.

Ready to get started? Visit https://www.autoglassnow.com/online-estimate/ for a free quote today!

For more information, visit www.zip.co
Loans through Zip are originated by WebBank.

(NewsUSA) - “Slices of Life: A Comic Montage” by Qu

This masterful collection of comics features universal vignettes that examine the small moments in life, reveling in all its quiet beauty. Originally created as the author's thesis project for her MFA in Illustration Practice at MICA, this collection of insightful and subtly magnificent silent comics is now being brought to English readers, as it has previously only been published in China. This edition of “Slices of Life” not only features sublime comics that inspect and reflect the majesty of everyday life, but will also include behind-the-scenes backmatter presenting Qu's journey and artistic process.

Readers are saying Qu is “one of the best contemporary cartoonists to pay attention to” with her “elegant, gorgeously rendered style.” Early readers call the collection “peaceful … yet hilarious,” praising it as a “deeply nostalgic” tribute to what makes “life worth loving” and “all the little moments that are magical and worth slowing down to celebrate.”

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3LsvpeO.

“From Doctor to Healer” by Erica M. Elliott, M.D.

In this final volume of her memoir trilogy, Dr. Erica Elliott begins her medical training as an enthusiastic, wide-eyed student but soon becomes a disillusioned doctor, sick from toxic chemicals at the clinic where she works. This health catastrophe, followed by a near-fatal accident and the harrowing, experimental brain surgery that saved her life, forces Erica off the path of mainstream medicine and onto a path that leads to her profound healing, along with the profound healing of her patients. Now, more than half a century after a Navajo grandmother offered a prophecy about her life, Erica fulfills it in ways she never could have imagined.

“From Doctor to Healer” follows on the heels of her first two groundbreaking memoirs, which followed her time serving the Navajo people as a young school teacher and as a medical doctor (“Medicine and Miracles in the High Desert”) and her later decade-long odyssey in search of her life’s purpose (“From Mountains to Medicine”).

Purchase at https://amzn.to/47X0DU8.

“Maya, Dead and Dreaming” by Lana Sabarwal

A sleepy town. A precocious girl. A drizzly night. A chilling death that makes no sense at all.

June 1938: Popular teenager Maya Hickman is found dead in a shallow creek, leaving the sleepy town of Shogie, Washington, shocked and baffled. Fourteen years later, Maya begins haunting the dreams of her childhood friend and quiet Indian immigrant, Munna Dhingra, just as an anonymous letter arrives musing “Why Maya Had to Die.”

Stalked by guilt and desperate to prevent more deaths, Munna befriends Karenina — a fiendishly brilliant psychoanalyst — and together, the two unravel a web of jealousy, betrayal and forbidden relationships within a tight-knit community desperate to cling to its veneer of tranquility. But every secret uncovered leads to more questions and every step forward heightens a sense of encroaching dread. Will they find out in time... why Maya had to die?

Agatha Christie meets “Gone Girl" in a 1950s small town.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ScYX0i.

“If Today You Hear His Voice” by Irene Lynch

Throughout our rich and inspiring Catholic history, many saints have proclaimed to have had a conversation with Christ or the Blessed Mother. I believe that everyone can hear the voice of God! He is as alive and involved in our lives today as He was when He walked the earth over two thousand years ago! God wants a loving relationship with each one of us. I believe that through the Holy Spirit, God prompted me to write this book. My complete trust in His endless love and mercy has given me blessings beyond my greatest dreams. My prayer is for you to seek God in all things, walk with Him in your life journey, and listen to His voice. Come walk with me and let me show you how!!

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3LlGnTs.

(NewsUSA) - November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the more than 380,000 babies born too early in the U.S. each year. For families whose little one arrives weeks or months earlier than expected, understanding advances in premature infant nutrition can help reduce complications during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) journey.

Feeding Preemies Better 

For the smallest, most fragile preemies, nutritional advances over the past two decades have dramatically improved health outcomes. Today, babies born as early as 22 weeks can not only survive, they can thrive.

Premature babies need 20-40% more calories and protein than full-term babies. This is why doctors often add something called a nutritional “fortifier” to mom’s breastmilk or donor milk to provide the extra nutrition these babies need for healthy growth and development.

There are two types of fortifiers available: cow milk-based and breastmilk-based. In the U.S., both are labeled "human milk fortifiers," however only those from Prolacta Bioscience are made from 100% donor breastmilk, free from cow milk and corn syrup. This difference can be life-changing, especially for babies born weighing 2.75 pounds or less. Studies spanning the past two decades have shown that cow milk-based fortifiers increase the risk of serious complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal intestinal disease.

Knowledge Drives Real Change

Multiple studies show fragile preemies fed fortifiers made from donor breastmilk have better outcomes, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays, compared to preemies fed cow milk-based products.   

What preemies are fed in the NICU doesn’t just matter today — it impacts tomorrow’s milestones. Most recently, an independent study evaluated the association between an exclusive human milk diet and motor function impairment at 3 years of corrected age. Read more about the published findings.

This is why leading advocates for premature infants and their families, such as the National Black Nurses Association, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, NICU Parent Network, Project NICU, Once Upon a Preemie Inc., and many others support the adoption of breastmilk-based nutrition in the NICU for the smallest, most fragile preemies, particularly to address health disparities.  

Access to nutritional options can help reduce these disparities and improve outcomes for all premature babies, regardless of their background. Recent data points to the preterm birth rate among Black babies as 1.5 times higher than the rate among all other babies, and the infant death rate of Black babies is nearly twice the national average, according to the March of Dimes.

