Holiday time can bring about stressors when unrealistic expectations become the norm. I encourage couples to honestly discuss their feelings related to what expectations each person has during family time at the holidays. Having open discussions can alleviate hurt feelings and angst and can help create an environment where wonderful, warm memories are created. Express yourself to your spouse honestly and openly and an intimate close relationship will ensue even during the stressful holiday season .

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa