I'm the eldest sibling and feel financial pressure during the holidays. I'm making less money this year and don't want to let my family down.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman sitting at table with Christmas gifts, using calculator to add up budget
The author (not pictured) had to figure out a holiday budget this year.

Anna Ostanina/Getty Images

I spent my first sober Christmas alone. It was the best one I ever had.

Tech Insider : Business
Wine bottles on shelves at night
The author spent his first holidays sober my himself.

DuKai photographer/Getty Images

My husband handles all the outside chores, and I handle the inside ones. This compromise is the key to happiness in our marriage.

Tech Insider : Business
a view from inside a washing machine as a couple load it up with their laundry
The author (not pictured) and her husband split their house chores evenly.

freemixer/Getty Images

My eating disorder ruined the holidays for me. Now in recovery, I'm able to enjoy them again.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Travel
A family begin their holiday dinner.
 

knape/Getty Images

I guilt-tripped my teen into joining a family Christmas tradition. I'm mourning the days when my kids loved the holidays.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Falin and her family with a snowy background
The author (far left) and her family while hunting for their Christmas tree.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

I've been on over a dozen multigenerational family vacations. We book separate accommodations and talk about money before leaving.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Multigenerational family crossing a bridge over water on a hike.
The author (not pictured) has been on multiple multigenerational family vacations over the years.

Fly View Productions/Getty Images

My ex dumped me by sending a voice note. It was painful and confusing.

Tech Insider : Business
a woman listening to a message on her phone
The author (not pictured) received a voice note from her ex.

Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61

I committed a white-collar crime while bipolar manic. Years later, I'm still facing the consequences.

Tech Insider : Business
side by side of David Funes during a manic episode next to him happy and smiling
The author has bipolar disorder and experienced manic episodes.

Courtesy of David Funes

I always thought we'd retire in Europe. We spend our time in Mexico and California instead.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
A woman sitting in her camper van with a cuddly toy in one hand and a book in the other. The back doors of the van are open, and a beach can be seen next to it.
The author often travels with her husband in a camper van.

Courtesy of Louisa Rogers

I was in the best shape of my life when I got hit by a car. The debilitating pain during recovery left me emotionally shredded.

Tech Insider : Business
Winston Chiang wearing a hooded poncho and glasses and sitting on a concrete structure.
The author was in a bike accident in his 20s that left him physically injured and depressed.

Courtesy of Winston Chiang

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