Navigating a new relationship during the holidays can be an exciting and challenging experience. This can be especially true if you’re in a long-distance relationship or are just in the early stages of getting to know each other. Holidays can bring up a lot of emotions and expectations, so here are some tips to help ensure that your budding relationship survives this festive and somewhat chaotic time of year and emerges unscathed into the new year.
Keep communication open.
Talk about your expectations for the holidays and how you’d like to spend the time together. It may be helpful to set some boundaries so that you both know what to expect and how to avoid any potential conflicts. This can be especially helpful if you are meeting family and friends and exploring unfamiliar territory.
Check your expectations.
Be realistic about your expectations. If this is your first holiday season together, keep it low key and don’t put too much pressure on yourself or your partner. It’s perfectly okay to take things slowly and feel things out as you go.
Make time for yourselves.
It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and holiday festivities. Be sure to carve out those quiet moments, just for the two of you. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant—slip out for a walk in the snow or sip hot toddies by the fire. Let her/him know they have your full adoring attention.
Show appreciation for your partner.
If you’re out shopping together, make a point to notice their taste in things. Are there traditions that are important to them? Even if you practice a different faith or think it’s silly, giving these traditions space and importance will go a long way in making your love interest feel seen and cared for.
Celebrate the holidays your own way.
The holidays don’t always have to be celebrated the same way year after year. As a new couple, it can be a great time to create your own holiday traditions. Think of activities or traditions that would be meaningful to the both of you and make it your own. This can be a great way to start off the new year and create lasting memories together.
Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or in the early stages of a new relationship, keep communication open, be realistic about expectations, make time for yourselves, show appreciation, and celebrate the holidays in your own unique way. With a little bit of effort, your relationship will greet the new year stronger than ever.
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie
Happy Holidays from the team at Kelleher International.
