I worried the holidays would lose their spark once my kids grew up. I was wrong, and I love this time with my teens.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Falin's children dressed for christmas in front of the tree
The author's children loved Christmas as young kids.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

I was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years while homeschooling my kids. I went back to work and realized I had tons of skills.

Tech Insider : Business
Mom reading kids book
The author returned to work after 18 years of caring for children.

Courtesy of the author

I founded a company while on maternity leave. In 2022, I hired my husband, and last year, we did more than $4.8 million in revenue.

Tech Insider : Business
Carinne Meyrignac with her husband and two children.
Carinne Meyrignac founded her company while on maternity leave.

Courtesy of Carinne Meyrignac

When my kids outgrew Santa, I was worried that Christmas wouldn't feel special. We've found a new tradition that keeps the spirit alive.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman holding a microphone while sitting near a Christmas tree.
The author (not shown) turned to karaoke to bring a new special type of magic to her family's Christmas celebrations.

CentralITAlliance/Getty Images

I moved across the country to be near my adult children. It didn't go as planned.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman lays over two moving boxes in an empty house.
The author (not pictured) moved from Boston to San Francisco to be closer to her adult children.

Aitor Diago/Getty Images

I got pregnant with my daughter in college. Now, she's applying to college herself, and I'm grieving the life I could've had.

Tech Insider : Business
Chaunie Brusie and her daughter in a field
The author (left) was pregnant in college with her daughter.

Courtesy of j&j brusie photography

My dad retired last year, and he's now working 2 part-time jobs. They keep him active and social.

Tech Insider : Business
Senior owner man business demonstrating or teaching how to use a device for digital payment

Happy Kikky/Getty Images

My husband handles 100% of the holiday magic, and I buy the gifts. He has the much harder job.

Tech Insider : Business
Dad decorating christmas tree
The author's husband is in charge of the holiday magic.

Courtesy of the author

I grew up poor and undocumented. I created a beauty brand that generated $2 million in sales in a single day.

Tech Insider : Business
Gisselle Hernandez headshot
Gisselle Hernandez founded her beauty company while at home with her baby.

Courtesy of Gisselle Hernandez

My husband and I left our jobs to travel full-time in our 30s. Transitioning back into the workforce has been hard.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Toccara Best and her husband standing near waterfalls at Plitvice National Park, Croatia
Toccara Best's request for a year of leave was denied; she decided to go traveling with her husband anyway.

Provided by Toccara Best

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