1. Open Communication
   The foundation of any healthy relationship is open and honest communication.
   During the holidays, it’s important to talk through what you want and don’t want
   from the holidays. This is a time to negotiate what is important to each of you and
   find a way to merge what you each need. Sometimes there are old traditions to
   work through. Remember that each of you may have different preferences, and
   stress triggers. Try to find ways where you can both enjoy the time and make new
   traditions for yourselves. Keep the lines of communication open with your loved
   ones. By sharing your feelings and listening to your partner, you can find common
   ground and compromise for the happiest season ever.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
   Stress often stems from neglecting self-care. Don’t forget to take care of yourself
   amidst the holiday chaos-this is huge. Prioritize activities that help you relax and
   recharge, whether it’s meditation, exercise, reading, or spending time with a close
   friend. When you prioritize self-care, you’ll both be better equipped to handle the
   demands of the season and be more present in your relationships. You can each
   only bring your best to the relationship when you are physically and mentally well.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
   One common source of holiday stress is unrealistic expectations. We tend to
   picture the perfect holiday, complete with flawlessly decorated homes, gourmet
   meals, and harmonious family gatherings. Check yourself… the Hallmark

Christmas Movies are not real! Instead of striving for perfection, you and your
partner have to work as a strong team to set realistic expectations for yourself and
your loved ones. Budget is important. Don’t incur debt to make your holiday
special. There are lots of things you can do to express your gratitude and
appreciation for each other and your loved ones without spending money. Get
creative. One of my favorite gifts ever was a set of homemade coupons for a
carwash, hugs when I really need it, dinner when I am tired, cleaning the bathroom
when I am busy, cutting the grass, etc. Accept that imperfections are a part of life
and that holiday mishaps can make for cherished memories and inside jokes in the
future.

4. Create Boundaries
   Setting boundaries is essential for preserving your mental and emotional well-
   being during the holidays. Decide how much you can realistically commit to in
   terms of social events, gift-giving, and other holiday activities. Don’t be afraid to
   say “no” when necessary and protect your personal time and space. Don’t cancel
   your date night. Keep your team close and remember what priority for your
   relationship is. Communicate your boundaries respectfully to others and encourage
   them to do the same.
5. Share Responsibilities
   If you’re hosting holiday gatherings or responsible for meal preparations, don’t
   hesitate to ask for help. Sharing responsibilities can ease the burden and make the
   holidays more enjoyable for everyone involved. Enlist the help of family members,
   friends, or even consider catering or potluck-style gatherings to distribute the
   workload evenly. It can be a lot more fun when everyone pitches in.
6. Embrace Flexibility
   The holidays rarely go exactly as planned, so it’s essential to embrace flexibility.
   Unexpected challenges can arise, such as travel delays, weather disruptions, or
   last-minute changes in plans. Remember the pandemic? We weren’t even
   “allowed” to have a family gathering! Instead of letting these moments ruin the
   holiday spirit, adapt and find ways to make the best of the situation. Sometimes,
   the most memorable moments come from spontaneous and unplanned experiences.
   Consider an act of kindness by delivering meals to the elderly, volunteering at a
   Blue/Brown Santa event, take a group of kids to see Santa and pop some popcorn
   for a snack! The holidays are a great time to share with your community.
7. Practice Gratitude
   Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the true
   meaning of gratitude. Take time to reflect on what you’re thankful for and
   encourage your loved ones to do the same. Expressing gratitude can shift your
   focus away from stressors and towards the positive aspects of your relationships
   and holiday experiences.
   Every team has to be ready for the game. They spend hours preparing mind and
   body, they don’t just show up unprepared. Your team is just the same. Maintaining
   relationships through the stress of the holidays requires intention, communication,
   and self-care. By setting realistic expectations, creating boundaries, and practicing
   gratitude, you can not only survive the holiday season but also strengthen your
   connections with loved ones. Remember that the holidays are about cherishing
   moments with those who matter most, and appreciating the opportunities you have
   in sharing a lifetime of amazing experiences. With a little effort, you can make this
   season one to remember for all the right reasons.

Eliminate it from our lives, which are shorter
Since we learned to make love for each other
Rather than doing it to each other. As for praise
And worship, I prefer the latter. Only memory

Makes us kneel, silent and still. Hear me?
Thunder scares. Lightning lets us see. Then,
Heads covered, we wait for rain. Dear Lord,
Let me watch for his arrival and hang my head

And shake it like a man who’s lost and lived.
Something keeps trying, but I’m not killed yet.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.