How to Get a Spouse Interested in Christmas

If you're the type of person who decorates the house as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey is put away, it can be hard admitting you're married to The Grinch. If your husband or wife won't touch Christmas with a thirty-nine and a half foot pole, here are some steps to help get them more involved.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. First, find out WHY your spouse dislikes Christmas. Does he resent the December "honey-do" list that includes things like hanging the outdoor lights, finding the perfect tree and running to the store every other day? Or maybe she worries about the amount of money spent during the season. Find out what it is in Whoville that puts the snarl on your spouse's face and work together to come to a compromise.
2. If you're the Martha Stewart type that has to do everything yourself, you might want to take a step back to see if your own behaviour is causing your spouse's disinterest. Maybe he feels that compared to you and your skills, the only thing he's appreciated for is his ability to carry heavy things at the store. Make a point of including your spouse in the planning and preparation and remember that your way isn't always the right way or the only way to do things.
3. Different families can have very different holiday traditions. If your wife's family didn't celebrate Christmas, she may feel overwhelmed by your enthusiasm or she may not even understand how she's supposed to act during the holidays. This could cause her to withdraw completely. Be understanding and tell her how why the holidays mean so much to you. With a little patience the two of you will be celebrating together in no time.
4. Family traditions are a wonderful thing to hold on to, but don't forget that there are at least three sets of traditions in every Christmas celebration: yours, your spouse's and your own family's. If you're holding on to the traditions you grew up with and not incorporating some that have meaning for your spouse, you could end up with problems. Find out what traditions mean the most to both of you. Figure out how to honour both sets of traditions and be sure to come up with a few of your own to pass on to your own children.

Tips & Warnings

• Christmas is a time of joy and peace. If your spouse really has an issue with the holiday, give them space and don't try to fight the issue. Instead, focus on being positive and leave the door open for your spouse to join in when he or she is ready. In time, your spouse will likely come around.