Holiday Expectations

Over the last two weeks our class has been discussing Holiday Expectations. As of today, there are only 71 more shopping days or 10 weeks until Christmas. Somehow, that statement just makes me feel like I need to "hurry up". Sometimes it can even cause me to feel stressed.

Here are a few tips we discussed.

1. You are married now and solving Holiday challenges are part of marriage.
2. Your finances are limited. (WHO will be on the Christmas gift list?) If you are using a credit card to pay for your gifts, how long do you want to pay on them in the new year? Be wise with your spending.
3. Your time is limited. (Who will you visit and when?)
4. Because your time is limited, You, and each family, WILL miss out on something. Someone may just cry.
5. What are your family traditions? Which ones will be brought into your NEW family? What new tradition will the two of you begin for your family?

Don't go into the holiday season with a tug-of-war. Communicate, communicate, and communicate once again. Talk about it well in advance. Consider all alternatives. Negotiate! Compromise! Share your plans lovingly with both sides of the family. Remember, it is difficult for BOTH sets of parents to be separated from their child during the holiday. One former newlywed gave the advise of being FAIR with both sets of parents. (Perhaps, one day you will be the in-laws.)

The holidays are a fun time. Plan now for a HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS!