Surviving the Holidating Season

It's the season of love, generosity, joy to the world, peace on earth . . . and, of courses, the added pressures of shopping for loved ones, holiday parties and Christmas plans with the family.  Not to mention, there's that special someone you have recently met and want to get to know a bit better.

The holiday season can easily push two people towards coupledom too soon or it can let a new spark fizzle out due to other commitments.

So, what is the right holiday protocol? After three months of dating, should you invite someone home to Alberta where your mother will inevitably express her desire for grandchildren while passing the cranberries?

Or will your date get the wrong idea and assume things are getting serious? On the other hand, if they are not invited, they might be offended and think you don't care. What do you do?

In our experience, the top three issues that cause issues during the holidays for couples -- no matter how long you have been dating -- is gift giving, family dinners and party etiquette.

Our advice for how you handle it comes down to two things: how long you have been dating and how you see the current situation.

FIRST THREE MONTHS
Spend Christmas with your family and call him or her from home. It's too early to expect that you will spend the family-oriented holiday together.

THREE TO SIX MONTHS
Bring them to a friend's house or holiday mixer, but it may be a bit early for meeting the parents if they live out of providence.  However, if you all live in the same region, it is probably okay to invite them over Christmas dinner. Feel it out.

SIX MONTHS PLUS
If your family hasn't met your new honey, now is the time. It can be a bit nerve wracking and you might not have much of an appetite -- so be prepared. If you are invited to a family event, be on your best behavior, dress appropriately and volunteer to do the dishes.

Will there be issues? Sure. The mark of a strong couple isn't in the number of problems they face but in how they face those issues. A strong couple can work through the stressful periods and emerge closer than ever. Think of this as just a couple test that you will pass with flying colors.