So you’re spending your first Christmas together as a married couple. Congratulations! How can you make this Christmas a special event you’ll remember for years to come?
Your first Christmas together is a chance to set the tone for the coming years of marriage. It also offers a wonderful opportunity for establishing new traditions and making memories you can take through the decades. Most importantly, Christmas is a time to focus on the love you have for one another and the future you’re envisioning together.
We’ve gathered some tips and ideas to help you make this Christmas with your spouse extra memorable. And there’s good news: while your first Christmas is special, you don’t have to be a newlywed to put these ideas into practice. Let’s jump right in!
Combine Favorite Childhood Traditions
Many of us feel nostalgic during the holidays, thanks to childhood traditions that gave the season an extra shot of joy. Why not bring some of your favorite childhood traditions into your Christmases as a married couple? These don’t have to be formal traditions; they can be as simple as watching your favorite holiday movies together or listening to the same Christmas album by a beloved artist.
Think about some of the most meaningful traditions you remember from your childhood, and exchange ideas. Sit down together and make a list of your favorites, then talk about how you might each be able to incorporate these traditions into your Christmas celebrations. Get creative and have fun; this is your chance to set the stage for the years to come.
Adopt a New Tradition That’s Purely Yours
Getting nostalgic is great, but make room for creating or adopting your own new Christmas traditions, too. You and your spouse have an opportunity to make this holiday yours. And, great news: There’s no time limit on creating traditions. The two of you can continue dreaming up ideas each year.
Here are a few questions you can answer to get your ideas flowing:
- Is there a holiday tradition you always wanted to do growing up, but never did?
- Are there historical or religious elements you’d like to bring into your celebrations?
- Do you want to revive long-abandoned family traditions that your grandparents or great-grandparents took part in?
- Are you intrigued by new traditions you’ve never participated in, but would like to?
If you have children, this is also a fantastic way to get them in on the act. Not only are you creating traditions you and your spouse will remember for the rest of your lives; you’re also going to be making memories for and with your kids. As the kids get older, they may want to create traditions of their own for your family to enjoy, too.
Focus on Your Love for Each Other
To truly get your marriage started on the right track, focus on how much you love one another. More than any holiday tradition, your love should always be at the core of your celebrations — and your life. No matter how long you’ve been married, there’s always value in focusing on the basics of your relationship.
This Christmas, get to know one another on a deeper level than ever before. Our book, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, and its accompanying assessment can help you take your understanding of each other to a deeper level than ever before. Learn more here.
If you’re a newlywed, how are you celebrating your first Christmas? Let us know in the comments.
