How to Survive The Holidays Once You’re Married

Hi guys! So you’ve probably noticed that I’ve shared new blog posts two days in a row now, when normally I only post every Tuesday and Thursday or Friday. Now that the holidays are right around the corner, I have SO much good content to share with you and I don’t want to short you! So from now until after Christmas, I’m going to try my hardest to post at least 3 new posts a week! You’ll be seeing things like product reviews, outfit inspo, ALL the gift guides you could want, holiday recipes, and maybe even some home decor!

ALSO: I’m planning on sending out exclusive holiday content to my email subscribers starting next Friday, November 16! Don’t worry, I won’t send more than one of those emails a week, not trying to be spammy, just helpful! Those emails will include weekly sale roundups to help you along with your holiday shopping, as well as other exclusive holiday content you won’t want to miss! So if you haven’t signed up for my emails yet, you can do that right below this text, or at the very bottom of this and any other page on my blog!

Now that you’re in the know, lets get to today’s blog topic, aka my first holiday blog post of 2018! I really can’t believe it’s that time of year again. I thought I would kick off holiday season with a post about family and how my husband and I are learning to survive the holidays now that we’re married. Of course, when I say survive, it’s really just a funny way to say how we’ve learned to deal with the holidays as a married couple who has family all over the map. Not only that, but as two individuals who grew up with different traditions and expectations for the holidays. This might get lengthy, but I think it’s important, so get comfy friends!

In this post I’ll talk about:

• What my expectations were for the holidays as a married couple
• What the holidays actually look like as a married couple
• How we’re learning to deal with the holidays together

**This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission from purchases made through those links. Thank you for your support!

My Expectations For The Holidays as a Married Couple

So, we’ve all seen the cute romantic Christmas movies, on Hallmark or otherwise. Everyone tends to live in a small little town with their entire family and Christmas is easy and perfect, the end. Well, that’s not exactly how it goes, but you get the picture. I guess I never really gave much thought to what the holidays would actually look like, or that they would be so different once I was married. I’ve always lived in a small town, close to all of my family, and it was just easy. Everyone always knew where we were going for which holiday and I kind thought it would always be that way. Spoiler alert, unless you marry someone from your hometown and their family also lives there, it won’t work out that way haha.

What the Holidays Actually Look Like As a Married Couple

So far, it’s been different every year that we’ve been together. Especially as a military couple, it’s highly likely that no two years will be the same for us. Kevin’s family lives in Atlanta now and mine is in Mississippi so it’s not like we can jump in the car and be there in an hour. It takes a decent amount of planning. The year we got engaged, we had Thanksgiving by ourselves in our tiny little apartment, spent Christmas with my parents, and New Years with Kevin’s. Last year, our first real married holiday, we went to my grandmother’s for Thanksgiving and had both of our parents come to our house in Little Rock for Christmas.

Even though we had all of our families together at Christmas, it was SO hard for me. I was used to waking up at my parents’ house, waiting for my brother to come get me to open presents. Then we would get dressed, take a few photos, and head to my grandmother’s for the day. Predictable. And everyone that should be there was usually there. Not only that, but I am, unfortunately, a major people pleaser and was SO worried about hurting someone’s feelings or not being able to give them as much time as the next person. So yeah, the change was hard and I was pretty emotional about it last year. Now Kevin and I are learning to start our own traditions together while still incorporating what we’re used to from growing up. We’re also learning to balance time spent with each of our families.

How We’re Learning to Survive the Holidays Together

So how are we learning to handle the holidays now that we’re married? Compromise. Sharing is caring. After all, marriage in itself takes a fair amount of compromise, right? As hard as it was to balance at first, we’re getting used to sharing time with both of our families. More importantly, we’re learning to be less of people pleasers and more focused on each other for the holidays. When it comes to family time, one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to make sure everyone in the family is on the same page well before the holidays even get here. Communicate where you plan to spend which holiday and how long you plan to be there so there is no misunderstanding or hard feelings.

We are so lucky to have families that don’t make us feel guilty about however the holidays may work out. If you aren’t quite as lucky, just know that the most important things are that you’re together and that the two of you are in agreement on where and how you spend the holidays. Make new memories and traditions together, and just enjoy the time. It can still be the most wonderful time of the year! In the end, the holidays aren’t about where you are, but who you’re with, so never lose sight of that!

Related: Why It Doesn’t Have to be the “Best Christmas Ever”

Shop the Outfit: Cozy Turtleneck Top | Pleated Skirt (similar) | Boots | Hat | Bag

About the Outfit

This outfit would be a great option for your upcoming holiday festivities and even Christmas card photos! The top is so cozy and warm, I wear it at least twice a week. It’s from Aerie and it comes in three other great colors. I’m wearing a size small, and it still has an oversized fit, which I love. It goes great with jeans and is long enough for leggings too! The skirt is a few years old, but it has stood the test of time and trends. It also has an elastic waist, so it’s Thanksgiving dinner approved! I’ll be sure to link some similar pleated skirts that would be great for the holidays.

xo