The holiday season means more than just decorations and gift-giving. It’s a time for family, reflection, and gratitude. And yet, it’s also the season when most people’s travel itch is at its peak. One of the first dilemmas any married couple will encounter is deciding which family to visit. This annual tug-of-war between coasts often results in a fair share of heartfelt discussions and compromises. Does anybody else have this problem or is it just us?
The Holiday Swap: A Balancing Act: Early on, I think even before we were married, we made the decision to split holidays. One year we do Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with Hannah’s family. The next year we do Thanksgiving with Hannah’s family and Christmas with my family. This isn’t law, but it’s a good guideline for us. It helps us plan when we visit our families during the year as well. With family visits spread across Texas & Oklahoma, we have learned the delicate art of managing expectations. We try to make every visit count, balancing time with each family, creating space for quality moments, and ensuring that no one feels neglected, but it’s not easy. We both love our families and want to spend time with them.
Family Dynamics: Love, Laughter, & a Touch of Drama: Visiting family during the holidays is like stepping into a heartwarming, albeit slightly chaotic, sitcom. There are moments of pure joy, laughter, and love, but there can also be those occasional family tensions or mishaps that add a bit of drama to the mix. What’s a family get together without some kind of argument? It’s all part of being a family and we wouldn’t change anything about it. It’s about carving out a space where we can celebrate our unique family amidst the loving chaos of life.
Home Away from Home-Creating a Sense of Belonging: As we move from one family gathering to another, we have mastered the art of making any place feel like home. We always arrive with open hearts and adapt to the customs and traditions of each family. For Hannah’s family that means early mornings out in a deer blind before anybody else is up and then coming home to a house filled with amazing foods and spending the afternoon watching football together. For Chris’ family this means the least amount of work possible, including cooking (if it can be bought made, we’re buying it), but we will focus on games and spending time together. We find joy in the diverse tapestry of traditions that our families bring to the table. Amid the whirlwind of family visits, we try to make it a point to nurture our own traditions. Exchanging holiday gifts, decorating our own Christmas tree, and spending cherished moments together.
There are two types of people in the world: Those who setup for Christmas the day after Halloween and those who until Thanksgiving is celebrated and of course they marry each other. We created our own tradition and setup the day after Thanksgiving (marriage is about compromise right?)
Our journey during the holidays, though sometimes complex, is a beautiful tapestry. It’s not about the destination but the journey itself and the moments created along the way. It’s about creating a sense of belonging wherever we go and honoring the beautiful chaos that comes with visiting family during the holidays.
Through the challenges and joys, we continue to cherish the gift of family and the love that binds them together. Our story is a reminder that the holidays are a time for celebration, reflection, and the creation of enduring memories. Whether in Oklahoma or Texas, our journey is a testament to the unbreakable bonds of family and the power of love to bridge the miles that separate them.