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How
to turn a family visit into a mini-vacation
from How
to Have A Romantic Holiday
You know what waits ahead. The family that you haven’t
had the chance to visit much in the past weeks or even months.
The conversations. The eating. The focus, not on each other,
but on the reunion of a family for the holidays.
It’s a situation that can make even the most secure couple
a little uncomfortable and, for those new in a relationship,
can be downright terrifying.
But you can experience a holiday get-together and find a little
time for just you two, no matter how big the crowd.
"We had no choice but to stay with my parents over the
holidays," says Claudia, 29. "I really wanted to visit
them and they love my husband, Chad, but I also wanted us to
have some time together."
The solution? Claudia and Chad worked to squeeze in some quality
time together, alone, during the holidays. "We were at
my parents’ house almost a week so it wasn’t that
big a deal to get some time apart," recalls Claudia. "I
don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before! One
afternoon, Chad and I took a long, long walk after lunch. We
walked all through my old neighborhood together and he asked
me about growing up. I think it really brought us closer together."
Other couples find other ways to bring some quality time to
the holidays. Consider these ideas:
Offer to run errands. The two of you can go to the grocery
store, rent some movies, buy last minute gifts...whatever it
takes to get a little breathing room.
- Plan a day trip together. Are there some locations
near your holiday home base you’d like to visit? If your
stay extends over the holidays, plan a day trip (or even an
afternoon getaway if time’s tight) to do a little museum
visiting or park strolling.
- Treat this visit like any other vacation. Yes, you
are staying with relatives but that doesn’t have to be
the sole focus of the trip. Before your trip, call the Chamber
of Commerce or local Convention and Visitors Bureau or check
out tourism websites. Plan your trip much like you’d
plan another vacation.
- Squeeze in a little mini-vacation. If the two of
you are driving to your holiday get-together, consider leaving
a day early to work a little pre-trip vacation into the equation.
Play tourist for the day. Rent a hotel room for the night
or cozy up together in a romantic B&B.
- When you are alone, use your time wisely! Here’s
your chance to relive your teen days. Make out in the car,
sneak a kiss in the grocery aisles; the only limit is your
imagination!
Next Page: Establish
your own traditions
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