128 / 132
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M
126
R E C E P T I O N & E V E N T G U I D E
Two people. Two families. So, figuring out where to spend the holidays
can get quite complicated for couples. The key is to get started early on
your planning, know that you will have to compromise, and try to think of
strategies that won’t leave you exhausted and miserable.
Here are six solutions to help you get started.
SPLIT THE LOCALS
If her parents and his parents both live in the same city, try the “Four
Christmases” approach and spend Christmas Eve with one and Christmas
day with the other. If either or both set of parents is divorced (and it isn’t
too crazy-making), you also could split each of these days into brunch and
dinner.
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Include Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, and/or
Easter or Passover in the pool of holidays, divide them among the parents,
and then switch them the following year.
ALTERNATE YEARS
Whoever gets hosed this year gets the plum holiday next year. It’s a smart
choice for couples who live far away from their families, and/or those who
have three or four sets of parents.
NEGOTIATE A MAKEUP DAY
Burnt out on all the winter travel? Schedule a special visit with one set of
parents for some other time during the year, such as spring or summer
break.
MAKE THEM TRAVEL TO YOU
Do the families get along? Do you have space in your home? Can you get
enough liquor to provide you strength for their visit? If so, consider the
grown-up move of hosting both families.
JUST SAY NO – TO EVERYONE
Your parents had to deal with you learning to drive a car, going on dates
and leaving the nest. You starting your own holiday traditions in your own
home is just the next chapter.
© CTW Features
6 expert tips for getting your family
Navigating the Holidays