How To Split Time Between Both Your Families This Holiday Season, Without The Guilt

When you’re in a serious relationship, the holidays can be extra magical. But they can also be extra stressful. Both of you probably come from families with their own holiday traditions and festivities – how do you juggle both?

Maybe that's not the case. Perhaps you're married and have to split time between you and your significant other's fam. It’s impossible to be in two places at once. So, how can you decide whose holiday celebration you’re going to? And how can you do that without the guilt from the family you’re not spending the holidays with? It’s hard for sure. To help you out, here are some tips on how you can split time between both your families this holiday season, according to The Everygirl.

Most importantly, take care of yourself: The holidays can be stressful, especially when dealing with two sets of parents. Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and doing things that make you happy. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or family for support if you need it.

'Tis the season when many of us craft our New Year's resolutions, including aspirations such as adopting healthier habits, reducing social media consumption, abstaining from alcohol, and embracing more home-cooked meals. While these goals are admirable, the recurring nature of such resolutions and the common struggle to stick to them is a familiar tale. Whether one opts for one resolution or a collection of them, why not inject a dose of originality by steering clear of clichés?

The advent of the New Year presents a blank canvas. It's an opportunity to rectify past missteps. New Year's resolutions embody the optimism that the upcoming year will be brighter, symbolizing a departure from the past. Dennis Buttimer, M.Ed., CEAP, RYT, a facilitator at Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont, shared his take on the motivation behind making these resolutions. He stated, "I think most people desire a second chance to enhance the quality of their lives," as shared on Piedmont.org. He mentioned that we are employing a concept known as "self-efficacy." This concept entails that, by setting a goal and actively pursuing it, we gain a sense of control over the events unfolding in our lives.

While the tradition of formulating New Year's resolutions has been around for quite some time, it has evolved. According to the History Channel, the ancient Babylonians, credited with pioneering this practice some 4,000 years ago, observed a different commencement of the year in mid-March, coinciding with the planting of crops. Their 12-day religious festival, Akitu, involved the coronation of a new king or the reaffirmation of loyalty to the reigning one. Interestingly, the Babylonians made pledges to the gods, promising to settle debts and return borrowed items. Fulfilling these commitments was believed to garner favor from the pagan deities for the ensuing year.

Back to the present day: if you want to embrace the tradition of New Year's Resolutions but want to steer clear of the usual ones that people typically lean towards, check out our compilation of non-cliché New Year's resolutions below.

Spice up your palate by trying a new food each month. Whether it's exotic fruits, international cuisines, or local foods. This resolution will take your taste buds on an adventure.

Sending handwritten letters to say thank you is a great way to add a personal touch to your New Year. It's a chance to swap out emails and texts and give someone something tangible. A tangible note carries a special warmth that words on a screen can't replicate.

Unplug and unwind by turning off your phone for one night every week. Enjoy some screen-free time and soak in the real world. It's a resolution you can treat like a mini digital vacation.

Travel somewhere special and savor the experience without the pressure to post. Take a trip without turning it into a social media spectacle. Keep it on the down-low, soak in the adventure, and let your experiences be yours alone. No hashtags needed.

Instead of fixating on future goals, try crafting a reverse bucket list. Jot down and cheer for all the quirky and unexpected things you've already accomplished. It's like a highlight reel of your incredible moments.