(DailyTreasure.com) – The holiday season is supposed to be a time of making memories, connecting with family, and spreading joy. The holidays are also usually full of family obligations, numerous social events, house guests, additional shopping demands, late nights and financial stress. These factors, especially when combined, can make you feel physically and emotionally exhausted; sometimes even leading to holiday depression. This can take a toll on even the strongest relationships if it leads to misunderstandings, arguments and unresolved issues, so it is important to find ways to protect your relationship.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Stress can definitely be brought on by unrealistic expectations, difficult situations and pushing your personal limits. You and your partner should be prepared to set boundaries with family, friends, coworkers, and even each other if it will help you remain united and strong.
Safeguard Your Relationship by Establishing Boundaries
Sometimes you find yourself in awkward positions during the holidays. Maybe you are always asked to host the family gatherings or organize the gift exchange, but it always stresses you out. Or perhaps you know you’ll be dealing with difficult individuals during an important social gathering. Discuss this with your partner ahead of time. Have a plan in place for how you will handle uncomfortable conversations or situations. Be prepared to support each other, and have an exit strategy if it becomes necessary to remove yourself from the situation. Your emotional well-being is important, and it’s imperative that you take care of each other during difficult situations. If one of you feels unsupported, it can lead to bitterness and resentment, so you want to be proactive about avoiding that possibility altogether.
Reduce Holiday Stress by Setting Priorities
Instead of pushing your limits by trying to attend every social gathering, holiday performance or party, decide which events are a priority. You do not have to attend every event if you know you won’t have the time or energy. It is okay to decline invitations if you know you or your partner will be stressed or uncomfortable the whole time. You may choose to skip a party if you realize you can have a night alone together. You don’t need a reason to cancel social events if it involves protecting your mental health or your relationship.
2. Agree On Your Budget
Financial stress can lead to a lot of problems during the holidays, and later, if you go into debt. With all of the gifts you want to buy, charitable organizations requesting donations, more grocery trips than usual for all the holiday dinners, it is no wonder that the holiday season can really take a toll on some budgets – and couples. Maybe one of you is a big spender or an impulse shopper. It is important to discuss the finances and set a budget before or early in the holiday season. You can limit financial stress and arguments by being reasonable and sticking to your agreement.
3. Make Time for Each Other
Open communication at all times is key in any relationship, but during times that are naturally more busy and stressful, it is a great idea to make extra time to just talk and be together. You may decide to set aside time to check in with each other every week, choose to have an extra date night, or skip some of those holiday gatherings to stay home alone together. If your partner seems overwhelmed, try to make more time to help them out or find ways to help them relax. Be open about your own frustrations.
Being intentional about protecting your relationship and reducing holiday stress is important. Daily Treasure can help you enrich your relationship with inspiring, humorous and helpful articles each day.
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