A family Christmas celebrations.[photo/greatplainsconservation.com]
Everything has a first time. And whenever you are doing something for the first time, there is always anxiety, tension, nervousness no matter how prepared you would be. Spending your first Christmas at your in-laws is no different.
So, how does one survive Christmas and maintain their sanity and marriage? The psychologist shares a few tips that can see one through this daunting season. The first thing that couples need not undermine is that their spouse, depending on their culture, will be leaving their own traditions behind and for some, that’s a welcome change.
But for others, even as grown adults, the idea of spending Christmas away from own family can be slightly traumatic. The fact that your spouse becomes the new member of your family tradition does not make things any better for them.
It good getting to know your in-laws through your spouse. By asking them questions about their way of doing things during the festive season gives you a heads up on what to expect. Christmas being an eating holiday, it is crucial that you ask your partner to inform their family if you’re allergic to any foods long in advance.
This will save you the trouble of coming out as rude when offered something you do not eat. If gifting on Christmas is part of the tradition of the family you have been married in, do not try too hard to impress with expensive gifts.
If the traditions you find at your new home are different, learn to embrace them, but do not be afraid to bring to the table a tradition that you think may work and is also dear to you. Do not forget that even as you try to impress them, your in-laws are also trying to impress you. After all, Christmas is not so much opening gifts as it is opening hearts.