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Blending Family Traditions
3 Steps to a Terrific Holiday Season
By Sharon Waldrop
"As soon as we get married, we change our roles and positions in our families of origin," Ginsberg says. "We no longer are the children in the family but have begun to create a family of our own. Holidays are a time when this shift becomes particularly evident and we experience a lot of pressure from our families."
Ginsberg says most couples struggle and frequently have conflicts over trying to satisfy – and not hurt the feelings of – their parents and family members. Yet it is important to develop traditions in any new and evolving family.
"Communication is the key to making holiday time meaningful and satisfying," Ginsberg says. "Talking openly with each other is essential. Acceptance and acknowledgement of what's really important and not judging or being critical with each other helps us feel understood and provides the basis for a satisfying outcome. Rather than compromise, I believe that having this kind of understanding between us helps us agree on what is important to us as a couple – and family – and assists us in taking action that we both can agree on. Above all, it's important to keep in mind that what's most important is our relationship with each other."
If your holiday season will include the addition of a new spouse, domestic partner or child, you can make this year one to remember. Continue enjoying your favorite holiday rituals that you have grown accustomed to, but don't forget to open your heart and mind to the new ones generated by the arrival of a special person (or people) in your life.
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