With all the rush of the holiday season it’s easy to get distracted from what really matters. Your relationships should be your number one priority always and especially during a season that should bring families together.
- Make time for each other’s families
You and your spouse should decide on ways to spend time with each other’s family equally. This will look different for everybody but it may be by splitting holidays between families. This could be spending lunch with one side and dinner with the other or Christmas eve with one and Christmas morning with the other. With good communication, you and your spouse will soon find what works best for the both of you.
- Understand it’s okay to break traditions
Tradition can be tricky especially if it becomes a point of conflict. Say one of you has a holiday tradition that the other doesn’t like or interferes with one of their own. The way to approach this is with an attitude of respect. Respect each other’s traditions and understand that it may be something your spouse feels is incredibly important. Although it may be important, you two as a couple also need to learn to compromise. Make sure to validate each other’s feelings and always try to include the other person first.
- Make your own traditions
As a couple you are breaking off from your families and becoming a family of your own. As a family, try to create your own traditions during the holiday season. Some ideas can include seeing Christmas lights, decorating a tree together, cooking a special meal, or even having a Christmas movie marathon. Allow the season to be special to you two as a couple and make new memories together.
With communication, understanding, and respect the hustle and bustle of the holidays will become a breeze to you and your spouse! Work together and enjoy this special season together. Happy holidays from the Ruthe Jackson Center!