The holidays are known for the joy and celebration they bring. But for some couples, it can also be a difficult time. The stress of family gatherings, the financial strain from gift-giving, and the added pressure to have a perfect holiday can all take a toll on relationships. You may relate to the feeling of wanting to escape it all or even feeling hopeless.
But during this time, it's important to remember the reason for the season and make room for Jesus in every aspect of our lives. Including our relationships. As a Catholic couples counselor in Nashville, TN, I understand the challenges that can arise during the Christmas season. That's why in this blog, I want to offer support and guidance for you and your spouse.
Understanding the Christmas Season
It's easy to get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas. The constant bombardment of advertisements, sales, and gift-giving can make it hard to focus on what really matters. As Catholics, we know that the birth of Jesus is at the heart of this holiday. But do we truly take the time to reflect and understand its significance?
Advent, the period leading up to Christmas, is not just about remembering Jesus' first coming. It's also a time of preparation for his return. However, you and your spouse are so busy with work, holiday preparations, and other responsibilities that it can be challenging to make time for spiritual reflection. But how can you when you are feeling so overwhelmed and stressed?
How to Find Joy in the Christmas Season
Despite the challenges of this season, it is also a time for great joy, expectation, and fun. As we celebrate Jesus' birth and his love for us, we can also find joy in our relationships with our spouses. This is especially important during difficult times. Remember that Jesus was born into humble beginnings, and he understands our struggles.
Advent is supposed to be joyful whereas Easter is meant to be somber and mournful. But it almost seems as if it's the other way around. Easter gets the bright colors, cheerful decorations, and happy songs. Meanwhile, Advent is overshadowed by the commercialization of Christmas. It's hidden behind all of the anxiety and stress that comes with this season. But looking for the joy and hope of Advent can help you cope with these challenges. These can be moments of reflection, prayer, and quality time with your spouse. Or times when your children can hear the true story of Christmas.
Making Room for Jesus in Your Relationship
As a couples counselor, I often see how external factors can strain relationships during the holiday season. Anxiety from work, family dynamics, and financial pressure can all put a strain on your marriage. But there's also the added pressure of finding the perfect gifts for your spouse and loved ones. All of this can leave little room in your heart, mind, and relationship for Jesus.
Your marriage can then take a backseat to the business of Christmas. This may not only cause tension between you and your spouse but can also affect your spiritual connection. Ascension Press offers wonderful devotionals and materials that can help guide you toward making room for Jesus in your relationship while also making sure you're not focused on the commercialization of Christmas.
Suggestions for Couples in Nashville
As a Catholic couples counselor based in Nashville, TN, I highly recommend incorporating the true meaning of Christmas into your holiday celebrations. It not only helps you and your spouse keep your eye on the prize but also sets an example for your children. It also allows for more time to truly connect with your spouse and strengthen your relationship.
Set Aside Time For Spiritual Reflection
When the holidays are one after another from November to January, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But taking the time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas can help you and your spouse find peace amidst all the chaos. This can be done through prayer, attending mass, or reading devotionals together. You can even watch your favorite Hallmark movie that is centered around the true spirit of Christmas.
Decorate With Purpose
Make room for Jesus in every room of your house by having icons and other religious decorations in each room of your house. This can serve as a reminder to you and your family that Jesus is the reason for the season. Consider setting up a nativity set in each room or displaying icons specific to Advent. Not only will this add to the festive atmosphere, but it will also help your children remember the true meaning of Christmas. For example, even decorate your children's playroom with religious decorations and toys.
Emphasize Three Gifts For Your Children
In the spirit of Jesus receiving three gifts from the wise men, consider giving your children three meaningful gifts. This can serve as a reminder that Christmas is not just about receiving material possessions but also about the love we share with one another. You can even give them gifts that relate to the story of Christmas, such as frankincense, gold, and myrrh. A more modern take could be giving them one gift for reading, one for wearing, and one they asked for.
Communicate With Your Family
Not everyone is going to have the same values or beliefs as you and your spouse. This may lead to family members giving your children gifts that don't align with the true spirit of Christmas. Politely communicate with them about your wishes for your children's gifts, but also remember to be grateful for their love and generosity. Explain to them that gifts are okay but emphasize the importance of remembering and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
Serve Others Together
Christmas is a season of giving and serving others. This can be a great way for you and your spouse to bond while also instilling the values of charity and compassion in your children. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, donate gifts to families in need or simply spend time with loved ones who may feel lonely during this time of year. Serving others together can bring you closer as a couple and allow your family to experience the true joy of giving.
Seeking Support if Needed
The holiday season can be overwhelming for everyone, especially if you and your spouse are facing challenges in your relationship. There can be many reasons for anxiety, stress, and tension during this time all of which can affect your relationship and the dynamics within your family. This is where seeking the support of Catholic couples counseling in Nashville, TN can be beneficial. It provides a safe and supportive space for you and your spouse to communicate, address challenges, and strengthen your relationship.
In Catholic couples counseling, the focus is not just on improving communication and resolving conflicts. It also incorporates spiritual guidance and principles to help you and your spouse grow closer to each other and God. This type of therapy can be particularly helpful during the holiday season when there's a lot of external pressure that can affect your relationship. Your Catholic couples counselor in Nashville, TN can guide you and your spouse toward a more fulfilling and spiritually connected relationship, even during the busiest time of the year.
Advent is a time for joy, love, and giving. But it's also a time when you can easily get caught up in the commercialization of Christmas leaving you and your spouse feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. But by seeking Catholic couples counseling in Nashville, TN, and incorporating the true meaning of Christmas into your celebrations, you can create a more meaningful and spiritually fulfilling holiday season for you and your family.
CELEBRATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP AND YOUR FAITH THIS CHRISTMAS WITH CATHOLIC COUPLES COUNSELING IN NASHVILLE, TN
Christmas is a time to celebrate love, and what better way to do that than by strengthening your relationship with your spouse and deepening your faith in Jesus. Don't let the busyness of the holiday season consume you and your marriage. Instead, make room for Jesus in every aspect of your life and allow Him to guide you toward a more fulfilling and connected relationship with your spouse. With the support of a Catholic couples counselor in Nashville, TN, you can navigate the challenges of the holiday season and create a stronger, more spiritually grounded relationship with your spouse. At Vitus Counseling, Stu Cook is committed to helping Catholic couples in Nashville, TN find healing, growth, and joy in their relationships. Don't hesitate to reach out for support during the holiday season and beyond. Remember, the true spirit of Christmas is found in love and connection with those we hold dear. Follow these simple steps:
Contact me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or (615)-709-5779.
Set up a free consultation call and learn more about my approach to counseling.
Celebrate this Christmas with a deeper connection to your spouse and your faith!
ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT VITUS COUNSELING
At Vitus Counseling, I offer a range of counseling services to support couples and individuals in Nashville, TN. I understand that there can be many reasons for seeking counseling, and each individual's journey is unique. That's why I offer tailored therapy services to help you address your specific needs and concerns. At my Tennessee practice, I offer a variety of therapy and counseling services to help you and your family find peace, healing, and growth. These services include Catholic counseling, anxiety counseling, treatment for OCD, depression treatment, ADHD treatment, addiction treatment, trauma/PTSD treatment, Brainspotting, and marriage counseling. Vitus Counseling is located in Brentwood, TN outside of Nashville. However, I also offer online counseling to anyone in the state of Tennessee. You and your spouse deserve to feel connected, supported, and at peace this holiday season. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
