How to Create Rituals Around the Holidays for Gay Couples
- 1). Discuss with your partner, well in advance of any holidays, which occasions are the most important for the two of you as a couple.
- 2). Talk about the holidays that might bring up clashes within your partnership, such as Christmas if one of you is Jewish and the other is Christian.
- 3). Discuss how you as a couple will spend holidays that you value equally, such as New Year's Eve or Independence Day. Will you only celebrate together as a couple? Will you include your families? Friends? Both?
- 4). Realize that you may spend holidays apart, either due to personal beliefs or family tradition. This is OK; it should enrich your time together as you share your experiences of the occasion once you're back home.
- 5). Clarify your family's position on including your partner in holiday celebrations, and vice versa. Don't waste your time trying to force a happy occasion on people if they are not willing to have a good time.
- 6). Visualize with your partner how holiday celebrations will look. Include all important logistical information. Will you, your partner, both of you, or family members travel during the holidays? Who will prepare holiday meals? Who will host a holiday celebration in their home?
- 7). Identify and celebrate nontraditional holidays specific to your and your partner's interests. These may include the opening of baseball season, Halloween or the Academy Awards.
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