It's a Wonderful Lifestyle

Read time: 3.5 minutes

With the holiday season in full swing, if you find yourself expecting family or friends, fret not about perfecting your space. In true CF style, embrace the carefree spirit – pitch everything into a basket to deal with later, let the aroma of simmering cinnamon and orange peels fill the air, and toss clean towels in the bathroom.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy being with the ones you love.

Not feeling the holidays this year? Then celebrate in peace without kids — and without guilt.

INSIDE TODAY’S EDITION

😠  Samantha Walsh is Done Picking Up the Slack!

💻️ Last-minute: Gifts to Can Email

👉️ Common Reactions When You Tell Others You’re Childfree 

💎 Web Gems: The Best Curated For You

🌴 Subject: OOO — Following My Goose

_LIFESTYLE
Samantha Walsh Has Had It!

After three decades as a retail store manager, Samantha Walsh finally put her foot down — refusing to work Boxing Day for the first time in 20 years. In a world where mothers often get a pass for family time, Samantha shed light on the discrimination she felt as a childfree woman. Tired of picking up the slack without reciprocity from her co-workers, Samantha went public about the lack of support. And boy did she cause a stir!

It’s no surprise that this issue is coming to light with post-pandemic labor shortages and costs rising for everyone. Employers are trying to get by with less — and both sides feel squeezed. Has capitalism won this round?

If you’re not ready to pull the plug on employment like Samantha, here are some tips for asking for time-off.

_SHOPPING
We Got You: Gifts to Can Email 😉 

We get it — you’re busy, not thoughtless. So here’s a list of last-minute gifts you can email.

Everyone loves food so you basically can’t lose. It’s easy to delight the carnivores, fast foodies, and health-conscious eaters in your life. Or send them to a cooking class or bartending school — and then tell them to invite you over!

For your outdoorsy friends, share America’s National Parks. For the rest of us, please send us to the spa.

Want them to feel the love again and again? Then a subscription is the way to go. Flowers delivered, coffee roasted, books narrated — let any of these show you care.

_{CHOOSING CHILDFREE}
Common Reactions When You Tell Others You’re Childfree

Prepare yourself.

As you spend time with family this week, the question of having children will come up in conversation — trust us! From understanding to curiosity to outright denial and disagreement, this article decodes common reactions so you navigate them gracefully.

_{WEB GEMS}

Breaking the Mold: A tale as old as time, childfree women have been demonized by society. This article discusses the metaphorical association of women with hybrid flowers, shedding light on the historical stigma that depicts us as unnatural and dangerous.

Save 💰️ on Travel in 2024: The more you save, the more you can experience, right? Using Google Flights' flight-finding feature you can select your destination as “Anywhere” to discover inexpensive tickets to cities worldwide.

Remote Work Adventure: Any digital nomads out there? Remote9 is offering a 20-day co-living and co-working road trip through Central Japan this March. Find your tribe.

Subject: OOO — Following My Goose

Hey there! In the name of scientific exploration, I've temporarily escaped the digital grind to until [end date]. I'm testing the hypothesis that time flies at warp speed when you're following your goose.

[Alternate contact name] has graciously agreed to fill in until I return, fully recharged and ready to tackle reality.

Unapologetically carefree,

[Your name]

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