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.

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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.

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A pile of college mailers
The author's son is applying to college.

Courtesy of Trisha Daab

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

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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

All my kids have grown up, so we've changed our holiday traditions. We scaled back on decorations and added a day of festivities.

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Kids around Christmas tree
The author's blended family has changing their holiday traditions as the kids grow older.

Courtesy of the author

I picked up this gift-giving hack from an ex, and it guarantees the most thoughtful presents

Tech Insider : Business
Family posing with Christmas tree
The author learned a gift-giving hack from her ex that she uses with her family now.

Courtesy of the author

My 2017 Volvo has more than 100,000 miles. It's old, paid off, and perfect for my family.

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Woman posing with car
The author's car has over 120,000 miles, but she's not planning on getting a new one.

Courtesy of the author

My kids went to an outdoor elementary school with no art, music, or library. They loved it, but adjusting to public school was hard.

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Alli Hill's kids standing in front of their school's sign outside
The author's kids attended an outdoor learning school.

Courtesy of Alli Hill

My mother is spending the holidays with me for the first time in years. I'm struggling with the added costs and to-dos.

Tech Insider : Business
selfie of Jennifer McGuire andher mother
The author (right) is spending Christmas with her mother (left).

Courtesy of Jennifer McGuire

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