Family Law

Holiday Tips for Couples :: Enjoying Christmas Together

By J. Benjamin Stevens

The fake snow littering the shopping malls, the Christmas songs in TV commercials and the everyday busyness of the holidays can diminish some of Christmas' peaceful glory. Rediscover the true meaning of the holidays together as a couple.

• Discuss expectations. Everyone has a different childhood tradition or expectation that defines the holiday for them. Talk to your spouse about the seasonal practices and traditions that mean a lot to you. Together, you can create new traditions that encompass both of your expectations so no one's left feeling like the holiday lacked a little lustre.
• Share the to-do list. Whether it's stringing the lights or hanging the stockings, share the common Christmas tasks. Not only does it make the work fly by faster, but it's also an opportunity to spend time together, enjoying another treasured aspect of the Christmas tradition.
• Be generous. By blessing others during Christmas, you can capture the true essence of Christ's birth. From serving at a local soup kitchen to volunteering in your church's Christmas performance, getting involved in the community reminds us all of what Christmas really means. 

Source:  "De-Stressing Christmas: 11 Tips for Handling Common Holiday Tensions for Couples" by Josh Duvauchelle, published at Focus on the Family (Canada).

Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on December 24, 2010 (boomark / email).