Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? I mean, the songs say so, and who are we to argue with Mariah Carey? But then, you remember: you’re newlyweds. That means this year is your first Christmas together as a married couple. It sounds magical and all, but the reality? It can be… a bit much. You’ve got families to consider, traditions to combine, and gifts to buy (and let’s not even talk about the budget). So, how to survive Christmas? Don’t worry, my friend, I’ve got you covered.
Grab a hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire (or at least turn on that fireplace channel on YouTube), and let’s figure this out together. It’s going to be fun, but also a bit chaotic. So think of it as a beautiful mess, like Christmas lights that always get tangled. We’ll navigate it with a mix of practical tips and a little humor, because, well, you’ll need both to survive Christmas as newlyweds.
1. Expectations: Do Not Count on Hallmark Christmas
Ah, expectations. They’re like the Grinch who can totally ruin Christmas if you let them. You probably have this idea in your head of what Christmas should be like. You know, snow gently falling outside, you and your spouse wearing matching pajamas, sipping hot chocolate by the tree. But spoiler alert: life doesn’t always look like a Hallmark movie. And that’s okay!
Your spouse might have their own set of Christmas expectations, which could be very different from yours. One might love a quiet Christmas Eve at home, while the other wants to pack in all the family events, Christmas concerts, and caroling sessions. So, before you’re knee-deep in wrapping paper, sit down and have an honest conversation. What does Christmas look like for both of you? Find a balance. Trust me, this will save you from a whole lot of headaches later on.
Oh, and one more thing: try to manage your expectations about each other. Your spouse isn’t a mind reader (shocking, I know). If you really, really want a specific gift or if there’s a tradition that’s super important to you, say something! Avoiding misunderstandings is key to surviving Christmas as newlyweds.
2. How to Survive Christmas and Navigate the In-Laws
Here’s where things get interesting. You’re no longer just dealing with your own family’s Christmas plans—you’ve now got in-laws to think about. Welcome to the real challenge of how to survive Christmas.
Maybe your family loves a big Christmas Day feast, while your spouse’s family is more about a laid-back Christmas Eve gathering. Or maybe both families expect you to be with them all day. Yikes.
The trick here? Compromise. Yes, that magical word that’s about to become your best friend during the holiday season. Some couples alternate (yes, I needed to Google this word) holidays with each side of the family, while others split the day. If you’re really lucky, maybe your families can come together for one big gathering. Just remember, you can’t be in two places at once, so don’t let the pressure of trying to please everyone steal your Christmas joy.
And if all else fails, consider hosting Christmas at your place. That way, everyone comes to you, and you don’t have to deal with travel. Win-win!
3. Traditions: Yours, Mine, and Ours
One of the most fun things about being newlyweds is creating your own holiday traditions. But first, you’ve got to merge the ones you both grew up with, which can be… complicated.
Maybe one of you is super into decorating the house like it’s straight out of a IKEA Christmas catalog, while the other prefers a minimalistic style tree with one sad ornament. Or one of you has always gone to the midnight Christmas Eve service, while the other has a tradition of watching Home Alone for the millionth time.
Here’s the key to surviving Christmas with all these traditions: pick a few from each side, and then start your own! Maybe you decide to bake cookies together or open one gift on Christmas Eve. Whatever it is, make it special for the two of you. After all, this is your first Christmas together as a married couple. It’s the perfect time to blend traditions and start new ones that reflect who you are as a team.
4. The Gift Dilemma
Ah, gifts. Is there anything more stressful than trying to figure out the perfect Christmas present for your spouse? I mean, you’ve been married for what, a few months? How are you supposed to know what they really want?
First things first: if you’ve got a budget, stick to it. Nothing kills the Christmas spirit faster than going into debt over presents. And second, don’t stress about finding the most expensive or extravagant gift. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that show thoughtfulness. Maybe it’s something related to an inside joke, or a memory from when you were dating. How to survive Christmas gift-giving? Keep it simple, meaningful, and within budget.
5. How to Survive Christmas on a Budget: The Silent Killer of Christmas Cheer
Let’s be real: Christmas is expensive. Between gifts, decorations, food, and travel, it can feel like your bank account is auditioning for a role in A Christmas Carol (and let’s just say it’s not playing the role of Scrooge in the “rich” sense).
As newlyweds, you’ve probably already got the financial goals you’re working towards. Maybe it’s paying off the wedding, saving for a house, or planning for the future. The last thing you want is to blow all your hard-earned money on holiday extravagances.
Set a Christmas budget together and stick to it. Decide ahead of time how much you’re going to spend on gifts, food, and any other holiday expenses. And remember, Christmas isn’t about the stuff. It’s about celebrating the birth of Christ and spending time with loved ones. How to survive Christmas financially? Keep the focus on what really matters, and don’t let consumerism steal your joy.
6. Remember the Reason for the Season
With all the hustle and mess, it’s easy to forget what Christmas is really about. It’s not about the gifts, the food, or even the family traditions. It’s about celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As newlyweds, this is a special time to grow together in your faith and make Christ the center of your Christmas celebrations.
Take some time each day to read the Christmas story together, attend a church service, or spend a quiet evening in prayer and reflection. It will help ground you and remind you of the true joy and peace that Christmas brings.
7. So How to Survive Christmas? Relax and Have Fun!
Last but definitely not least: relax! Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, not stress. If the turkey burns, or you forget to buy that one last-minute gift, it’s okay. The world won’t end. So learn to laugh at the little mistakes and imperfections that for sure will happen.
So how to survive Christmas? By not taking it all too seriously. Enjoy the time with your spouse, make some new memories, and above all, have fun. This is your first Christmas as newlyweds, and no matter how it turns out, it will be a special one.
So now, go hang those stockings and enjoy every bit of this crazy, wonderful holiday season!