Marriage can be tough, especially during the holiday season, when everyone is joining together to celebrate. Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays can bring up more arguments and difficulties. Even the strongest marriages may find themselves fighting during this time of year. Instead of masking feelings during the holidays, it's best to confront issues and find a peaceful way to come up with a solution. Below are a few ways you can not only keep your marriage intact but grow stronger and build trust.
One of the most significant contributors to arguments during the holiday season is finances. It can be incredibly stressful when you are having issues with money. It's helpful to have a conversation a few weeks before the holiday season to discuss the amount you want to spend. By coming up with an agreement ahead of time, you can rest assured knowing how it will affect your budget. This discussion can give you and your partner peace of mind and should deter some disagreements. If it's helpful, include your entire family in this so everyone can be on the same page and enjoy the holidays!
During the holidays, you can count on a slew of updates to your timeline of your friends posting pictures of their families and marriages. It can be easy to see how "happy" everyone is, but remember, people only put things on social media that they want others to see. Not all marriages are perfect, even though they may seem that way online. Focus on your own marriage and work to improve it.
If you are traveling during the holiday season, especially long distances, that can put a strain on the day. It can be stressful, being in the car with heavy traffic, along with a spouse you are not on the best terms with at the moment. What you can do in this situation is to strive to make it as positive as possible. If your spouse is the one driving, help them navigate, pack the car, and offer words of support. By doing this, you can make a stressful situation less difficult. Plan things in advance to make it seamless. People are prone to argue when they are hungry, tired, and stressed. By planning accordingly, you can eliminate those factors to some degree.
With all the chaos during the holiday season, it's nice to know your spouse has your back. All families have their issues, and it's essential to make sure you support your spouse during family events. The holidays are a time to be thankful for the things that you have, including the loved ones around you. Focus on the positive components of your marriage and your family.
If you find that you and your spouse are having a difficult time, and cannot seem to connect, make an appointment with a marriage counselor. A marriage counselor can help mediate the situation and offer different strategies to try. Holidays can be especially trying on even the best of marriages, so it's reasonable to have difficulties if you already have a disconnect in your marriage. With counseling, commitment, and the right mindset, you can survive the holidays and improve your overall relationship.
The holidays can be a stressful time for your marriage, but at the end of the day, they can also help you and your partner build a deeper relationship. If you take steps to be mindful, commit to making things easier, and communicate effectively, you can get through the season and continually improve your relationship over time.