For the Single
Do not worry about being single over Christmas. Remember you are free to do whatever you want with your time. Parties, friends, family dancing around the house to Christmas tunes the choices are endless. Make the most of not having to split your time with someone else’s family, this can be a stressful time and you don’t have that problem.
Just Started Dating Someone?
Just because you have just started dating does not mean you have to bring them everywhere with you. You are still getting to know that person and asking them to come to your works Christmas party may not be the best environment to do that. These things are awkward enough without everyone focusing on you and your new date. Your date may be relieved that you don’t ask them and they may be thinking the same think when choosing not to invite you to theirs.
Meeting the Family
You may want to think twice before inviting your date to any family gatherings. Meeting the family is a big step, but to do it all at once can be a little too overwhelming. You may want to wait and get to know your date a little more before they are introduced to everyone. Maybe wait till next Christmas and in the mean time start off introducing them to your immediate family and let your date get to know them in small doses.
Splitting your Time
If you have been dating a while and have the task of arranging your holidays around two families, try to get the arrangement organised well in advance. Think of all the options like using Christmas Eve or maybe New Year to get to see everyone. Trying to cram everything in on Christmas day can lead to tension and maybe even arguments. A possibility can be to go your separate ways and visit your own families until you have had a chance to organise alternating years or establishing new traditions to accommodate the new families.
Brief Your Date
Let your date go into family situations prepared. Warn them of any conflicts (hopefully none), topics to avoid and most important the family names. If you have decided to take the plunge and have your date over for Christmas, help them as much as possible with your family. Try to not leave them alone for too long and help them out with conversation starters. Try to match them with the family members they may get on with the best and then they won’t feel so isolated amongst your nearest and dearest. Remember your family will be looking at your date closely to see if they are good enough for you. The best thing you can do is help them make a good impression.
Look out for your dates needs
If your date has any food requirements, help your family accommodate them. If your partner has a particular liking for something like a morning cup of coffee, but your family only drink tea, maybe get some coffee in so they don’t feel left out. By doing this you partner can see how thoughtful you and your family are and by having some little home comforts they will feel less overwhelmed with the situation.
Go easy on the Alcohol
Its fine to have a drink or two, but don’t go overboard especially if you are trying to make a good impression. You want to be remembered for the right reasons and if your relationship is to last you do not want to be reminded every year of the time you did this and that. If your partner is the one who has a habit of over indulging then ask them if they could make an effort to keep it under control. Suggest having one or two soft drinks for every alcoholic one and that means you don’t have to give up alcohol completely.
Take Care of You
Never forget to look after yourself. With trying to keep everyone happy you must make sure that your needs are met as well. If you have things you like to do like taking long baths, or going for a jog then make it a priority to do those things. Try not to neglect yourself when trying to keep things running smoothly. If you are not happy, then it will reflect in your behaviour and no one will have any fun. This time of year if for you to enjoy as well, not just your date and everyone else.
