As the holidays approach, let’s make Christmas a friend, not an enemy, of our marriage. For many, the busyness of the season can put a squeeze on time with your spouse. Between buying gifts, decorating, and attending events, the list never ends.
Here are ten ideas to help you prioritize one another while celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ:
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Do things together – not separately. Decorate, put up the tree, wrap presents, and Christmas shop together. While dividing tasks can be efficient, doing things together keeps you connected.
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Go on a Christmas lights drive. Simply drive around looking at lights, or if your town has a decorated park, take a walk together.
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Pick your top 5 favorite Christmas movies. Choose one movie night per week leading up to Christmas to watch together.
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Attend a Christmas concert. Look for a local concert, buy tickets, and enjoy a festive evening together.
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Exchange thoughtful stockings. Fill each other’s stockings with small, meaningful gifts to open on Christmas morning.
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Give gifts to one another. Even with a budget, don’t skip giving gifts to your spouse while buying for everyone else. A small, thoughtful present goes a long way.
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Take a “do nothing” day. Between Christmas and New Year’s, agree to spend a day relaxing, watching movies, and doing nothing productive as a family. You’ll appreciate the break.
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Create a Christmas playlist. Include your spouse’s favorite songs and play it in the car or at home to keep the festive mood alive.
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Bake cookies together. Decorate with Christmas-colored icing and enjoy a cookie night at home. Bake extra to share with your family in the days ahead.
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Keep dating. If you normally spend regular quality time together, don’t let the holiday busyness disrupt that rhythm.
The way we celebrate Christmas can either strengthen our marriage or strain it. Use some of these ideas to grow closer, not apart, during this busy season.
Brad Rhoads is co-founder of Grace Marriage.
Brad Rhoads is co-founder of Grace Marriage.