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Originally posted at: Rachel Zoe’s Sherpa Buckle Vest

Traveling alone over 60 is not for the faint of heart. It’s a mix of stubborn independence, quiet courage, mild delusion, and the firm belief that if you just get through these 45 hours, paradise awaits.

Every year, I fly from Ottawa, Canada, to my home on Koh Lanta, Thailand. It’s an epic journey with two long-haul flights, one short hop, long layovers, immigration lines, and a ferry ride. And every year, I’m reminded that traveling solo, currently at 72, is its own kind of adventure.

Starting the Marathon: Ottawa → Vancouver

I left home early, bracing for Ottawa’s never-ending road construction. Even though I’d checked in online, I received a mysterious message saying my boarding passes would only be issued “after document review.” Nothing like a little pre-flight suspense to wake you up.

The six-hour flight to Vancouver was uneventful. I ate half my Subway sandwich somewhere over the Prairies – domestic flights have become “bring your own dinner and hope for the best.” I watched a documentary about a vegan chef transforming a Nashville pub, which gave me plenty of food for thought as I considered going semi-vegan this winter.

A Ritual Stop with an Old Friend

At Vancouver Airport, I met my cousin Honey in our usual spot at International Departures – a ritual we’ve kept for the past two years. She looked wonderful and brought homemade Greek filo pastries, which I inhaled before remembering I should probably chew.

We caught up on Ottawa news and future plans and reflected on how we’ve reconnected more deeply through these yearly visits. It’s amazing how a two-hour airport reunion can feel grounding when you’re about to cross the world alone.

The Big One: Seventeen Hours in the Sky

The flight to Bangkok was full, and rain hammered the windows. Then the pilot made an announcement I definitely didn’t need:

“We’ll be starting one engine here and the other just before takeoff.”

Was I supposed to help?

Once airborne, turbulence shook us for the first few hours, but on a 17-hour flight, it becomes background noise. I tried watching The Studio, last year’s Emmy darling, but after four episodes of everything going wrong, I’d had enough. I switched to a marathon cooking competition – 24 chefs cooking nonstop for 24 hours – which kept me entertained for nearly eight hours.

Between episodes, I napped, stretched, and played Sudoku – my reliable comfort activity in the sky.

The Back-of-the-Plane Yoga Studio

I chose a seat near the kitchen and washrooms, which turned out to be wise. The flight attendants encouraged movement, and soon the back of the plane looked like a floating yoga class. Legs stretched against walls. People touching toes. One man attempting mid-air tai chi.

By hour 10, I stopped checking the time. When I finally looked again, only two hours remained – a small but satisfying victory.

Bangkok: The Six-Hour Layover

Immigration was slow, retrieving luggage took ages, and checking in again for the Krabi flight pushed my travel time close to 30 hours. I treated myself to the nicer lounge – quiet lighting, deep chairs, a small buffet, fancy coffees, and delicious Thai puddings. It felt more like a boutique hotel lobby than an airport.

I debated changing out of my embroidered Happy Cat jeans but decided they’d earned the right to finish the journey with me.

The Final Stretch: Bangkok → Krabi → Koh Lanta

The short flight to Krabi was smooth. My driver was waiting, and I instantly fell asleep in the car. An hour of deep, dreamless sleep revived me just enough to enjoy the ferry crossing, where the sky melted into blue and red as the sun set. A quiet, beautiful welcome back.

Home, Finally

At Happy Cat Villa, my cat Phai greeted me with a mix of suspicion and relief. She glued herself to my side but stared at me as if assessing whether I was really me.

I showered, unpacked a few things, and collapsed. Miraculously, I slept 10 hours straight. Maybe this year the 12-hour time difference won’t be so bad, I thought.

Wishful thinking for a 72-year-old… but hope springs eternal.

10 Realities of Long-Distance Travel (and the Lessons They Taught Me)

After 25 years of hurling around the planet in a tin can, I’ve learned a few things. This list evolves with every trip, but the following 10 truths always hold.

1. It’s Long, and It Feels Even Longer

It will seem never-ending, but it will end. Accepting this makes the journey far less stressful.

2. Ask for Help – You Don’t Have to Do Everything Alone

If you feel stressed or uncertain, ask. Airline staff, airport employees, and even fellow travelers are often more than happy to help.

