Now that you are an adult and on your own, it’s time to create your own holiday traditions, especially if you are in a serious relationship. Now is the perfect time to sort through your favorite holiday experiences and make them uniquely you. Here are seven tips for creating your own family traditions during the holidays.
Figure Out What’s Special to You
The best way to have a great holiday season is by identifying what matters to you. Take some time to look internally and have an introspective check-in about your own wants and needs. Are there deal breakers or must haves for the holiday season? Understanding your holiday must haves is a great starting point for you and your significant other to come to the table for open dialogue.
Talk About Expectations
Disscuss what holidays mean personally and how you want to spend them. Communicating expectations is part of coming together as a couple and creating your own traditions during the holidays. What makes this season memorable for you? What are the parameters? Communicating expectations and identifying what matters to you both creates a strong foundation.
Decide Together
You to decide what is essential to your holiday season. Keep in mind that you and your partner are a team, and when you come to the table to discuss the holidays, you are no longer a singular entity. After sharing your expectations for the holidays, work together to combine your unique traditions into a holiday plan that works for the both of you.
Communicate Your Boundaries
Communicate your wants and needs because otherwise your partner will not know. For example, say you don’t want to attend more than one Thanksgiving dinner. Or, maybe you don’t want to feel the pressure of hosting or purchasing presents for everyone. Discuss your boundaries individually and as a couple. Once you know and share them, you’ll be better prepared to navigate situations as they arise.
Have Mutual Flexibility
Both you and your partner must be flexible and willing to try new things. Theres a first time for everything, and your traditions for one year do not have to follow you into the next. Holiday traditions can grow and evolve in various ways. You and your partner must bring a willingness to be flexible. Plans can change and holiday traditions take time to build.
Decide What Size Holiday It Will Be
During the holidays, talking about size matters. Perhaps, you go all out for Thanksgiving with a flag football game, a large Friendsgiving dinner, and volunteering at the local food pantry. And for Christmas, you decide to keep it small by only planning an intimate family dinner. Establish these plans early on with your partner so that you are both on the same page.
Take Initiative
When you are a kid, the holidays are planned for you. However, when you become an adult, you become the captain of your own ship. Actively participate in holiday planning and creating traditions to make the season magical for you.