Gift wrapping [1], party planning [2], endless dirty dishes, and too. much. eggnog (why do we never learn?!). The holidays are crazy enough without the added stress [3] of quarreling under the mistletoe, and to be honest, sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the fun of the season and instead get lost in the stress. In order to keep the cheer in your marriage amid all the festive madness (and money in your bank account [4]), use these 25 helpful tips to remind yourself (and your partner in crime) that this time of year really is all about love.
Budget. Budget. Budget.
1. Set a budget so both you and your partner are on the same page. 2. Take out your budget in cash. 3. Divide it up per person, and place it in envelopes. This will help ensure that you stay within budget (and help you measure any surplus).
Make a playlist.
Who doesn't love a good mixtape [6]? Set the mood with your favorite tunes after a stressful day at work or holiday shopping. Make one together, or gift as a surprise.
Stay organized.
After setting your budget, make your to-do list. Keep your list on your phone and share it with your partner, so that it's readily available to update in real time.
Indulge.
Indulgence [7] is a state of mind. Pamper your relationship a little bit more than usual by planning an extra date night, staying out an hour later, or polishing off that second bottle of wine. Use this season as a reminder to indulge in all of what makes your relationship sparkle.
Follow the one-gift rule.
As tempting as it is to pamper your loved ones with an abundance of physical gifts, remember that quality trumps quantity (and blowing your budget).
Treat your sweetie.
Have your sweetie come home to the smell of their favorite holiday treat. Food is the key to any partner's heart.
Light a fire.
Interactions with your in-laws feeling icy? Cozy up by the fire and indulge in some very necessary and healthy venting!
Enjoy the scenery.
Explore your world together. Strolling hand in hand is a great way to reconnect among all of the chatter (and a great excuse to get out of the hectic house!).
Pave your own path.
It's easy to feel guilty or obligated to carry out traditions that no longer serve you as your relationship and family grow. Work together to implement new family traditions [10] that will soon be the legacy of your own family.
Set the mood.
Fill your space with every holiday scent [11] from pumpkin spice to wintergreen, and let the calming aromas chill out any tense vibes.
Honor each other's traditions.
The beauty of marriage is the blending of two unique individuals creating one harmonious home. Honor each other and your respective traditions, while cultivating your own.
Wine.
No instructions needed.
Divide and conquer.
Make a chore list, check it twice. Make it fair, to avoid fights!
Get away.
If you notice tensions rising, be prepared. Have a packed bag (and babysitter on call) and your favorite overnight destination on speed dial. Break up the busy with an impromptu trip to remember what's most important: each other!
Breathe.
Spend five minutes each morning or night to sit together and breathe (with no phones). Yogi's tip: Take a cross-legged seated position. Place one hand on your heart and one hand on your stomach. Inhale for seven counts through the nose, and exhale for seven counts through the mouth. Continue this repeatedly until you feel at peace.
Make time for yourself.
Schedule some quality alone time, whether that means running a hot bath or bundling up for a run outside. The more you take care of yourself, the more jolly you'll be for everyone else.
Plan your postholiday retreat.
Much like the postwedding crash, the holidays take a lot out of us! Recharge your batteries by planning your next big trip together. Don't rush it! Give yourself something to count down to (and time to recoup after those holiday expenses).
Surround yourself with people who make you feel good!
Friends are the family that you choose. Set aside a night to show your chosen family how much they mean to you.
Show your appreciation.
Gifts don't have to be bought. Show your partner your appreciation by sharing in the activities they love. A little bit of gratitude can go a long way.
Take a "sick day."
Holiday planning can be stressful. Be sure to schedule your "sick day" with your partner in advance, and use this time to rest and recharge. Naughty or nice, optional.
Gift with intention.
To avoid any last minute scramble, keep an ongoing list of gifts you think your partner would love.
Spend time with your pet.
Pets are truly a human's best friend. Take advantage of their unconditional love and enjoy all the wet kisses you can.
Savor the moments.
Whether your holidays are unfolding as planned or thrown widely off course, savor every moment you can with a snap. Your future self will thank you.
Remember the good times.
Take a walk down memory lane by leaving each other love notes. Fill each note with your favorite memories of holidays past.
Give yourselves a hand!
You made it through the season — still married and not broke. Make a toast to the year you've had and the year you'll have (and remember to kiss under the mistletoe)!