3. You’re Always Extremely Close to Strangers

In lines, boarding tunnels, and seats – people are everywhere. Most rudeness isn’t personal. A little patience goes a long way.

4. The Food Will Be Terrible, So Plan Accordingly

Bring your own. Future-you will thank past-you.

5. Bring Your Own Earphones

Airlines often charge for theirs, and yours will block out noise and help pass the time.

6. Keep Your Blanket

Flights get cold fast. You’ll be grateful later.

7. Check-In Can Be Stressful – Be Prepared

Have your documents ready. It calms everything.

8. Immigration Lines Can Be Intimidating

Complete your visa and arrival forms before landing.

9. Expect Unexpected Noises – Ignore Them

Engines revving, doors thumping, wheels going up – it’s all normal.

10. Stay Engaged – Boredom Is Real

Bring books, puzzles, e-readers, or simple crafts. Wi-Fi is often available, but don’t rely on it.

Why I Still Do It

Despite delays, turbulence, odd announcements, missing showers, and mid-air yoga enthusiasts, I handled it with surprising calm. Preparation helps. So does remembering that at the end of this long, demanding trip is the place I want to be.

A 45-hour journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth every cramped seat, every line, and every moment of exhaustion.

Whirling around the planet in a tin can isn’t as bad as people think. And once it’s over, I forget the hard parts… until next time.

Next spring, I’ll be even better prepared – with more snacks, more layers, more gum… fewer candies.

Click for free access to my Substack, Retired Way Out There, where I publish a bi-monthly newsletter and provide handouts.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s the longest flight you’ve been on? How did you handle it? Was the destination worth the journey?

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Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ White Tie Front Button Down Crop Top

Finding the right Christmas gifts for your grandchildren is no small feat, especially with so many choices out there! Here’s a curated list of ideas divided by age groups to help you pick the perfect gift for each child. From the little ones to the almost adults, you’ll find gifts that will light up their faces on Christmas morning.

Here are our top 5 Christmas gifts for grandchildren:

1. Interactive Storybook Projector – This projector attaches to a smartphone to make bedtime stories more engaging with colorful projections that bring characters and scenes to life.
2. Coding Robot Kit – This kit introduces kids to basic coding through hands-on activities with a robot they can control and program.
3. Wireless Earbuds – High-quality wireless earbuds make a perfect gift for music-loving teens, delivering good sound quality and a stylish, portable design.
4. Science Experiment Kit – Science kits let kids experiment with chemistry and physics in a fun, hands-on way, igniting curiosity and learning.
5. Subscription Box – A monthly surprise delivered to their home can make this a gift that keeps on giving well beyond the holiday season.

Keep reading to discover many more Christmas gifts for grandchildren of all ages.

Gifts for Ages 0-5

Interactive Storybook Projector

Moonlite Storytime

An interactive storybook projector that attaches to a smartphone can turn bedtime into a magical experience. These projectors project vibrant images while you read along, making stories come alive in a new way.

Foldable Baby Play Mat for Floor

Foldable Baby Play Mat for Floor on Amazon

The Foldable Baby Play Mat is a spacious, extra-large mat measuring 79×71 inches, providing ample room for babies and toddlers to play, crawl, and explore. Made from non-toxic foam, this mat is thick and is cushioned.

Wooden Building Blocks

Colored Wooden Building Blocks – 85 Piece Set from Haba

Classic wooden building blocks never go out of style. Look for colorful, non-toxic options that are sturdy and safe for little hands. These blocks encourage fine motor skills and creativity.

Musical Instruments Set

Kids Musical Instruments, 33Pcs on Amazon

Help little ones discover a love of music early with a set of kid-safe musical instruments like tambourines, maracas, and xylophones. These sets are fantastic for developing rhythm, hand-eye coordination, and a sense of musicality.

Interactive Learning Tablet

LeapTab Touch Ages 3-5 yrs from LeapFrog – select the tablet for your grandchild’s age.

Many tablets designed for toddlers and preschoolers feature educational games, songs, and drawing tools that introduce colors, numbers, and letters. They’re also great for keeping children entertained on the go.

