Ho Ho Ho, who wouldn't know…Ho Ho Ho, who wouldn't know…up on the housetop click, click, click… down through the chimney comes old St. Nick. (you're singing it in your head right now aren't you).
As many of us look forward to this favorite time of year, certain songs, smells, and people bring back a flood of memories about the holidays. Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years. It's all rolled up in good times no matter how you celebrate.
The commercials on TV while watching football games, with whatever the hot toy is for this year? Well brother… if you have kids or grandkids, you don't want them disappointed! Santa and Hanukkah Harry better be on the ball and shop early to make sure you get one!
Eggnog, pumpkin or pecan pie and other special treats that come out this time of year are another one of my favorites. Smells of baking with a hint of cinnamon wafting in the air are also a seasonal memory maker.
And the tree! Decorating the tree is also a family tradition at my house. You gotta love that Christmas evergreen tree smell! After it's decorated many an evening is spent just sitting in the room with Christmas music playing, and something fun to drink in your hand always making it a warm holiday fuzzy for me.
So, no matter if your holiday lights are red and green, or maybe blue, make the best of the time spent with family and friends making new memories to cherish!
And as the other David in our office likes to say….Merry ChrismaHanukkahKwanzaa!
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.
You Might Also Like
- Embrace the Holiday Season: Finding Joy in Simple Moments
Lifestyle & Mindset · David S. Edge - Making the Most of Summer Visitors in Retirement
Lifestyle & Mindset · David S. Edge - Oh Tannenbaum! Christmas Tree Memories That Made Us Who We Are
Lifestyle & Mindset · David S. Edge
Easy Eddie's Take
David's right about making the most of family time, and for many retirees, the holidays can be extra special now that you have more flexibility to really enjoy them. A lot of folks tell me that retirement gave them their first chance in decades to bake those holiday cookies with the grandkids or travel to see family without worrying about using up vacation days. That's one of those retirement benefits that doesn't show up on any financial statement, but it's worth its weight in gold.
If you're thinking about holiday spending this year, remember that many retirees find it helpful to set up a separate holiday fund throughout the year. Even putting aside $25 or $50 a month starting in January can give you $300 to $600 for gifts and celebrations without touching your regular retirement income. And here's something that surprises people: if you're taking Required Minimum Distributions from your traditional IRA or 401k, you can actually time those distributions to help with holiday expenses while managing your tax planning for the year.
The memories David talks about? Those are what make all the retirement planning worth it. Being able to spend unhurried time with the people you love, that's what this whole journey is about.