Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for most people and can put a strain on relationships. Here are Love Mentor Elizabeth Sullivan's tips on how to ensure your relationship survives the stresses of Christmas:
Does your relationship suffer at this time of year?
- Ask for help - if you're struggling to get things done, ask your partner for help. Be very clear in your request whether it be picking up the cranberry sauce or wrapping the presents, make sure you communicate what it is you need help with. Make sure you appreciate the help your partner gives you so it doesn't lead to resentment.
- Be prepared to give and take - A potential source of tension with your partner is trying to decide where to spend Christmas. If you would prefer to spend Christmas with your family rather than his try to reach a compromise. Maybe suggest spending Christmas Day with your family and Boxing Day with your partner's family, then alternate each year. People can often feel under pressure to spend a lot of time with their families around this time of year. Support each other when visiting relatives, it gives you a chance to spend some quality time together and get to know the other people that are important in your partner's lives.
- Discuss your Christmas traditions - It's likely that you come from different backgrounds and had different traditions as children. Have a think about your favourite Christmas traditions and try to blend them with your partner's. Think about creating some new, joint traditions. Is there anything you always wanted to do at Christmas time but you've never done? This is the perfect time to use these new traditions to help solidify your relationship.
- Work as a team - Organise things early so there isn't a last minute rush. The benefit of being in a relationship is that you have someone to share the responsibility with, divide up the shopping and cooking between you so that no one ends up feeling overwhelmed.
- Take care of yourself - Don't be afraid to have the odd early night during the party season. Getting enough rest over the festive period is essential, most people are in need of it after a busy December, Be careful not to overindulge with food or alcohol, you don't want to end up nursing your partner through Christmas or having an alcohol induced argument. It is a nice opportunity to spend some quality time together away from work, so make sure you both get the chance to enjoy it. Perhaps get some exercise together - go for walk with your partner to help release endorphins and reconnect after the busy festivities.
Although stressful, Christmas is one of the best and most romantic times of the year so make sure you stop to enjoy and create new memories with your loved one and most important of all have a very merry Christmas!
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