Home for the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year to share in traditions or create new ones. Where you spend them makes them all the more meaningful. Now that you're engaged, you may wonder where you will be celebrating this year and for years to come. Families celebrate holidays differently, so it's a good idea to talk to your fiance about his traditions and vice versa. Learning from each other about your past holiday experiences, what you enjoy about them, what you definitely want to keep doing, or what new traditions you would like to start practicing is an important conversation to have. It will help you understand each other's needs better and may also give you a clue as to where you might end up celebrating the holidays.

Both families will likely want you to visit during certain holidays. So how do you choose? In addition to knowing how each of you feel, try to understand each family, as well. Who you will spend various times of the year with will depend on geographic location, finances, work schedule, family and social commitments, and other factors. It can be challenging, but attempting to celebrate with both families at some point during the year will be appreciated respectively. If that's not possible, alternating visits yearly with each side for different holidays is another possibility. And yet another, may be inviting family to spend a holiday with you, as you and your future husband begin new traditions together. Mutually deciding on how and where you will celebrate is key to your holiday happiness. Explaining to your parents or future in-laws about your holiday plans is equally important. Let them know your reasoning and how important they are to you regardless of where you will be.  Plus, you can practically be in the same room via Skype or other video conferencing, send special gifts, or be creative in other ways to include family. Remember that with the right mindset and a bit of creativity, you can experience meaningful moments wherever you are.