The holidays are a time when many couples celebrate their love for each other. However, for those who are married, it can also be a time when emotions run high. Planning special occasions can be a lot of work, especially when you’re married. But with a little bit of organization and forethought, you can make things run a lot smoother.
During holidays and other momentous occasions, lots of couples become clueless about what to do. After all, these events are supposed to be fun and enjoyable, but they often turn into a source of stress instead. One of the main reasons for this is that people usually try to do too much. They want to please everyone, and as a result, they end up doing nothing well.
If this sounds like something that happens in your home, don’t worry – you’re not alone! A lot of couples struggle with this issue every year. But there are ways to overcome it. In this article, we will discuss some strategies for managing holidays and other special occasions successfully—without all the stress!
How to Plan a Holiday When You Are Married
Planning ahead is essential when it comes to managing holidays and special occasions. If you start thinking about what you need to do early on, you’ll be less stressed and more prepared. Here are some tips to help you plan properly:
Create a List of Holidays and Special Occasions
Making a list of all the holidays and special occasions you want to celebrate is a great way to ensure that you don’t miss any important events. It’s also a good way to make sure that you and your spouse are on the same page when it comes to celebrating.
You may want to include major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as well as smaller holidays like National Ice Cream Day or Pi Day. You may also want to include special occasions like your anniversary or your spouse’s birthday. Having a list like this will help keep you organized and make sure that you don’t miss anything important.
Select the Important Ones
After making a list of all the holidays and special occasions you want to celebrate with your spouse, it can be tough to manage all the listed holidays and special occasions because you may have different ideas about what’s important or you may disagree on how to celebrate.
The best way to handle this is to sit down with your spouse and discuss which holidays and events are most important to each of you. This will help keep things from becoming too stressful, and it will also ensure that you get to celebrate the things that are most important to you.
Of course, sometimes compromises will still need to be made, but having this discussion can make those compromises easier.
Communicate With Your Partner
One of the most important things you can do when it comes to managing holidays and special occasions is to communicate with your partner. Make sure that you are both on the same page about what you want and need from the holiday. This will help ensure that there are no surprises or misunderstandings.
Be Flexible
While it’s important to have some structure and plans in place, it’s also important to be flexible. If something comes up or changes at the last minute, be willing to go with the flow. This will help keep things stress-free for everyone involved.
Put Yourself in Your Partner’s Shoes
When dealing with a difficult situation or trying to come up with a solution, try to put yourself in your partner’s shoes. This will give you a better understanding of their perspective and can help you come up with a solution that works for both of you.
Stay Organized – Create a System That Works for You
Keeping organized throughout the holidays and other special occasions can be difficult for couples. But it is possible to accomplish this with a little bit of preparation and consideration. The following seven suggestions will help you create an organization system that is customized for you:
- Make a list of all the events and activities taking place in the coming weeks/months, and plan accordingly
- Set aside specific times each day (or week) for holiday shopping, baking, etc., so that everything is evenly spread out
- Create a designated space for wrapping gifts – this will keep your living area clutter-free
- Decide on who is responsible for what tasks (gift buying, cooking, etc.), and communicate effectively with your partner about these responsibilities
- Use online tools or apps to help keep track of gift budgets, recipes, etc
- Agree on some family traditions ahead of time (e g sending Christmas cards asap after New Year’s)
- Keep an open mind – not everyone celebrates every holiday equally.
Delegate Tasks to Other Family Members or Friends if Needed
If you’re struggling to keep up with the demands of managing holidays and special occasions, delegating tasks to others can be a lifesaver.
This can be especially helpful if you have a lot of things to do in preparation for the event. For example, you can ask someone else to help you cook or bake, or even just run errands for you. By delegating tasks, you can free up time to focus on the more important things.
Set a Budget and Stick To It
A crucial element to consider when throwing a party or planning any kind of event is how much you’re willing to spend. This means deciding beforehand how much money you can afford to spend and then not going over that amount.
This can be difficult if there are a lot of tempting sales going on, but it is important to stay disciplined. Otherwise, you could end up getting into debt and having to deal with that stress during what should be a happy time.
If you are able to stick to your budget, it will also give you more freedom to enjoy yourself. You won’t have to worry about constantly watching your spending and can instead focus on having fun with your loved ones.
Just make sure that everyone involved is aware of the budget so that no one feels like they are being left out or has to spend more than they can afford.
Events to Do as a Newly Married Couple
There are lots of events and special occasions that pop up throughout the year. And while you may have celebrated many of them as a single person or with your family, now that you’re married, you’ll want to start creating new traditions with your spouse. Below are some events and tips to get you started:
10 New Year’s Resolutions for Newly Married Couples
A new year, a new you… and possibly a new spouse. If you’re newly married, this year is the perfect time to start fresh and make some resolutions for your relationship. Here are 10 suggestions to get you started:
- Communicate openly about money
- Spend more time together as a couple
- Talk openly and honestly with each other
- Communicate effectively and resolve conflicts peacefully
- Spend time with family and friends as a couple
- Develop your own interests and hobbies as a couple
- Plan weekend getaways or mini-vacations together
- Be there for each other when one of you is having a bad day
- Support each other in your individual dreams and goals
- Express your love for each other often.
