My kids are 37, 32, and 4 years old. Being an older mom is different.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
A family of four standing in front of a Christmas tree.
Charisse Ellison, 55, with her younger son, Jaron, 32, (left) daughter, Alina, 4, and older son, Markeith, 37.

Courtesy of Charisse Ellison

I flew Breeze Airways for the first time. Bad reviews worried me, but my experience with the low-cost airline was flawless.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Woman on plane
The author flew Breeze Airways during the holidays without any issues.

Courtesy of the author

I work in a research lab and have kids under 7. These are the science-based gifts that they've enjoyed most over the years.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
STEM lantern kits that the author's children built.
The author said her kids enjoy a variety of STEM-based toys they've received, including these Poraxy lantern kits.

Courtesy of Anne James

Robert Irwin says his mom held the family together after his father died

Tech Insider : Business
Robert Irwin.
Robert Irwin.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

I did more childcare and chores than my husband, despite working full-time. Swapping roles for a week helped us find balance long-term.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Style
Tracy Gunn posing in front of a brick wall.
Tracy Gunn swapped roles with her husband for a week.

Tracy Gunn

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

Tech Insider : Business, Style
a woman placing a present under the christmas tree
The author is saving money this Christmas.

cmogopor/Getty Images

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.

Sturti/Getty Images

Zooey Deschanel says there's one side of herself she never lets her kids see

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Zooey Deschanel.
Zooey Deschanel says she's careful her kids never see her doubt herself.

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

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

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Style
Bare christmas tree

Antonio Gravante/Getty Images

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.

MTStock Studio/Getty Images

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