My extended family decided not to buy Christmas presents this year. Instead, we're all helping each other out with home projects.

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Rachel Reva and her sister building furniture
The author (left) is helping her sister out for Christmas.

Courtesy of Rachel Reva

My dad died 3 years ago. I'm learning how to celebrate the holidays without him.

Tech Insider : Business
The author's father making cookies and putting up blue Christmas lights with her son.
The author remembers her father over the holidays by telling his stories and looking at blue Christmas lights with her son.

Courtesy of Tonilyn Hornung

I thought the best holidays were going to be when my kids were little. I was wrong.

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A woman lies on the floor at a festive holiday party

Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

Dating after your partner dies is hard. I feel guilty for wanting connection, but I also need it.

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The author poses in front of a light-colored wall.
The author

Courtesy of Lisa Sparrell

I wanted to be perfect like my grandmother. Then she asked me a question that changed my approach to life.

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Woman posing for photo in the 80s
The author's grandma was a perfectionist.

Courtesy of the author

As my teens get older, they're fiercely embracing our holiday traditions again. I love it.

Tech Insider : Business
A teen boy hangs red garland on a mantle.
The author said she thought her kids were over participating in holiday traditions like decorating, but has found that as they get older, they're becoming nostalgic for them once again.

Courtesy of Kate Loweth

We give our teenagers more experiences than gifts for Christmas. It brings us closer as a family.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
The author with her family on Christmas Eve together.
The author and her husband prefer to give their kids experiences instead of gifts for the holidays.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

I lived in a camper van outside my grandfather's home to help him feel less lonely. The move also helped me grow.

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Kate Benson in her camper and the exterior of the camper
The author lived in a camper van in her grandfather's yard.

Courtesy of Kate Benson

I was over 300 pounds in high school. Then, college life pushed me to lose over a third of my body weight.

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Dan Petetsky before and after losing 100 pounds
The author lost weight in college.

Courtesy of Dan Petetsky

I keep all of the holiday cards my loved ones send. In the future, I'll give them back in a handmade memory book.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her file folder of holiday cards.
The author saves all the holiday cards she receives each season instead of throwing them away.

Courtesy of Jillian Pretzel

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