The holidays are supposed to be a special time that is full of cheer. There should be visits from friends and family along with lots of food, fun and laughter. This is all true in a perfect world, but the fact of the matter is that the holiday season can wreak havoc on a good relationship. Here are a few things that you can do to ensure that your relationship survives this holiday season.
Don’t Fall into Family Pressure
Everyone wants to make their families a priority for the holiday. This includes your significant other. There may be a conflict over whose parents you will spend Christmas with or whose family will play host for the opening of the presents. This is something that needs to be discussed and decided by the two of you. Once you guys make your decision, stick to your guns with family.
You can do something like spend Christmas eve with one family and Christmas day with the other, or if that is geographically impossible, spend Thanksgiving with one and Christmas with the other. There are several solutions besides fighting over it.
Don’t Overspend
Almost anyone is susceptible to being bitten by the holiday bug. One of the biggest fights that couples have is over money. Before you go on your holiday shopping spree, have a discussion about budget. Figure out what you can afford to get everyone that you want to buy a gift for, or at least the amount that you will spend on the gift and stick to it. Secretly maxing out the credit cards and overdrawing that bank account is a sure fire way to create a conflict and put a damper on the holiday festivities. The best thing is to create a fund that you both put money into throughout the year so as to not interfere with funds that have been allocated to bills and other necessities.
On the topic of gift giving, don’t make it a competition. You don’t have to buy a gift that you cannot afford just to show your significant other that you love them. Find something thoughtful. You can even opt for a handmade gift if you are crafty. On the other hand, don’t pressure your significant other for jewelry from Tiffany’s when you know that you can barely pay the utility bill every month.
Don’t Overindulge
The mantra for many over the holidays is to eat, drink, and be merry. However, every family has that drunken uncle that ruins the party every year. He may seem entertaining early in the night, but by the end of the evening he is nothing more than a sputtering mess that someone has to drive home. Don’t be that drunken uncle (or aunt). If you are going to be partaking, make sure that you do so responsibly. Make sure that you eat throughout the evening and that you don’t exceed your limits.
As you can gather, the best thing to remember is to communicate and do everything in moderation. Remember what the holidays are all about. It’s not about who gives and gets the best gifts, who spends the most money, or even who has the prettiest home. The holidays are about family, enjoying everyone’s company, and celebrations. This should be a time to make great memories without being the butt of jokes and groans for years to come.
0 Comments