Making The Most Of Stressful Holidays

Holidays are a stressful time for couples and families.  Negative patterns of interaction grow exponentially as almost all communication becomes focused on the tasks of the holiday.  Frequently feelings are hurt in the mix and there are long periods of negative emotions and energy.

But now faith, hope, and love remain; these three virtues must characterize our lives. The greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 (Voice)

Make Your Holidays Better

Turn your relationships around during the holidays by implementing these tips for making memories!

  1. Pray together.  Take a few moments every day to hear your spouse pray and pray with them.
  2. Be thankful for all the positive things about your spouse.  Make a list of what you appreciate about your spouse.   Share at least one of them with your spouse.
  3. Turn off or remove devices and television.  Focus on the people in front of you.  Ask open ended questions and help them tell stories about what is going on in their world.  Share a brief story about what is going on in yours.
  4. Be present.  Take time to check in with your self.  Are you fully aware of your immediate environment?  What do you see, hear, taste, smell and touch?  Try to refocus any thoughts of the past or future back to the present.
  5. Give those speaking to you full body attention.  Turn toward them.  Look at their face when they are spooking.  Listen as if you might be tested later and ask questions that help them tell their story.
  6. Make time for just the two of you.  Take a walk.  Go for a drive.  Enjoy a cup of coffee away from everyone else.  Take a one-hour date and talk about your best memories together in the last twelve months and what you have accomplished together this past year.

We pray God will bless you through the holidays with deep connection, peace and joy!

What do you have to say?

We love to hear from readers.  How have you successfully managed the holidays?  Are the holidays a time when you move toward, away or against your spouse? What are you planning to do that creates an environment that moves you together this holiday season? What other suggestions you would add to this article? Do you know someone you need to forward this article to?

This article was written by Roy and Devra Wooten, authors of “The Secret to a Lifetime Love”. Learn more at www.LifeTogetherForever.com © Roy and Devra Wooten 2016. All Rights Reserved. You may replicate this article as long as it is provided free to recipients and includes appropriate attribution. Written permission for other use may be obtained at [email protected].

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Category: Creating The Marriage You Want
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