How to Create New Holiday Traditions for Newlyweds

The first year of marriage is a time of great change and adjustment. As a newly married couple, it’s easy to maintain the perception that you and your new spouse are simply extensions of your immediate family. Indeed, you are. However, it’s important to recognize that you are also your own family now, autonomous from the family unit you grew up with. One of the great joys of marriage is establishing your own unique traditions for celebrating the holiday season. A great way to do this is to embrace your favorite holiday traditions prior to your marriage and modify them in a way to be special for you and your spouse. Consider incorporating these ideas into your newlywed holiday routine:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• family oriented attitude

1. Hand-make a meaningful gift: My husband’s side of the family has a wonderful tradition for gift-giving. Each person in the immediate family buys one inexpensive store bought gift with a price limit according to the family comfort zone. In addition to this gift, each person also hand makes a special gift for each person. One year I made infused cooking oils and flavored maple syrup for my father-in-law who loves to cook. I made a handmade snow globe from an old glass jar for my sister-in-law who collects snow globes and a decorative wreath for my new mother-in-law. You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to do this successfully. You can still give a meaning gift without being especially crafty. One year I received handmade coupons for things such as a hugs, home cooked meals, etc… from my sister-in-law. And, my other sister-in-law made each person a batch of her famous Christmas sugar cookies.
2. Write a special letter: Not only did I receive a unique hand made gift from each member of my new family. But, I also received a special letter welcoming me into the family from each person. It was a refreshing reminder of the true meaning of holiday season, rather than being bogged down with commercialism. The best part of this tradition was the opportunity to write letters expressing love for my new family. Everyone in the family keeps the letters from years past in a special place so they can reminisce any time they feel nostalgic.
3. Share childhood holiday rituals: One of my favorite aspects of any holiday is the ritual involved. Perhaps there were specific things you did as youth that have remained close to your heart. The anticipation of watching A Christmas Story or A Charlie Brown Christmas, reading “The Twelve Days of Christmas, “ going to a mid-night mass, etc... these are things that you can chose to incorporate into your own family traditions with your new spouse.

Tips & Warnings

• These concepts can easily be adapted to be special holiday traditions for you and your new spouse. You can also spread the holiday cheer by inviting other family members, including your new extended family to participate. If you decide to have children, you can pass along these traditions to include them as well. Whether you choose to incorporate tradition such as these, or any other activity, ritual or custom that you chose, it is certain to enhance your holiday season and your bond with your spouse. Happy Holidays!!