Coordinating holidays with multiple divorced families is tough. At 72, I'm learning when to let go.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Politics
Family around the table during holiday
The author organizes the family's celebration as the matriarch.

Courtesy of the author

My kids finally know Santa isn't real, and I'm thrilled. I can now rein in my holiday budget.

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a woman placing a present under the christmas tree
The author is saving money this Christmas.

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I'm ashamed about how much holiday junk I've acquired over the years. I'm changing my habits.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman putting Christmas decorations in an attic
The author (not pictured) keeps holiday decorations in the garage and attic.

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My husband and I moved back in with my parents to save money. It was rocky at first, and then we found a shared hobby.

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The writer and her husband posing in front of the water.
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Naomi George

My kids already lead privileged lives, so I refuse to go all out at Christmas

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Bare christmas tree

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We relied on my mom for childcare. She was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, and everything changed.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
A daughter holds her mom's hands.

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I've been giving my 8-year-old more independence. It's been great for our family.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
The author's son poses outside, in front of greenery, while wearing a light-colored shirt.
The author has been letting her 8-year-old son experiment with more independence in recent months.

Courtesy of Sydni Ellis

I'm trying to be hands-off as my teen applies to college. It's been difficult for me, especially when they missed a deadline.

Tech Insider : Business
A pile of college mailers
The author's son is applying to college.

Courtesy of Trisha Daab

We spent 2 years living on the road, with no plans to settle down. Then, a Texas beach town changed our minds.

Tech Insider : Business
A downtown area in Galveston, Texas, with buildings and trees.
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peeterv/Getty Images

I'm choosing to be a caretaker for my family instead of having kids of my own. I'm giving back to my mom.

Tech Insider : Business
Kim Izaguirre-Merlos wearing a white tank top and glasses.
Kim Izaguirre-Merlos lives with her mom and family and has always been in a caretaking role..

Brett Patzke/Brett Patzke

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