I stopped expecting the holidays to be perfect. Four kids and a pilot's schedule taught me that Christmas morning can happen at midnight.

Tech Insider : Business
Kids in the car on Christmas
The author's husband was a pilot, and his schedule made the holidays non-traditional.

Courtesy of the author

I make broccoli-cheese casserole every year for the holidays. It's made with only 4 ingredients and is always the first to disappear.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman making broccoli casserole
The author's broccoli casserole is the first to be gone during the holidays.

Courtesy of the author

My 7-year-old invited a local shop owner to her birthday party. He showed up.

Tech Insider : Business
The author's daughter poses with a local shop owner at her birthday party.
The author's daughter was adamant that she invite a local shop owner to her 7th birthday party.

Courtesy of Bridget Shirvell

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.

Tech Insider : Business
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.

Tech Insider : Business
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.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
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

Mom of 15 and radio personality Delilah: I use plastic plates and homemade gifts during the holidays, and prioritize giving back.

Tech Insider : Business
Delilah in studio
Delilah is a mom of 15 and loves homemade holiday touches.

Courtesy of Delilah

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