“'Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la” is not the song all of us sing during the holiday season. The time between Thanksgiving and New Years, many of us will be spending a lot time with family. This often leads to long lasting memories, but unfortunately that much togetherness can also lead to additional stress.
Below are some steps you take to make your holiday season less stressful which in turn helps maintain a healthy marriage.
- 1. Any long running arguments or disagreements are off limits during the holiday season. This is true when you are with your spouse or an extended family member (like a mother-in-law).
2. Family traditions are important but don’t over do them. Find out what each person in the family likes doing; eliminate the ones everyone does not like (even if you liked it). It should be a time of togetherness which also means compromising some plans.
3. Don’t forget your spouse during the holiday season. We can become so busy planning things and getting our “to do” list completed, that we ignore the one person who is the most important. Carve out time together, even during the busy season.
4. Try to divide up the responsibilities that need to be completed. Don’t micro manage every little detail. So what if things are not exactly the way you would have done it, let everyone contribute.
5. Take care of yourself. If you feel the tension rising and things are spinning out of control, just stop and rest. You will get more accomplished when you are refreshed, then when you are working with half of your energy. Don’t forget to exercise.
6. If you had a loss this last year and this season brings sadness, let yourself feel these feelings. The Lord is there to comfort you during this time, let him be there for you. Don’t try to carry the burden alone.
7. Have a sense of humor.
8. Last but not least don’t forget why we are celebrating Christmas.
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2: 10-13 ESV)
I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!
Laurel is the author of the blog Laurel’s Reflections. Laurel and her husband of 15 years are currently raising two teenage sons and one elementary son.
Photo Credit: omar_franc
Share with me a funny moment while spending time with family! I can not wait to read these.
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#1 – I completely disagree – why let people continue to hurt you and your family year after year.
#2 – is crap. Even if you like it eliminate it b/c the rest of the family doesn't like it? What about YOU? YOU are important too! Eliminate the ones that no body likes, fine, but don't sell yourself short either.
#3 – put him to work! I have my husband cut fabric for me at times – sure this isn't good if your husband can't cut a straight line, but there is something you can do together to get things done so that all of the responsibility does not fall on you.
I agree with most of the rest.
Thanks for the great tips on surviving the holidays. I think the most important two are remembering Jesus is the reason for the season and to have a sense of humor.
I remember many years ago having Christmas dinner at my grandparents' house. We each had a glass of what we thought was apple cider but my grandmother accidently bought apple cider vinegar. After taking our first sip, everyone raced for the nearest bathroom.