The Holiday season is here and it involves decorations, holiday parties, and, now that you’re married, in-laws. As the festive days approach, it can get a little overwhelming when trying to juggle the newly married life, wish lists, holiday cooking, dinner parties, and keeping your house organized. Here are some tips to keep you calm, organized and enjoying this special time.
Make a plan
As newlyweds, this holiday season may involve visiting many people or having a revolving door of dinner guests at your table. The best thing to do is talk to your partner and plan out the days to have guests and days to go out. By making a schedule you’ll avoid last-minute preparations and stress.
- Don’t give in to pressure. Make sure you talk over with your spouse the kind of holidays you’re envisioning. The Huffington Post suggests that you and your spouse present a united front and agree on arrangements that are fair and reasonable. Sharing time with in-laws might mean making some concessions.
- Feel in control of your new family. Set the limits and leave enough time for you and your spouse to celebrate together.
- Understand that you can’t please everybody. You might have lots of people inviting you over, but being honest about your availability is important to keeping yourself from becoming overwhelmed. Remember, it’s okay to say no.
Make a list
Lists are not only great tools, but they are one of the best tools against a last-minute rush and reaching panic mode. Chances are if you’ve just married, your family grew in size overnight. So you don’t just have to worry about gift lists, but people to visit, in-laws to spend time with etc. Make separate lists and organize yourself. Consider using holiday planners:
- Family members gift list
- Potential guests for dinner
- Budget for the holidays
- Calendar of specific dates and events
The New Environment
There is nothing more exciting than having your first holiday season as a couple and making your home a very special place. This is your chance to create an environment that is entirely your own and begin (or continue) your family traditions. Take this Christmas to decorate how you want and get creative. Don’t forget safety practices:
- Check lights for frayed wires
- Avoid hammering nails into electric wire
- Turn off lights before bed or when you’re away for long periods of time
- Ensure indoor lights are not touching drapes, furniture or carpeting
- Be creative with decorations, you can consult online resources to get ideas of homemade, low-budget decorations
- Start your own holiday traditions!
Hosting
According to The Knot, here are a few good tips for hosting your first party as a newlywed couple and how to wine and dine your guests with ease:
- Stick with what you know. It might not be the time to experiment with really exotic recipes that you’ve never tried. Prepare a dish you’re comfortable with.
- Consider your utensils. As a newlywed, you might have limited place settings and utensils, so make sure to plan and prepare adequately.
- Have fun, relax have a drink!
- Thinking of hosting an elaborate holiday party? Call your Las Vegas wedding planner. If they made your wedding day perfect they can also help you with other life events such as holiday parties, baby showers, birthdays and more!
Your Wishlist
With your new extended family, it’s a great opportunity to make a wish list of things that can really come in handy. Some great wishlist ideas include practical and necessary items that can make a great addition to your home:
- Kitchen and other practical knives
- Kitchen appliances
- Indoor plants
- Dish set
- A programmable coffee maker
Marriage is a wild ride in many respects, but navigating your first holiday season may not have been something you’d previously considered. Like everything else, it’s often more complicated than it looks, but with a few key tips, you’ll have a smooth ride. The best way to remain stress-free and enjoying this special time is to make a plan, set your boundaries and cherish the new chapter in life.
Article by Guest Writer: Julie Morris
Ms. Morris is a life and career coach who strives to help others live the best lives that they can. She believes she can relate to clients who feel run over by life because of her own experiences. Ms. Morris spent years in an unfulfilling career in finance before deciding to help people in other ways.
