As final exams wind down for the semester at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, students in one dormitory are on their way to shattering a joyful holiday record 56 years in the making.

U of I students in Snyder Hall have been operating the Dial-a-Carol hotline for a week in December every year since 1960. People from all over the world phone the hotline – 217-332-1882 – to be serenaded by students who will sing a requested holiday carol to each caller.

Are you looking for that easy stocking stuffer? Maybe you are looking for some new books to read with your child during the holiday season? Well how about these Illinois-based books as some potential ideas for this year’s gifts.

The remains of an ancient bobcat hidden away in the collections of Illinois State Museum was among Archaeology magazine’s top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2015, along with the world’s oldest pretzel in Germany, a Bronze Age bride in Denmark and some of humankind’s earliest stone tools in Kenya.

The skeleton of the young bobcat was excavated during a major highway project in the Lower Illinois River Valley in the 1980s. The remains, found at Elizabeth Mound in western Illinois and dating to roughly the time of Christ, were put into storage after being hastily labeled as those of a “puppy” from a possible dog burial by ancient Hopewell natives.

The holiday season is upon us! But don’t let winter keep you away from Illinois’ parks. Many have fun things to do during the colder months of the year.

Located near Danville in Vermillion County, picturesque Kickapoo State Recreation Area is one such place. It features a variety of family-friendly activities when snow is on the ground.

Cross country skiing, sledding and ice skating are popular attractions.

Born in California, Cat Clausen spent her childhood as a budding artist, making her own jewelry, pottery and clothing.

After graduating from college, Clausen worked in marketing, public relations and art direction for 10 years. She left her career in 1993 to become a stay-at-home mom and moved with her husband and 3-year-old son to Dwight.

It was here in the Land of Lincoln where Clausen would pursue her passion for art. She took up oil painting and has made portraits of musicians and education and political leaders, including her beloved Abraham Lincoln. Clausen is known for her Lincoln paintings, which have been featured on the cover of magazines and on banners throughout Chicago.