Issue 43: The Retirement Buzz

Light in the Darkness: Finding Joy in the Simple Things

Author

Retirement Dreammaker
December 28, 2025

In partnership with

RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

Q: What can fill a room but takes up no space?

(Answer at the bottom)

Holiday Sweets? Here’s How to Protect Your Smile

December’s desserts can be rough on aging teeth—especially for those with dry mouth or enamel wear. Sticky, sugary treats like toffee and hard candies can accelerate decay. 🦷 Smart Practices: Rinse with water after sweets Avoid brushing right after acidic or sugary snacks Stick to soft, low-sugar treats when possible 💬 "I love holiday cookies, but I’ve started making mine with less sugar and soft centers," said Marjorie L., 74. "I still get the flavor—without the chipped tooth I had last year." 🔍 Sources: American Dental Association | Mayo Clinic

December’s desserts can be rough on aging teeth—especially for those with dry mouth or enamel wear. Sticky, sugary treats like toffee and hard candies can accelerate decay.

🦷 Smart Practices:

  • Rinse with water after sweets

  • Avoid brushing right after acidic or sugary snacks

  • Stick to soft, low-sugar treats when possible

💬 "I love holiday cookies, but I’ve started making mine with less sugar and soft centers," said Marjorie L., 74. "I still get the flavor—without the chipped tooth I had last year."

🔍 Sources: American Dental Association | Mayo Clinic

Don’t Forget These December 31 Financial Deadlines

Year-end financial tasks matter more in retirement. If you're 73+, RMDs must be completed by Dec 31 to avoid penalties.

Now’s also the time to finalize charitable donations or gifts to loved ones.

✅ Quick Checklist:

  • Complete all Required Minimum Distributions

  • Finalize any Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

  • Gift up to $18,000 tax-free per person (2025 IRS limit)

💬 "I send a small donation to my local shelter each December," said Thomas G., 76. "It’s a way to give back—and it keeps my taxes cleaner come April."

🔍 Sources: IRS | Fidelity Year-End Planning Guide

😂 JOKE OF THE WEEK

Why did the Christmas tree get a promotion?

Because it was outstanding in its field! 🎄😄

Who Supported You This Year? Tell Them.

Who Supported You This Year? Tell Them. Gratitude isn’t just for New Year’s Eve. A quick message or card to someone who helped you—whether with errands, encouragement, or emotional support—can deepen bonds as the year closes. Simple Ways to Say Thanks: Write a short handwritten note Send a voice memo or video Mention a specific moment they helped you "I mailed a card to my old neighbor just to say thanks for always checking in. She cried on the phone when she got it," shared Joyce P., 80. "We forget how much small things matter." 🔍 Sources: Harvard Health | Psychology Today

Gratitude isn’t just for New Year’s Eve. A quick message or card to someone who helped you—whether with errands, encouragement, or emotional support—can deepen bonds as the year closes.

Simple Ways to Say Thanks:

  • Write a short handwritten note

  • Send a voice memo or video

  • Mention a specific moment they helped you

💬 "I mailed a card to my old neighbor just to say thanks for always checking in. She cried on the phone when she got it," shared Joyce P., 80. "We forget how much small things matter."

🔍 Sources: Harvard Health | Psychology Today

Photo Albums: A Holiday Tradition Worth Reviving

HOBBIES: Photo Albums: A Holiday Tradition Worth Reviving Sorting through old photos can be therapeutic—and productive. Whether printed or digital, albums help preserve memories and connect generations. Creative Ideas: Create a 2025 “Top Moments” book Make a family recipe scrapbook with photos Turn pictures into a New Year’s slideshow "My daughter helped me make a digital album of our lake trip," said Carl D., 73. "It’s the first time my grandkids saw me in bell-bottoms." 🔍 Sources: AARP | Family Tree Magazine

Sorting through old photos can be therapeutic—and productive. Whether printed or digital, albums help preserve memories and connect generations.

Creative Ideas:

  • Create a 2025 “Top Moments” book

  • Make a family recipe scrapbook with photos

  • Turn pictures into a New Year’s slideshow

💬 "My daughter helped me make a digital album of our lake trip," said Carl D., 73. "It’s the first time my grandkids saw me in bell-bottoms."

🔍 Sources: AARP | Family Tree Magazine

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Winter’s Pause: Reflecting, Not Rushing, into a New Year

Winter’s Pause: Reflecting, Not Rushing, into a New Year Stillness can be just as sacred as celebration. As the year ends, spiritual wellness means slowing down, honoring what was, and gently releasing what no longer serves you. Try This: Sit quietly with a candle for 5 minutes Write down one thing you’re grateful for—and one thing you're letting go Take a solo walk and reflect silently "Every year on the 27th, I light a candle and write a letter to the year—thanking it for what it gave and forgiving what it didn’t," shared Evelyn M., 78. "It clears my heart for what’s next." 🔍 Sources: Greater Good Science Center | Psychology Today

Stillness can be just as sacred as celebration. As the year ends, spiritual wellness means slowing down, honoring what was, and gently releasing what no longer serves you.

Try This:

  • Sit quietly with a candle for 5 minutes

  • Write down one thing you’re grateful for—and one thing you're letting go

  • Take a solo walk and reflect silently

💬 "Every year on the 27th, I light a candle and write a letter to the year—thanking it for what it gave and forgiving what it didn’t," shared Evelyn M., 78. "It clears my heart for what’s next."

🔍 Sources: Greater Good Science Center | Psychology Today

🧩 RIDDLE ANSWER

🔍 Answer: Light.

🎖️ MILITARY & HOLIDAY RECOGNITIONS

  • 🎄 Dec 25 – Christmas Day: Honoring family, faith, and renewal

  • 🕎 Dec 22–30 – Hanukkah: Festival of Lights and spiritual perseverance

  • 🖤 Dec 26–Jan 1 – Kwanzaa: Celebration of heritage, unity, and community

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