How to Make Holiday Traditions that Last (Newlyweds)

Carrying on comfortable, old family traditions into your new marriage is fine but don’t forget to make a few new traditions of your own. Below are a few ideas to make a new couple's holiday time special.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the Christmas Tree Together
   One of the most important parts of a first Christmas together is finding the perfect Christmas tree for you new home. Whether you begin a tradition of going together to a tree vender, or you opt to get an artificial one, relish the time choosing the tree and lugging it back home. Make it a point to decorate the tree together, adding touches of both.

2. Buy a Special Ornament
   Buy a special, dated, ornament every Christmas to represent each year you have spent together. To make the ornament more meaningful, choose one that represents a trip or vacation you took or something special that happened that year. For example, if you took a memorable ski trip, find an ornament that reminds you of it.

3. Decorate Stockings Together
   There is nothing more romantic than a pair of his and hers stockings hanging by the fire. To make things more fun, make it a mission each year to fill the others stocking with fun, silly and/or surprising gifts. Stockings can be made very personal and something to look forward to on Christmas morning.

4. Make Time for Each Other
   During the peak hours of the Christmas season (i.e. Christmas Eve and Christmas day) both sides of in-laws will demand as much time as you can manage. Whether you have to miss Uncle Mac’s Christmas Eve cookout or even the end of his grandma’s Christmas dinner, be able to tell your family members no, you need some family time of your own. Seperate at least two to three hours of celebration time reserved for just you and your spouse.

5. Cook Together
   One of the true joys of the holidays is the sweet smells and tastes of Christmas. There is nothing more romantic than cooking with your significant other. Just spend a few nights leading up to Christmas trying new recipes...and don’t forget to make the more romantic dishes like fondues, pastas and deserts. Eat the food by the fire or in front of your favorite Christmas movie on television.

Tips & Warnings

• Copyright © 2007 Amber Dillon-Bramlett