Parents, I know Elf on the Shelf is a hassle, but I promise you one day you'll miss it

Tech Insider : Business
Terri Peters and her family at Christmas, dressed in formalwear, standing outside on a sidewalk and smiling at the camera.
The author loves spending the holidays with her family, even as traditions change over the years.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

I'm vegan, but the rest of my family isn't. So, I'm relying on these 8 tasty Trader Joe's finds this holiday season.

Tech Insider : Business
cart full of holiday products at trader joe's
I've discovered some of Trader Joe's best vegan holiday staples.

Stephanie Dreyer

I'm the eldest sibling and feel financial pressure during the holidays. I'm making less money this year and don't want to let my family down.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman sitting at table with Christmas gifts, using calculator to add up budget
The author (not pictured) had to figure out a holiday budget this year.

Anna Ostanina/Getty Images

I was worried about my adult children connecting with my new partner, but traveling together helped us feel like a family

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Samantha Priestly, her two daughters, daughter's boyfriend, and partner smiling with wine
My partner, daughters, younger daughter's boyfriend, and I have gone on amazing trips.

Samantha Priestly

I guilt-tripped my teen into joining a family Christmas tradition. I'm mourning the days when my kids loved the holidays.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Falin and her family with a snowy background
The author (far left) and her family while hunting for their Christmas tree.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

Aldi isn't my family's primary grocery store, but I'll always make a special trip there for these 8 things

Tech Insider : Business
A composite image of boxes of turtle-shaped baked-cheddar crackers and a hand holding a pink box of Disney-princess shoes with Ariel from
Aldi has a great selection of snacks and other fun items.

Anne James

I've been on over a dozen multigenerational family vacations. We book separate accommodations and talk about money before leaving.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Multigenerational family crossing a bridge over water on a hike.
The author (not pictured) has been on multiple multigenerational family vacations over the years.

Fly View Productions/Getty Images

I thought I didn't want kids. My father's sudden death changed my mind.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
A woman and a man lounge under a green umbrella on a beach.
Here, my dad and I are enjoying a sunny day in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil. Unexpectedly losing him after a heart attack made me realize that having kids was something I might want to do after all.

D.C. Macedo

My family tried 20 of Costco's premade meals, and we'd buy almost all of them again

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Kirkland Signature premade meals together on a counter
My family tried Kirkland Signature prepared meals from Costco to find the best options.

Ted Berg

I hiked the Appalachian Trail with my family of 4. We ran out of water on the second day and faced a dire situation.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Victoria Marie Lees and her children hiking with backpacks and blankets
The author (far right) and her two children while on a hiking trip.

Courtesy of Victoria Marie Lees

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