889: Deck the Halls and Drop the Drama
“The holidays don’t cause stress; they just turn up the volume.” —Anonymous
Stress is through the roof for many couples in the ONE Family this holiday season. Between gift shopping, work deadlines, and kids’ schedules, it’s exhausting.
And when it all piles up, two things typically happen: silent resentment or outright conflict.
Here’s how couples in the ONE Family respond to holiday stress:
- 33% freeze up (shut down, withdraw, go silent)
- 23% blow up (fight, yell, explode)
- 11% laugh it off (lighten the mood)
- 32% talk it out (process, plan, connect)
Here’s the reality: 56% of couples either freeze or fight their way through the holidays.
When that becomes your pattern, it erodes emotional and sexual intimacy, breaks down trust, and destroys your ability to work as a team. The holidays become something to survive instead of enjoy together.
So we asked: “If you could change one thing about how your spouse handles the holidays, what would it be?”
Here’s a glimpse into what you said:
- Talk more
- Slow down
- Enjoy each other more
- Help with buying gifts for the kids
The message is clear: “I’m not asking for perfect, but I do need you to be my partner.”
If you’re ready to drop the drama and reclaim connection this Christmas, there are 4 steps we recommend:
- Have a holiday team huddle to discuss plans, gift lists, and family expectations.
- Decide what traditions actually matter. This might be the year to let go of anything that causes more stress than joy.
- Set boundaries with family and make sure you’re on the same page before gatherings.
- Prioritize time for just the two of you.
Don’t get to January feeling disconnected. Instead, invest in your marriage now with the gift of time.
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