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

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

Courtesy of Rachel Reva

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

Tech Insider : Business
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.

Tech Insider : Business
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

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

I met my husband buying salmon one night after work. We've been together for 12 years.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Family posing for photo
Kat Milner's first date with her now-husband lasted over seven hours.

Courtesy of Kat Milner

I offered to help my best friend settle her mom's estate. I had no clue what I was signing up for.

Tech Insider : Business
Alexandra Mysoor headshot
Alexandra Mysoor started her company Alix after helping a friend close her mom's estate.

Courtesy of Alexandra Mysoor

I sold my company for hundreds of millions and have more money than I'd ever need. Yet at 66, I have no plans to retire.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
David Chung headshot
David Chung founded Farmacy Beauty, which he sold in 2015.

Courtesy of David Chung

I live in a small mobile home at 81. I have everything I need.

Tech Insider : Business
Jane Post knitting in her cozy, tiny home.
Jane Post knitting in her cozy, tiny home.

Courtesy of Jane Post

My dad died unexpectedly. It taught me that I needed to plan for my funeral ahead of time.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Family photo
The author's dad died unexpectedly.

Courtesy of the author

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