Elderly men are easy targets for schemers, both in relationships and in business. But they are particularly vulnerable to caretaking women. On the other hand, while the fairy-tale-version stepmother has enormous power, in real life she often feels as if she has none.

Siblings are our longest-lived and often among the most complex relationships. No matter how old we are, the template of our early family stays with us throughout our lifetime.

Rather than make a hurried promise to “do better” in the coming year, consider next year in the context of the one that came before it.

The holidays don’t need to be all rushing and chaos. Here are a few things I’m doing this season to cut down on the stress.