The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and let’s be real, a fair share of stress, especially for couples. Between juggling family obligations, holiday shopping, and navigating the endless to-do lists, it’s easy for the spark to fizzle under the pressure.
However, this season doesn’t have to test your relationship. In fact, with the right approach, it can bring you closer than ever. We’ve crafted the ultimate survival guide for couples to keep love alive and stress at bay during the holidays.
During the holiday season, it’s important to prioritise mental downtime and maintain a balance in your relationship with your partner, states Psychology Today. It is suggested that you as a couple blank out a few calendar days to help maintain sanity and support in your relationship.
Additionally, the publication claims that engaging in a sexy gift exchange can boost your libido and stimulate conversation and emotional connection. “Find a sexy item that stimulates conversation and emotional connection and sparks a bit of holiday fantasy. Given the stress of the giving season, your sex life may need a boost.”
We often fantasise about perfect holiday experiences, but it’s important to remember that not everything must be perfect. This holiday season, focus on a few aspects and enjoy the rest, even if it means a slightly imperfect tree.
GQ South Africa mentions that when spending the holidays with your new partner or your partner’s family, you need to respect and embrace different traditions and beliefs. Talk about cultural or religious traditions beforehand to avoid awkward situations and decline invitations.
It advised that you both schedule some alone time, such as a drive or relaxing in bed, to help manage stress and also check in with each other often during the holiday season to show appreciation. “Try not to go into it with certain expectations for how it will go. Whether you’re hoping to reach a certain relationship milestone or receive a specific gift, you’re bound to end up with some disappointment, which can seriously put a damper on the holiday spirit.”
