Christmas 101: So many commitments… where do I start? 18-12-2019
By: Marjorie Ariza
The commitments to go out and spend time with people in this time of holidays can become a headache and generate many conflicts if we do not establish a balance and priorities. No matter if you are single, engaged, married, divorced in each of these statuses, the holiday season needs planning to flow better.
If you are single: Ideally, share important dates for your family of origin with them, if possible. Find your network of friends, or try to identify how you would feel more comfortable enjoying these dates (on a trip? Staying at home to invite friends who are in a similar situation as yours?
If they have a stable relationship, or are newlyweds, it would not be so complicated by the fact of the novelty and wanting to share with both families and mutual friends, but at the same time commitments tend to double.
If they are married and have children, it is even more complex. The moment of gifts is added and as the family grows and related, the exhausting journeys of going to take and look for gifts emerge, in addition to family celebrations and social commitments. So they also add more expenses.
In the case of divorcees it is quite delicate and individual. The important thing here is that everyone attends to their family commitments in order to receive that affection that we all need and at the same time attends to their social commitments. When young children are involved, taking away from the agreements outlined in their divorce papers is ideal unless they are planned in advance and make adjustments and changes as they define.
To avoid conflicts especially if we are in a relationship
- Talk to your family members to determine what parties families will celebrate.
- Talk as a couple to plan and define which one you will attend. And keep a balance between the two families. So it is fair for both of us and also the little ones are learning from the example. Ideal to be able to be on one of the important dates with one family and the other date with the other.
- Be prepared for any questions you will be exposed to.
- Prepare a budget for gifts.
- Choose social commitments according to the preference of both.
- Save time just for yourself where you can enjoy your own company.
- Take time also to rest.