Parents Have a Choice in the NICU

This year alone, more than half of the Level 3 & 4 NICUs in the U.S. have used 100% breastmilk-based fortifiers for their smallest patients. If your baby is in a NICU that doesn’t provide this option, talk to your care team. Hospitals nationwide can order Prolacta’s breastmilk-based fortifiers for overnight delivery, even if they don't routinely offer them. Knowing your options helps ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need to grow strong and thrive. Use your voice, since your little one can’t use theirs.

(Mitch Jelniker) - Veterans face higher lung cancer risk from military exposures. Early screening and clinical trials save lives. Honor their service this month.

America’s heroes risked everything to protect our freedom, yet many remain unprotected from one of the deadliest threats they face at home: lung cancer. A simple, painless scan, a low-dose CT, can detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. But despite its proven power to save lives, far too few Veterans are getting screened.

For those who served, this gap isn’t just a statistic; it’s deeply personal. Military service can mean exposure to asbestos, burn pits, radon, and other toxic substances that dramatically increase lung cancer risk. The Department of Veterans Affairs has committed to identifying and screening Veterans at risk, yet thousands still go without this potentially lifesaving test.

Let's ensure that “thank you for your service” also means protecting their health.

Air Force and Navy Veteran Donnita Butler knows firsthand the critical importance of early detection. A routine low-dose CT scan caught her cancer early, and she credits screening with saving her life.

“It’s a simple test that gave me more time,” says Butler. “I tell every Veteran I meet: if you qualify, get screened. It can save your life, too.”

Now, Butler is helping to lead a new mission to inspire others to participate in cutting-edge blood-based research that could revolutionize cancer detection. 

Scientists are developing simple blood tests that may one day identify lung cancer and other cancers through a single vial of blood.

These next-generation tests rely on biomarkers, which are molecular “fingerprints” from tumor cells circulating in the blood, that can also guide personalized treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.

Veterans are once again at the forefront, volunteering for clinical trials that are accelerating this research. 

“Our Veterans are heroes in more ways than one,” says Dr. Drew Moghanaki, Chief of Thoracic Oncology at UCLA Health’s Department of Radiation Oncology. “By participating in studies and screenings, they’re not only protecting their own health but helping advance science for everyone.” 

Dr. Moghanaki and Donnita Butler are partnering with Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) through its Breath of Honor program, an initiative dedicated to increasing lung cancer screening among Veterans and raising awareness of clinical research opportunities. Together, they’re spreading the message that early action can mean the difference between life and loss.

“Tomorrow’s treatments are available today through screening and clinical trials,” says Dr. Moghanaki. “Veterans deserve access to both.”

Learn more to find out if you qualify for lung cancer screening, explore clinical trial opportunities, or learn more about LCFA's Breath of Honor program, visit LCFAmerica.org.

About LCFA

LCFA is dedicated to dramatically improving survival rates and quality of life for people diagnosed with lung cancer. Through funding innovative research, amplifying patient stories, and raising awareness, LCFA brings hope to the millions impacted by the world’s deadliest cancer. Learn more at lcfamerica.org.

(NewsUSA) - As the holiday lights go up and the to-do lists grow, parents everywhere are navigating a season that should feel joyful, but all too often doesn’t. According to KinderCare Learning Companies 2025 Parent Confidence Index, six in ten parents surveyed say, “I feel overwhelmed by the demands of being a parent.”

That’s a clear signal: parenting, even during the season of cheer, can feel like a pressure cooker. 

Here are five mindful strategies to help parents protect their mental health through the holidays, and one way KinderCare is stepping in to offer a meaningful gift for parents.

1. Trim the expectation tree

We often bring to the season an idea of “perfect” traditions, picture-worthy moments and magic. But the pressure to hit that mark is heavy. Give yourself permission to let some things slide. Try prioritizing one meaningful activity rather than every option on the list.

2. Schedule a pause

Between school concerts, errands, social obligations and caring for little ones, the days blur. Carving out even 15 minutes of quiet, such as coffee alone, a short walk or a few mindful breaths, can shift the tone. Treat this pause like an appointed meeting you can’t skip.
And if you can delegate some household tasks: ask a partner, family member or friend to give you a break.

3. Connect with your “village”

It’s not just you. More than half of parents say their friends’ mental health worries them. That means you’re part of a collective experience. Reach out to another parent, share the real talk and lean in together. A short check-in call, or even a quick group text chat, can help you realize you’re not alone.

4. Frame “good enough” as the new perfect

Holiday cards show smiling families; social media posts show ideal tablescapes. But behind the scenes, late bedtimes, meltdowns and mismatched socks are still real and still ok. When you accept that “good enough” is enough, you reduce your mental load. Your children don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to be engaged, present and calm.

5. Gift yourself the gift of time

Arguably, the best gift you can offer yourself (and your children) is time. Time to recharge, time to reset, time to show up as your best self. That’s why KinderCare Learning Companies is offering something meaningful for busy families: a day of free care at select KinderCare Learning Center locations and Crème Schools nationwide now through December 31. This offer gives parents breathing room, whether to shop for and wrap gifts, finish tasks, rest, or simply enjoy being present.

A final holiday mantra

“Self-care is parenting care.” By protecting your own mental health, you’re actually giving your children a more grounded, peaceful parental presence, which means richer memories, more genuine joy and less invisible stress. With simpler expectations, intentional pauses, connection to fellow parents, acceptance of “good enough,” and that invaluable gift of time, you can steer your holiday season toward something heartfelt and sustainable.

Because beneath the glitter and hustle, what truly matters is presence. Peace. A parent who feels okay, rather than frantic.