Dave and Ashley dive into the joys and challenges of Christmas traditions with their friends Caleb and Stefanie Rouse. The conversation highlights how Christmas can amplify both the happiness and stress in relationships, especially when it comes to navigating in-law dynamics and unmet expectations. Caleb and Stefanie share their own experiences of creating meaningful traditions as a couple while balancing family commitments. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries to protect their time together, which helps them savor the holiday spirit. With playful anecdotes and heartfelt insights, they inspire listeners to embrace the season with gratitude and intentionality, reminding us that the true gift of Christmas lies in connection and presence with loved ones.

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In This Episode:

• Christmas can amplify both joy and stress, so it's crucial to create personal boundaries.
• Setting aside time for just each other during the holidays is vital for marital joy.
• Finding shared interests and creating new traditions can strengthen your relationship during Christmas.
• It's important to manage unmet expectations during the holiday season to avoid disappointment.
• Practicing gratitude for your spouse can significantly enhance your marriage, especially during challenging times.
• Being intentional about your thought life and focusing on the positive aspects of your partner is essential.

Show Notes:

The holiday season often brings both joy and stress, especially for married couples navigating family traditions and expectations. In this engaging discussion, Dave and Ashley invite Caleb and Stefanie Rouse to share their experiences with Christmas and how it impacts their relationship as well as their families. They dive into the dual nature of Christmas — as a time of joy and celebration, but also as a period that can amplify underlying tensions and unmet expectations in family dynamics. The Rouses discuss their cherished traditions, such as cutting down their own Christmas tree and creating new rituals that blend their families’ customs, illustrating the importance of establishing boundaries to ensure quality time together amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Stefanie emphasizes the need to let go of perfectionism during the holidays, advocating for a focus on gratitude and presence rather than getting caught up in the chaos. The conversation touches on the significance of creating personal traditions and how couples can work together to find shared interests that deepen their connection. Caleb shares his reflections on missing his family during the holidays, which adds a layer of emotional depth to their story. The episode resonates with listeners who can relate to the challenges and joys of navigating holiday expectations, making it a timely and relevant exploration of marriage during the festive season.

Links referenced in this episode:

• @daveandashleywillis
• @marriageonthelinepodcast
• daveandashley.com
• stefanieandkaleb.com