It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays can also be one of the most stressful periods regardless of your relationship status.
Between finding decent gifts for all your friends and relatives and dealing with your romantic and family relationships, you could almost be forgiven for wanting to curl up under your Christmas tree and sleep through the festive season.
But because this is the season of giving, we’re here to offer some basic – but handy – tips on handling the holidays, whether you’re single, dating or married. And if all else fails, we say put on some Christmas carols, settle in with a glass of eggnog and remind yourself that the new year’s almost here.
SINGLE
1. Rejoice and relax
While your peers who are dating or married are busy striking compromises with their other halves on fulfilling each other’s familial obligations, you, my swinging single friend, are free to do anything you choose. Whether it’s enjoying a calming yoga class, chilling by the beach with a mojito and a magazine, or eating an entire box of chocolates by yourself as you overdose on sitcoms, you can take this opportunity to bask in the glow of your drama-free life and reconnect with yourself.
2. Indulge in a little pampering
Because you don’t have to spend an exorbitant sum of money on toys for your brood or the latest tech gadget for your man, why not use the holidays as an excuse to splurge a little extra dough and and get yourself a new haircut, a ridiculously hot dress, super sexy shoes or all of the above. Show up to a party feeling fabulous and relish the fact that you didn’t have anyone telling you that your purchase was a waste of money or that you already have enough of those.
3. Get ready to mingle
If you think you’re the only one who’s single for the holidays, think again. There has never been a better time to meet people, whether it’s at a dinner party or the office mixer. After all, who can resist falling in love when the air is thick with good cheer? So go to every party you’re invited to, look fabulous wearing your new dress (see point 2) and spread a little holiday joy to someone else who’s looking for love as well.
DATING
1. Plan with your man
Have your holiday schedules planned well in advance so you’ll avoid last-minute arguments about who to visit and where you’re supposed to be spending your time. Keep in mind that you cannot be everywhere at once, but you can spend an hour each at a few different places.
2. Laugh it off
Forget the “perfect” holiday. The holidays are a stressful enough period as it is, so if you didn’t receive the gift of your choice or if the dinner he whipped up didn't quite live up to your expectations, laugh about it instead of turning it into World War III. Remember that the holidays are really about being with friends and family, so focus on connecting with your partner more than getting everything picture perfect.
3. Score brownie points
Give each other a heads up on your family traditions and dynamics so neither of you are caught by surprise when your parents start belting out carols or if your siblings aren’t talking to one another. Also take your PDA cues from him when around his family; don’t reach for his hand or kiss him around his parents until he shows that he’s comfortable with it.
MARRIED
1. Be sentimental
If you find yourself at odds with your husband during the holidays, stop for a moment and remind yourself of all the reasons why you love him. And don't just keep those thoughts to yourself; let your partner know how you feel. The holidays are a wonderful time to tell your partner how he has touched your life, and re-igniting the love and passion you feel for each other in the midst of all the holiday stress could lead to some very satisfying holiday sex.
2. Make time for each other
You may not have the time to breathe or eat in between all the holiday festivities, let alone squeeze in a date night, but spending quality time together is important and should be planned for. If you can't get out of the house or find a babysitter, stay in. Set the kids up with a movie and lock yourself in the bathroom with your partner for a bubble bath, or have a glass of wine together as you bake gingerbread cookies with the kids.
3. Stay in the moment
With so much going on during the holidays, it can be easy to get caught up in the weeks of festivities and let smaller issues such as not having enough patterned napkins stress you out. Such incidences really take a toll on your relationship, and a curt remark could very quickly escalate into a full-blown argument. Do your best to take the holidays moment by moment and deal with situations that are here and now, not imaginary what-ifs in the future.