Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Making this the Merriest Christmas Yet: Do's and Don't's

Mark Jeremy 

Christmas, an energizing season filled with joy, laughter and Bing Crosby's soothing voice on repeat - but let's face it, this can also be the season of last-minute shopping sprees, overcooked turkeys and tangled tinsel that causes Christmas disasters! So to ensure this Christmas will be one to remember follow this handy guide that ensures yours will be the merriest yet!

Deck Your Halls but Don't Deck Your Family

Remember that Christmas is about spreading joy and goodwill- not sickness. If Aunt Mabel has had the sniffles recently, it may be wise to keep mistletoe kisses to a minimum; otherwise festive cheer could turn into fearful anticipation! One tower of presents reaching for the North Star may sound idyllic, but all that will really happen is you'll trip over it and hit yourself unconscious tripping over them all! Be mindful when purchasing gifts - think thoughtfully not extravagantly - and remember: if you watch Christmas movies with the whole family, or just admiring neighborhood lights instead are far greater gifts.

Do Make a List, and Check it Twice

Santa isn't the only one who should make and check lists twice. Make your ducks (in this case, reindeers) line up by creating an extensive checklist, from food menu to decorations and guest list - everything should find its place here! Remember this golden rule: better two steps ahead than caught pants down! Even so, don't become The Grinch if your dry turkey doesn't measure up to Gordon Ramsay's version; after all, Christmas is filled with mishaps such as broken baubles, overwatered trees and questionable jumpers; and that wouldn't we love?

Don't Overdo the Merry Part

While we all want to enjoy ourselves this festive season, that doesn't mean overdoing it on alcohol consumption. Yes, uncle Bob! A glass of mulled wine or eggnog may add festive cheer; however consuming too much could lead to unexpected renditions of Jingle Bells or even unexpected Christmas break dancing! Yes, have fun but remember to drink responsibly: your head and your family will thank you in the morning; just don't become the Rudolph of red-nosed relatives! Enjoy yourself without becoming part of it all.

Be Jolly... But Also Considerate

We all appreciate decking the halls with boughs of holly and jingling all along; but remember not everyone shares your passion for 5 AM Christmas carols or an inflatable Santa. A little consideration goes a long way during the holidays; keep your neighbors in mind when stringing lights or playing festive music to spread joy without creating noise pollution. So have fun being festive but be the neighbor who knows how to celebrate Christmas without disturbing everyone on their block.

Do Spend Time, Not Money

Many of us fall prey to thinking the best way to show love this Christmas is through lavish purchases; however, remembering Christmas shouldn't be seen as a race to see who can drain their bank accounts the fastest is important in showing your care and gratitude. Spend quality time with those you care about and create memories to last a lifetime. Instead of exchanging pricey presents for experiences or thoughtful handmade presents, consider giving priceless moments of memories instead. Nobody is likely to remember the costly bottle of perfume you gave, but they will remember laughing until their sides hurt while playing charades together. So make this season an opportunity to invest your time and not money solely into creating memorable moments.

Conclusion: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Christmas doesn't need to be perfect - it should be filled with love, joy and spreading holiday cheer. By keeping these do's and don'ts in mind, you're sure to make this year's Christmas the merriest yet! So go forth, decorate those halls, sing carols and make this year a cracker of an occasion! 

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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