It is so important to remember to appreciate your spouse during the holidays.

Due to the stress of the holidays being in full swing, it can be easy to forget the importance of remembering our spouse during the holidays. When we are swamped, we tend to forget that stress impacts our relationships in a major way. It can be hard to stay connected to one another during the holidays. You are running all over the place, trying to figure out gift ideas, dinners, and talking about which in-laws are you going to this year.

Husbands and wives are busy all year round. It doesn’t matter if you both work or one stays home, everyone needs to feel appreciated. Here are some ideas on how to appreciate your spouse during the holidays.

Things that You Can Do to Appreciate Each Other

“We have so many obligations. How do we remain a team during this time of year?”

• Talk more. Tell each other how much you appreciate how much the other person does for you and your family.
• Don’t shop together. It might sound romantic, but with all the crowds, it can make it very stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask your spouse to watch the kids so unnecessary sickness and stress can be avoided.
• