Kate Horrell

Reflecting on Holidays 2025 for a Better Holidays 2026

I have an unusual holiday mission for you, and I promise it will make your 2026 holiday season even better.

Open up an email, address it to yourself, and label it Notes for Holidays 2026. Or Christmas. Or whatever other title you are going to remember.

Now, start making a draft email listing all the things you spent money on from Halloween through New Years. List what you bought and did that cost money, and how you felt about them.

For example, perhaps you hosted Thanksgiving dinner for three families: yours, a neighbor’s, and someone from your command. Write down what you did, what you served, who brought what, how much money you spent, and whether you enjoyed it. Then, write down whether you would do it again, and what you would change next time.

Important notes might include: "We threw away 3/4 of the pumpkin pie" or "Note to put out a puzzle to keep people occupied while waiting for the turkey to rest."

Throw in any great ideas that you had a long the way, any things that your loved ones mentioned, and anything that you stored in an unusual place.

For example, "Next year maybe we go see that drive-through lights show" or "Don't forget we stashed the extra gift wrap in the cupboard under the stairs behind the extra paper goods."

If you remember to open the email next year, it might save you some money and reduce your stress.

Send a message to learn more

Figuring out the Post 9/11 GI Bill? Here's how you get started!

6 steps to start using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for the next school year The end of the year is the time to start using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for the next academic year, for both veterans and dependents.

Military families in need of food support:

How to get free emergency groceries from the Military Family Advisory Network right now Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve military families can get a box of free groceries and a Commissary gift card right now.

I may have only done three things on my to do list today, but one of them has been lurking around since, well, December. And it was worth $400.

How has your day been?

Send a message to learn more