Toddler Scooter

Jetson Jupiter Mini 3-Wheel Kids’ Scooter

For those just learning to get around, a sturdy, three-wheel scooter is perfect. Look for models with easy-grip handles, stable bases, and adjustable height settings so they can grow with the child.

furReal Maggie the Feed & Follow Cow

furReal Maggie the Feed & Follow Cow, 11 Inch Interactive Plush Cow, Boys and Girls Ages 4 Up

This interactive, cute highland cow named Maggie made several top gift idea lists in 2025. Maggie drinks from her play bottle, moos, and even rings a little cowbell. She can also be set to follow your grandchild around the house.

Gifts for Ages 6-12

Coding Robot Kit

Makeblock Codey Rocky

A fun and educational gift, coding robots allow kids to learn basic programming concepts by controlling the robot’s movements, sounds, and lights. Look for kits with engaging activities and instructions that make coding accessible.

Arts and Crafts Set

Bob Ross For Kids Happy Lessons in a Box Set at Michael’s

Let their creativity soar with an arts and crafts set. Choose a kit that reflects their interests or includes a variety of materials, such as paints, clay, markers, and even sewing kits, so they can explore different types of art.

Digital Microscope for Kids

AmScope 4.3-inch Premium 1080P HD Portable LCD Color Digital Microscope with Dual-LED Illumination at AmScope

This portable digital microscope connects to a smartphone or tablet, allowing kids to explore the microscopic world around them in detail. With up to 220x magnification, it’s perfect for examining leaves, rocks, insects, and more, sparking curiosity about science and nature. Lightweight and easy to use, this microscope makes science exciting and accessible, encouraging young minds to discover hidden details and learn through observation.

LEGO Building Kits

Natural History Museum at LEGO

LEGO sets never go out of style and can be an engaging way for kids to problem-solve and create. Choose a set that aligns with their interests, like cars, space themes, or fantasy castles.

Science Experiment Kit

Complete Introduction to Earth & Space (Grades 3-5) at Home Science Tools

For curious minds, a science kit that includes materials for hands-on experiments can be the perfect gift. Chemistry sets, crystal-growing kits, and volcano-building kits are fun and educational choices.

Roller Skates or Inline Skates

CHICAGO Skates Premium White Quad Roller Skates at Amazon

Classic and fun, roller skates or inline skates are a fantastic way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and get moving. Choose skates with adjustable sizes so they last longer as your grandchild grows.

Virtual Reality Headset

Meta Quest 3 128GB on Amazon

A virtual reality headset for kids allows them to explore educational apps and games in a new, immersive way. Ensure you select an age-appropriate version that offers parental controls and easy navigation.

Mini Karaoke Machine with 2 Wireless Microphones

Mini Karaoke Machine with 2 Wireless Microphones on Amazon

This tiny but powerful karaoke machine uses Bluetooth to stream songs from any smartphone or tablet. It features 4 magic voices to heighten the experience.

Gifts for Ages 13-17

Wireless Earbuds

Rail® ANC True Wireless Earbuds With Active Noise Canceling from Skullcandy

For teens who love music, wireless earbuds are a game-changer. Look for options with noise cancellation, decent battery life, and good sound quality. Many brands now offer affordable options with high-tech features.

Portable Phone Charger

INIU Portable Charger on Amazon

Help your teen stay connected with a portable charger for their phone or other devices. These are handy for long school days or travel and come in compact, stylish designs they’ll love.

LED Strip Lights

DAYBETTER Led Strip Lights 32.8ft Kit with Remote and Power Supply Color Changing on Amazon

Add some ambiance to their room with LED strip lights. Many options can be controlled via a smartphone app and allow color customization to create a personalized vibe. It’s a trendy gift that’s both affordable and popular with teens.

Instant Print Camera

Fujifilm – INSTAX MINI Evo Instant Film Camera from Best Buy

An instant print camera is a great gift for capturing memories and creating tangible keepsakes. Choose a model that’s simple to use, with affordable refills, and perhaps a few fun photo filters.

Fitness Tracker

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker on Amazon

A fitness tracker can encourage teens to stay active while keeping track of their steps, sleep, and even heart rate. Many trackers also include challenges, which can make daily exercise a fun goal to work towards.

