Amidst the twinkling lights and festive decorations, this season is fundamentally about joy, family, and the spirit of giving.
For many of us, the holidays are a time of togetherness. It's an opportunity to gather with loved ones, share hearty meals, and create lasting memories. Whether it's through time-honored traditions or creating new ones, these moments become the stories we cherish and pass down through generations.
In the heart of winter, the season brings warmth through cozy fires and hot chocolate and the kindness and compassion we show to others. It's a time when we can lend a hand to those in need, whether it's through volunteering, donating to charities, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend. The act of giving is really the spirit of the season.
This season also reminds us to slow down and appreciate the smaller moments even though, at times, this is much harder to do when planning for holiday events requires so much of our time. It's in the quiet morning watching snowflakes gently fall, in the laughter shared over a board game, or in the peaceful silence of a winter's night, we are reminded to be present and find joy in life's simplicity.
The holiday season is a beautiful time to celebrate, reflect, and spread kindness. Let's embrace this season with open hearts, cherishing each moment and creating new memories that will warm our hearts for years to come.
Wishing all of you a healthy and happy holiday season.
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David really captures something special here about slowing down and appreciating the simple moments. That's actually great advice for retirement too. A lot of folks worry so much about having enough money for retirement that they forget to plan for what will bring them joy day to day. When you're thinking about your retirement years, consider what those simple pleasures might be for you.
If you're already retired or getting close, this holiday season is a perfect time to think about your giving strategy. The IRS allows people over 70½ to make qualified charitable distributions directly from their IRA to charity, up to $105,000 in 2026. This counts toward your required minimum distribution but doesn't count as taxable income. Many people ask me, "Can I donate to any charity this way?" The answer is yes, as long as it's a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. It's a wonderful way to combine that spirit of giving David talks about with smart tax planning.
Those moments of togetherness he mentions become even more precious when you have the time to truly enjoy them. A little planning today can make those future holiday seasons even sweeter.