Principle #3: Be creative.
Be willing to “think outside of the box” as you try to make fair and equitable holiday decisions. After all, there’s no rule book that sets down unbreakable guidelines you have to adhere to. So use your imagination. Maybe you could each see your families separately, then carve out some time when you do something special for just the two of you. Or maybe you take a “three-point trip” where you see first your family then your partner’s before heading home. Or pick a neutral location where you invite both sides. Or stay where you are and have both families come to you. Just don’t fall into the trap of thinking that there are only two options to choose from, either of which is going to leave at least one of you upset. Instead, challenge yourselves to plan the holidays in a way that feels good to both of you and that’s good for your relationship.