Things You'll Need:
- Holiday Cookbooks
- Holiday Greeting Cards
- Holiday Decorations
- Scrapbooks
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Step 1
Begin thinking about your holiday celebrations well in advance, so you have time to come up with a plan that you both feel comfortable with.
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Step 2
Take the time to talk to each other about how you celebrated the holidays as children.
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Step 3
Identify the traditions that hold meaning for you and incorporate them into this year's activities.
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Step 4
Focus on your common spiritual and moral beliefs, such as worshipping a higher power, raising your children with good values, or including family in your holiday plans.
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Step 5
Invite both of your families to join you for the holidays. This way, they can get to know each other and feel comfortable with your relationship.
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Step 6
Be prepared to make compromises. While you may be used to a big turkey dinner on Christmas Day, perhaps your spouse usually eats a native food from another country. You may want to try it his or her way this year.
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Step 7
Work on your communication skills so you and your partner will be able to talk about needs and what is important to each of you. This is crucial, especially during the holiday season, when stress levels are high and there are lots of demands on you.
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Step 8
Create traditions that have meaning to you as a couple. This could be as simple as starting a photo album of pictures you take during the season, or making eggnog on Christmas Eve and toasting each other's health.
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Step 9
Remember to respect each other's beliefs, even if they go against those that you were raised with as a child.
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Step 10
Take the initiative to learn more about the customs your spouse was raised with. This gesture will go a long way.
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Step 11
Raise your own children to respect and feel comfortable with both of your customs. If you do this successfully, your children will get the most out of the holiday season.
