First Holiday Season as Newlyweds
Your first year of marriage is one of the most exciting. Even if you’ve been with your partner for many years, there’s something special about getting that initial year as a married couple under your belt. Naturally, there will be plenty of interesting challenges you encounter along the way. Your first holiday season, for example, can be quite tricky to navigate. From seeing each other’s families to establishing your own traditions, there are many obstacles to overcome. Use these suggestions to figure out a plan that makes sense for you.
The Family Challenge
For many people, the holiday season is a time of togetherness. Those who live away from where they were raised may be accustomed to spending this time of year back home with parents, siblings, and childhood friends. When you’re married, however, you need to learn how to balance visiting your own family with seeing the relatives of your significant other. While it might seem straightforward, it is actually one of the biggest points of stress for most couples at this time of year. Strategizing a plan early is going to be a huge help.
Before the holidays arrive, discuss with your partner how to go about visits. For some, Thanksgiving is also factored into holiday discussions. Visiting one family for Thanksgiving, for example, usually means you’ll see the other family for Christmas. Make a plan that allows you both to see your families in equal time. It is definitely going to involve compromise, but you’ll feel much better having ironed out a plan early on the matter.
The New Holiday Patterns
A first holiday season together can be a milestone. After enduring the trials and tribulations of a year of marriage, this is your opportunity to indulge in the magic of this time of year together. Part of this is establishing patterns you can follow in the years to come. Creating your own traditions will happen naturally, but there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a bit of a boost. Even something as simple as where you decide to place your first Christmas tree in your home can help to start a ritual followed for years to come.
The traditions you begin with your partner can be whatever you’d like. Maybe you decide to exchange presents before or after the actual holidays. Perhaps there’s a certain dish you’ve learned to make that you want to incorporate into all future seasonal meals. Whatever you do this first year, see what you enjoy and repeat these rituals in years to come.
The Enjoyment Levels
If you don’t yet have children, this first holiday season together can be even more significant. Once kids come along, you tend to make all of the rituals about their enjoyment of the season. When it is just you and your partner, you have more freedom. Take some unusual risks and see how you can use the holidays to your advantage. A romantic trip for two to a destination where you can be alone is a phenomenal way to enjoy the holidays together before starting a family. Get creative and you’ll have no trouble finding something fun.
The Holiday Stress Factor
Finally, try not to put too much pressure on your first holiday season together. Some people can get so obsessed with the notion of making everything perfect that they don’t actually enjoy themselves. Avoid this and keep stress levels low by allowing the holidays to be what they are. Accept some things are beyond your control, learn to roll with the punches, and try your best to enjoy however it all plays out.
Your first holiday season together as newlyweds is a great time to appreciate all you’ve been through. There are many ways to celebrate, so consider all the festive possibilities before you.
