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holidays

Avoiding the Post-Holiday Marriage Funk

Avoiding the Post-Holiday Marriage Funk

By Resilience5 Comments

You’ve probably heard of the post-holiday blues, but what about a post-holiday marriage funk? The idea is the same – after a couple weeks of indulging in the parties, festivities, treats, and fixings, the return to normalcy when it’s all over can seem like a very rude awakening. If you’re both feeling moody and irritable individually, it’s not far-fetched to think you might take it out on each other – or fall into some negative relationship habits. Needless to say, this isn’t the best way to start out the new year.

Of course, this outcome isn’t inevitable by any means. Starting off strong – with intention – can set a positive tone for the coming months. Wondering how to start now? Here are 4 tips to consider: Read More

4 Truths About the Holidays as a Couple

4 Truths About the Holidays as a Couple

By Resilience3 Comments

The holidays mean different things to everyone. They can even hold different meaning to you from one year or one season to the next. Whether you start counting down the days six months out or you silently dread the festivities, the reality is that the holidays as a couple can be filled with joy – and be a difficult time of year, for a variety of reasons.

Gaining awareness of this duality – and the fact that it’s normal – can help. Here are four truths about experiencing the holidays as a couple. Read More

4 Traditions to Start This Holiday Season

4 Traditions to Start This Holiday Season

By ConnectionOne Comment

The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re taking down the decorations and putting them in storage, and the next you’re taking them out all over again. Sometimes it feels like it’s hard to get ahead of it, especially if you had big intentions of incorporating some different things into your celebrations this year. Whether it’s trying new activities or switching things up from the usual traditions, you’ll want to start thinking about these things ahead of time, instead of waiting until the last minute.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up four types of traditions to start this holiday season. Read More

6 Ways to Prep Your Marriage for the Holiday Season

By Resilience2 Comments

When it comes to “holiday season prep,” you probably think about all the tasks and to-do’s you need to complete. Decorating, baking, shopping, cleaning, inviting, traveling – whether you do it all or just a little, it can be a hectic time. Nonetheless, a lot of effort and energy goes into it every year.

Have you ever considered how you can prep your marriage for this time of year? We know, you’re probably thinking, “Isn’t that just another thing to get done?” But hear us out. Preparing your marriage as you head into this stressful season gives you a strong foundation to lean on during what can be a relationship-straining time. Here are six ways to prep your marriage for a harmonious holiday season. Read More

Couple holding hands outdoors winter

5 Common Sources of Holiday Conflict

By Conflict2 Comments

Is conflict with your spouse putting a damper on your holiday spirit? If you and your spouse are arguing more than usual lately, it’s understandable. There’s something about this season that can stir up issues for even the most harmonious of couples. Here are five common sources of holiday conflict – and how to resolve them. Read More

A Family in Winter Clothes Walking on a Snow-Covered Ground

Cultivating Connection During the Holiday Chaos

By Connection, Quality Time4 Comments

The holiday season can be a bit of a conundrum for many couples and families. You might envision cozy, relaxing time spent with loved ones, slowing down as the year wraps up and you prepare for the start of a new one. Reality can look quite different, as the holidays can often end up busy, chaotic, and stressful.

Between prepping for (and then attending) all the gatherings, parties, and celebrations, trying to squeeze in all the activities and traditions, while also traveling or hosting family and friends… phew, it’s a lot! On top of that, there is the pressure to make all of these things memorable and meaningful instead of just things to be done.

A strong sense of connection with your spouse and family is the glue that holds everything together. Without it, it can seem like you’re just going through the motions. So how can you cultivate connection amidst the holiday chaos? We’ve got some tips. Read More

Couple with Pile of Gifts to give back Among Rows of Fir Trees

5 Reasons to Give Back (Together)

By Connection, Quality TimeNo Comments

This time of year we talk a lot about gratitude and thankfulness, which are great concepts to keep top of mind year round. Research has shown that feelings of gratitude alone can have positive effects on a person’s wellbeing. But that doesn’t mean it has to stop there! Have you considered how you might turn simply being grateful into something more? You probably already know the answer.

Giving back, donating, volunteering, pitching in – whatever you want to call it – is not only great at an individual level, it’s also an experience you can share with your partner. Beyond the obvious benefit of doing something good for others or for your community, here are five more reasons to give back together. Read More

Family celebrating holidays

Your Family or Mine: Reaching Compromise on Holiday Celebrations

By Conflict, Family & Friends2 Comments

The holidays are a-knocking. Are you and your spouse ready to answer the door? Or are you hiding in the basement with the lights off?

That might sound dramatic, but the reality is, holidays can be a source of conflict for many couples. One of the most common issues revolves around how, where, or with whom they’ll celebrate. Can you relate? Do you have different ideas for how you should spend them? Does it feel like you’re caught in the middle of both of your families? Is it causing conflict between the two of you? If you’re interested in how you can reach a compromise, we’ve got some practical steps for working through it together. Read More

A couple smiling while drinking wine.

4 Tips to Avoid Holiday Relationship Strain

By Connection, Relationship BasicsOne Comment

Does it feel like “What are you doing for the holidays?” is a loaded question this year? You’re not alone. Whether you’re doing the usual or changing up your plans, there’s bound to be some stress and strain making its way into your psyche – and maybe your relationship. Here are four “C’s” to help avoid unnecessary stress and strain between you and your partner.

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Candy canes on a mug with two wrapped Christmas gifts.

4 Gifts to Strengthen your Relationship

By Connection, Relationship Basics3 Comments

It’s that time of year. The time of year where most people fall into one of two camps: the “I’ve already finished my holiday shopping” camp, or the “What are you talking about, I’ve got a whole month” camp.

All joking aside, the holidays can be stressful, and this year is definitely no exception. Maybe your partner is hard to buy for, or maybe they’re not. Maybe you love the task of finding the perfect gift for them or maybe it’s a struggle. Perhaps money is tight this year, or you just want to do things differently. Wherever you’re at, here are four “gift” ideas that will strengthen your relationship (and don’t have to cost a lot of money).

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