Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the good ole US of A and most Americans celebrated with a big turkey dinner and all the trimmings. I’ll spare you my conflicted views on the holiday but without question I have a lot to be thankful for and I’m sure most of you do, too. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a big deal in my family and I grew up celebrating it to the nines, right along with Christmas. But my fiance? Not so much. Thankfully we’re pretty much on the same page with these holidays now — at our cores anyway — even if it doesn’t seem like it to outsiders. My future husband isn’t big on huge, screaming labels — on people, clothes or holidays. And I’m beginning to adopt many of the same philosophies he has on the commercialization of the holiday season I cherished as a child. However, that doesn’t mean my family has changed their views and this could potentially be a major problem down the road. YIKES!
We are blessed beyond measure because although it could be, I don’t foresee this being an issue for us. PHEW! Our mothers are flexible and at the end of the day want to see us happy. I believe this also applies to our extended family and close friends. Both of our mothers realize (I think) that their children are marrying and will create our own traditions as we see fit for our lifestyles/household and those may or may not always mirror those we had as children. Don’t get me wrong, I will never paint the picture of my beau and I having a perfect relationship but this is one issue we haven’t had to deal with and should it come up down the road, I think we’re equipped to nip it in the bud quickly. But, I’ve heard some pretty scary stories about in-laws butting heads on family traditions… Especially around this time of year. I mean shucks, Hollywood has made a killing off of romantic comedies tackling this subject alone.
So tell me Triple B, how are you and your fiance addressing this sensitive topic in your relationship? And if you’re already married, was it challenging to merge your family holiday traditions as newlyweds? Single/Divorced/Widowed/In a relationship but not married? I still want your opinion. I imagine children play a big role in this too so weigh in on that factor as well. Sound off in the comments everyone!
It all starts with compromise! Both he and she have traditions each will want to adopt but the new traditions develop as a hybrid sprinkled with modern creativity. I can’t wait for the day!
Yes, Kim! Compromise seems to be key. Thanks for stopping by Triple B.
You are right, I will not butt in but, I don’t see it as a major problem if you don’t celebrate my traditional holidays. I will miss you and especially my grandchildren if you have children but I will still love you regardless.
I Love you, Mommy! And no one and nothing is going to keep you from your (future…time will tell) grandchildren. LOL! They might not necessarily have all the traditional bells and whistles society has come to expect this time of year but the love of family you instilled in me — that will DEFINITELY be passed on to any child of mine.