Navigating the Holidays: Expert Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship

The holiday season, with its hustle and bustle, need not add stress to your relationship, says relationship expert Dr. Jacquie Del Rosario in an exclusive discussion with PEOPLE. Del Rosario, a seasoned marriage and relationship coach, shares insights on how couples can navigate the challenges and avoid turning the holidays into a potential nightmare.

 

Acknowledging the joyous yet challenging nature of the season, Del Rosario points out that managing heightened expectations and balancing family obligations can be a significant hurdle for couples. Her key advice is to approach the holidays realistically by openly discussing expectations with your partner. She advocates for creating unique traditions as a couple and cherishing the joy of togetherness over pursuing perfection.

 

According to Del Rosario, one common source of tension among couples during the holidays is deciding where to spend them. Drawing on her expertise, she advises couples to establish a holiday plan early in their relationship, outlining which holidays will be observed and how and where they will be celebrated. Stressing the importance of adapting plans to changing circumstances, she suggests revisiting the holiday plan annually to ensure it aligns with the couple's current lifestyle.

 

Money matters also pose a challenge during the festive season, notes Del Rosario. To avoid letting the holidays dictate spending, she recommends taking charge by establishing meaningful, non-commercialized traditions. Emphasizing the sentimental value of family traditions, she encourages couples to set a budget promptly. This involves open communication with your partner to agree on a specific dollar amount per person or an overall sum to be spent per holiday, with a mutual commitment to sticking to the agreed-upon budget.

 

Del Rosario underscores the significance of prioritizing what truly matters during the holidays—connecting and sharing. Couples, she suggests, can use these principles to strengthen their bond. Small, meaningful rituals like cooking together or taking holiday photos can foster intimacy and togetherness. While acknowledging the value of sharing individual traditions, Del Rosario emphasizes the importance of establishing your own traditions as a couple.

 

Expressing gratitude, prioritizing quality time, and engaging in shared activities are not mere practices but powerful expressions of love and connection, concludes Del Rosario. By focusing on these aspects, couples can navigate the holiday season with a strengthened relationship, turning challenges into opportunities for bonding and creating lasting memories.