Holiday season is upon us and while it can be deemed as the “most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be a little stressful. Here are some quick tips to how to get through a busy holiday season. And guess what? You can do this with your partner!

Boundaries with family

I’ve shared this before and it’s so important, I’m going to share it again. Boundaries with family members are important. I understand that you do not want to intentionally hurt anyone’s feelings by having to leave a family gathering early or not showing up at all, but with the holidays and the merging of spending time with two sets of families, it’s natural that how time is spent may conflict. This is a decision that you and your partner must decide on together. If you do feel guilty or bad about not showing up for the holidays, share this with your partner and find ways that you both can feel that your needs are being met. Perhaps take turns on what holiday is spent with what family or alternate every year.

Budgeting for gift giving

Holidays often come with the pressure to find the perfect for those you love. There is also an added pressure when your love language is receiving gifts. A good way to make sure that this added pressure doesn’t harm your honeymoon fund while getting everyone you care about a gift, is to budget.  You are currently in a transitional period, and paying attention to your finances, especially around the holiday season is important for your mental, relational, and financial health.

Creating a calendar for events or visiting family

It can be frustrating when you accidentally double book something or when you and your partner both want to attend different holiday events. Add your partner to certain events that you have on your calendar and share important events and dates.

Traditions

Traditions make relationships, families, and communities unique. If you grew up enjoying a tradition and have plans to keep a specific tradition in your future, be sure to invite your partner along and remember to add it to the calendar! Share the importance of the tradition and where it stemmed from when implementing it into your relationship. At early stages of a relationship, it’s also a great time to start creating new traditions that are special to your relationship with your partner. It’s okay to change things up and for past traditions to be slightly different from what you they were when you were growing up.

Navigating the holidays can be a little stressful, especially while still juggling some wedding planning details. Lean on your partner, utilize technology and apps to be one the same page and remember the true meaning behind the holidays.

Be sure to check out the Diamond Premarital Online Relationship Course, as there is an exclusive bonus that is title The Questions You Must Answer Before Your Wedding Day, that you and your partner can ask each other before saying “I do.”

By Priscilla Rodriguez, M.S., LMFT, Owner of Modern Wellness Counseling

Priscilla specializes in working with engaged couples and helps them learn the strategic tools needed so that they can be on the same page throughout every chapter of their lives. Be sure to check out the online premarital courses and do not forget to download the Free Conversation Checklist for Engaged Couples.