Subscription Box

DIY Kids STEM & Crafts Kit – Award Winning Kids Science and Art Box – 3, 6, or 12 months options from Cratejoy

There are subscription boxes for just about every interest, from books and beauty products to snacks from around the world. A monthly surprise can make this a gift that keeps giving well beyond the holiday season.

Graphic Novel Collection

Amazon Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Comics & Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are popular among teens, and there are collections available to suit all tastes, from superhero stories to historical tales. Many are beautifully illustrated, adding an artistic element to the reading experience.

Electric Scooter

Ninebot eKickScooter C2 from Segway

An electric scooter can offer a new level of independence. Look for models with appropriate speed settings and safety features, making them suitable for teens who need a bit of mobility in the neighborhood.

Personalized Jewelry

Custom Name Necklace, 18K Gold Plated on Etsy

A personalized piece of jewelry, like a bracelet or necklace with their name, initials, or birthstone, can be a special keepsake. This is a stylish and sentimental choice that allows them to express themselves.

Ray-Ban Meta Sunglasses

TikTok and other social media platforms are all the rage with teenagers. The new trend is to record content from sunglasses, like these from Meta, to create engaging, fun videos.

From soft activity mats for little ones to electric scooters for teens, these Christmas gift ideas are designed to suit different ages, interests, and developmental stages. No matter what you choose, it’s the thought and love behind the gift that will make it memorable for your grandchildren.

Read 4 Tips for More Precious Moments Creating Art with Your Grandchildren.

Also, read How to Explore Diverse Holiday Traditions with Your Grandchildren.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Would your grandchildren like some of the gifts on our list? Do you have any other suggestions for gifts for grandchildren? Tell us about it in the comments.

Let’s be honest. Most midlife women don’t walk around saying, “I feel like the Holidays are a real drag because I have to do it all.”

Of course not. You love the season. And after all this time, you’re good at it. You’ve got your routine. You’re capable. The woman everyone trusts to hold everything together.

But under the surface, there’s a quiet truth many women never admit, even to themselves.

The Holidays ask more of you than they ask of anyone else.

And you carry it. Because you always have.

This article is the final piece in my four-part Sixty and Me series on staying grounded through the holidays.

If you missed the earlier pieces, you can find them here:

• Part 1: Holiday Food Everywhere? Here’s Why It Feels Impossible to Resist
• Part 2: The Invisible Load of the Holidays: Why Midlife Women Feel So Responsible
• Part 3: The Bare Minimum Holiday Plan That Keeps You Steady

Here’s the part most women never talk about: that mix of resentment, heaviness, and “why does no one see how much I’m doing?”

It might feel embarrassing to admit it – even to yourself. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

And if holidays are “your favorite time of the year,” that can be true… AND you can also feel unseen and overloaded.

Both Things Can Be True

That’s how holiday stress works for many women. It can sit beneath the surface of a season you genuinely love.

What I’ve learned – in my own life and in nearly two decades of coaching – is that what we call resentment often has a companion emotion. A softer one we don’t want to admit to. A kind of self-pity that whispers, “Why does it have to be me? Why is no one helping?”

Most women push that feeling down because it feels weak or indulgent.

It’s not.

It’s a signal.

A cue.

A moment of honesty that can change everything about how you move through this season.

And once you can see it – without shame – you finally get to decide what you want to do next.

How You Became “The One Who Handles Everything”

No woman wakes up one day and decides, “I’ll just do everything myself!”

No. It happens slowly. Quietly. Over years of being competent… organized… the one who remembers things other people forget.

At first, you liked being that woman. It felt good to be dependable. You created systems. You made the Holidays beautiful. You knew how to pull everything together in a way no one else could.

But competence has a shadow side: When you do something well, people stop offering.

And little by little, you become the go-to:

• The planner.
• The fixer.
• The emotional load-bearer.

Not because you failed – but because you were good. And because repetition turns into identity.

This is how something called ‘over-functioning’ takes hold. Not in a dramatic moment, but in ten thousand small ones:

• “I’ll just do it.”
• “It’s easier if I handle it.”
• “They’ll only mess it up.”

And before you even notice the shift, doing everything yourself becomes normal. Expected. Automatic. You love your family, but you also feel trapped inside this role you mastered.

