A Holiday Guide for Newlyweds
The holidays are an ideal time for making memories with your new spouse that will last a lifetime, but the season can also be fraught with challenges. Courtesy of Black and White Affair DJ Services, here are a few ideas on how to handle your first holiday as a married couple--from making plans with families to making a combined wish list to carving out time for togetherness.
The Families
Experts interviewed by The Grand Rapids Press advise taking some time early on to discuss where and how you’ll spend the holidays. Emphasize which of your own family celebrations and traditions are most important to you, and encourage your spouse to do the same. Practical considerations like time and travel will probably make it impossible to do everything you both want to do, nor will you be likely to please everyone in both families. However, a little compromise will go a long way toward a smooth seasonal transition that blends the wants and needs of both sides of the family.
Once you’ve made a plan, stick to it--and stick together. Don’t tell your side of the family that your spouse wanted to do something different or mention over dinner at your in-laws that you’re missing one of your favorite family events in order to be with them. And, if something in your holiday plan absolutely makes one or both of you miserable, you can always do something different next year.
The Wish List
It might seem greedy to be thinking about a holiday wish list so soon after all those wedding gifts, but inevitably there will be things you didn’t consider when putting together your registry, particularly if you’ve moved since tying the knot or you got married months ago.
Were you worried about your home’s security while you were on your honeymoon? If so, consider putting some smart home security tech on your list. Did you struggle through fall collecting colorful leaves with an ancient rake you found in the garage? Ask for some new lawn tools or a yard cleanup by a professional.
For newlyweds who’ve found themselves woefully underprepared for common homeowner hassles, consider adding an extension ladder and a basic tool kit to your wishlist. If you really want to create connections with family, ask your handiest in-law to help you take down this year’s hastily hung lights and offer suggestions on next year’s seasonal strategy over lunch.
If you had a warm-weather wedding, odds are good that you didn’t think to include holiday decorations on the registry. If your home is looking a little bare this year, consider requesting ornaments to trim the tree or deck the halls, suggests WeddingWire. And, if you receive a keepsake piece from a family member, make sure to display in in a prominent position, even if it doesn't match the rest of your newly burgeoning collection of seasonal decor.
Finally, between your wedding, honeymoon, and preparing your home for married life, you likely haven’t had much time to shop for personal items. There’s no shame in including some creature comfort-type requests on your list. For example, you might include comfy loungewear, a warm blanket for the winter nights ahead, or some delicious wine for relaxing evenings in.
The New Traditions
The holidays can be hectic, but it is important to set aside some time to create your own traditions as a couple. Mark a night on the calendar and say no to any other invitations. Spend the evening cooking dinner together and then write your holiday cards and make homemade ornaments.
Alternatively, you could plan a cookie-baking session and package them as host-and-hostess gifts to take with you to holiday gatherings. There’s nothing like the smell of holiday baking to put people in a festive mood. Be sure to save some sweet treats for yourself and end the evening with a plate of cookies, a couple of festive drinks and a holiday movie or two.
The first holiday season can be magical and special. These tips will help you and your spouse make sweet seasonal memories of your first year as a family and will help you try out some new traditions to make your house feel like a home for the holidays.
