Count Down to Christmas — TMI!

The weeks before Christmas can be hectic, creating tension in the best of marriages.  We get wrapped up in the craziness of the season and the stress of work and family.  The To Do List grows: last minute gifts to purchase and cards to mail, cleaning, baking and one more party to attend.  Christmas can become a project that is never done!  Thank goodness for deadlines; they can be a godsend.

Play along with us as we formulate a game plan to survive and enjoy these final days of the holiday season.

Rule #1: Discuss and agree on a To Do List.  Listen to your spouse as you discuss each task.  Be vulnerable in sharing why something is important.  This may take a little give and take.  Not exactly the fewest ‘chips’ wins, but you get the idea!

Rule #2: Make progress together.  Have fun and create holiday memories.  Wear that ugly Christmas sweater as you prepare to cross off an item and be sure to take a selfie!  Listen to favorite carols or share memories of past  holidays while you clean, wrap gifts or bake cookies.  It is pretty hard to share memories or make new ones if you are not working together in this endeavor.

Rule #3: Do something Intentional each day for your relationship.  Take turns hiding Mistletoe (like the Elf on the Shelf — you know what to do 😊).  Hold hands while you shop for that last gift and share a latte to celebrate.  Snuggle on the couch and watch a favorite Christmas movie (no multi-tasking).  Cruise the town and enjoy the Christmas lights.  Go ice-skating or take in a local choir concert.  Let the last card wait until morning and make love before you are too exhausted to enjoy each other.  Tired of parties?  Skip the last one and go out to dinner, just the two of you.

If you promise to follow these 3 simple Rules (TMI), we suspect you will slide into the holidays more prepared, relaxed and confident, and most importantly, more in love with your spouse.  Remember, Christmases will come and go, but if you want your relationship to last forever, treat it as such.  Spend these last days before Christmas wrapping your relationship in love.  Make it the best gift of the season!