5 Valentine’s Day Ideas for Newly Married Couples
You may feel pressured to make Valentine’s Day more memorable for your new spouse.
While it is definitely important to make an effort to show how much you care on this day dedicated to love, it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are a few simple ideas to make your Valentine’s Day great:
Cook Together
Spending time together in the kitchen can be just as romantic as going out for a fancy dinner. Pick a dish that you’ve both been wanting to try and take the time to prepare it together. Don’t forget the candles and wine.
Get Outside
If the weather is cooperating, take advantage of it. Go for a hike or walk hand in hand through your favorite park. Fresh air and quality time together are the perfect combination.
Plan a Picnic
Picnics are romantic and fun, plus they give you a chance to try out all those cute picnic recipes you’ve been pinning on Pinterest. Find a spot with a great view, pack up some snacks and drinks, and enjoy each other’s company.
Go on a Romantic Getaway
If you can swing it, treat yourselves to a night or two away at a bed and breakfast or cozy cabin. This is a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of everyday life.
Make It a “Stay-Cation”
If you can’t get away for Valentine’s Day, that’s ok. You can still have a romantic weekend right at home. Plan to unplug all electronics and focus on quality time together. Order your favorite food, build a fire, and snuggle up with a good movie.
How to Make Easter Special With Your Spouse
Easter is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the hope of spring. If you’re married, it’s also a time to celebrate your relationship. For you and your partner, here are nine ideas to make Easter special:
- Go on an Easter egg hunt together. This can be either at an organized event or in your own backyard
- Make Easter brunch or dinner together. Add some festive flair to your meal with Bunny Pancakes or Honey Glazed Ham
- Give each other Easter baskets filled with treats and surprises
- Attend an Easter sunrise service together. Start your day by giving thanks for each other and your blessings
- Have a picnic in a park or your backyard. Make sure to include all of your spouse’s favorite foods
- Go for a romantic walk and enjoy the spring flowers together
- Make Easter cards for each other with personalized messages inside
- Plan a fun weekend getaway and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life
- Give each other massages to relax and rejuvenate.
4th of July Traditions for Married Couples
The 4th of July is a special day for many Americans. For married couples, it can be a time to reflect on their relationship and how far they’ve come together. It can also be a time to create new traditions and memories.
Have a Backyard Barbecue
Nothing says summertime like a good old-fashioned barbecue. If you don’t have a backyard, no problem. You can fire up the grill in your park or at a nearby beach. Just make sure you have all the essentials: hot dogs, burgers, buns, potato salad, chips, and, of course, some cold beers.
Catch a Fireworks Show
No 4th of July is complete without a fireworks show. If you’re lucky enough to live near a big city, there’s sure to be an impressive display going on. But even if you’re not, most small towns put on their own fireworks shows that are definitely worth checking out.
Have a Pool Party
If you have a pool in your backyard, invite some friends over and have a pool party. If not, see if any of your friends or family members do and crash their party. Or, you can always head to your local public pool. Just make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and some delicious snacks.
Go Camping
Are you feeling daring? Then, gather your camping gear and head outdoors. It’s the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend some time bonding with nature and your spouse.
Have a Game Night
Whether you’re into board games, card games, or video games, spending some quality time playing your favorite games is always a blast. So invite some friends over and make it a competition.
FAQs
How Do Couples Split Their Holidays?
Many couples naturally divide their vacations between their respective families. But there are other solutions, too: One partner could always spend the holiday with the in-laws while the other celebrates with their family, or they could alternate years so that each partner has the chance to celebrate with both families.
How Do You Deal With Family Conflict During the Holidays?
If you and your spouse are dealing with family conflict during the holidays, it’s important to communicate openly and honestly about the issue. Work together to come up with a plan that will make everyone comfortable.
Should Married Couples Spend Holidays Apart?
It’s entirely up to the couple. Some couples find that spending holidays apart helps them to appreciate each other more, while others prefer to be together during these special times.
How Often Should Married Couples Go On Vacation?
It’s important to make time for vacations—even if it’s just a few long weekends throughout the year. Vacations give you time to relax and recharge, and they can be a great way to reconnect with your spouse.
How Do You Deal With Toxic Family Members During the Holidays?
If you have toxic family members, it’s important to set boundaries. You might decide to limit the amount of time you spend with them, or you might choose not to see them at all during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Managing holidays and special occasions when you’re married can be a challenge, but it is definitely doable with some organization and communication. By creating a plan together and agreeing on expectations, both partners can have a stress-free holiday season.
If you find yourself struggling to get along or need help mediating disagreements, don’t be afraid to seek out professional help. A therapist may be able to provide the tools you need to manage your relationship during the holidays. We hope that these tips will help you to create happy memories together during the holidays and all year long.