Nothing is wrong with you.

This is learned behavior – reinforced by years of praise, habit, and silence around all the emotional labor women carry.

You didn’t choose this pattern. But you can choose what happens next.

The Cost of Carrying the Season on Your Back

When you’re the one holding the entire season together, it doesn’t just drain your time. It drains your body. Your mind. Your capacity to feel like yourself.

Holiday burnout shows up in ways most women never link to the stress they’re under. You start sleeping poorly. You wake up already tired. You grab whatever food keeps you going, then wonder why you feel puffy, wired, or desperate for something sweet at 7 am. You lose patience faster. You snap at people you love. You feel foggy, depleted, and behind before the day even starts.

This isn’t a reflection of your abilities, nor is it about willpower or discipline. It’s health for the stage that we’re in.

Your nervous system is carrying too much. Your hormones feel the strain. And by January, you’re not just tired – you’re wiped out in a way that makes “getting back on track” feel impossible.

Most women blame themselves.

But the truth is simple: no one can carry this much emotional and mental load without paying for it somewhere.

And it’s not your fault.

It’s the weight you’ve been asked to hold.

The Truth No One Likes Hearing (But Every Woman Needs)

Here’s the part that stings a little: You can’t have peace and also hold control over everything.

Most women don’t like hearing that – especially women who’ve built a lifetime on competence. But it’s the truth that changes everything.

The belief that “they’ll do it wrong” is powerful. It keeps you in charge, but it also keeps you exhausted. It forces you into a role you never meant to audition for: the woman who handles it all, even when she’s falling apart inside.

And yes, letting others try – and fail – is uncomfortable. Watching someone wrap a gift badly or load the dishwasher “wrong” feels painful. But every time you step in, the cycle continues. You stay overextended. They stay under-involved. And resentment grows quietly in the background.

This isn’t a character flaw, but a pattern you’ve learned. And that means you can unlearn it.

Letting go of control isn’t weakness, but a midlife boundary – one that protects your energy, your health, and your sanity.

What Choosing Yourself Actually Looks Like

Choosing yourself doesn’t start with a dramatic announcement. It starts with tiny shifts that feel almost too small to matter. Doing less. Simplifying. Setting boundaries during the Holidays that protect your sanity instead of everyone else’s comfort.

It means letting someone else take a task – and resisting the urge to hover.

Maybe your partner buys the stocking stuffers this year, even if the choices make you cringe.

Maybe your adult child brings a side dish, and you let it be whatever they choose, not the perfect recipe you would’ve made.

Maybe the gifts are wrapped crooked, and you leave them exactly as they are.

This isn’t selfishness but giving up control and allowing others to participate.

This is leadership.

Real leadership means stepping back so others can step forward – even if they wobble a bit at first.

And yes, it will feel uncomfortable. Your brain will scream that it’s easier to just do it yourself. But “easier” is how the cycle stays alive. “Good enough” is how you break it.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire holiday. You just need one experiment at a time. One place where you decide, I don’t have to be the hero here.

When you start doing less, something shifts.

Your stress softens. Your body unclenches. Your mood steadies.

And for the first time in a long time, the holiday starts to feel like yours again – not another performance you’re responsible for staging.

Where to Go from Here

Choosing yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary – especially in midlife, when your health, energy, and peace matter more than ever. And as we wrap up this four-part Sixty and Me Holiday series, I want you to hear this clearly: you don’t have to keep doing the season the way you always have. You can choose a version that lets you breathe.

If this article hit a nerve, and you want deeper support, I recorded a full podcast episode on this exact topic. You can listen to episode 4 of the Holiday Health Series: The Martyr Myth here or on your podcast player of choice. It will help you understand why these patterns show up and how to shift them gently.

And if you want someone to walk you step-by-step through simplifying your holidays, reducing holiday stress, and learning how to enjoy the Holidays without burning out, the  Feel-Good Holiday Playbook is your guide. You can find it by clicking this link.

You deserve to enter January rested, not depleted. Steady, not scrambling. In control of your choices – not controlled by the season.

That version of the holiday is available. And it starts with choosing yourself.

Let’s Reflect:

What would “good enough” look like for you this year, if you let yourself try it?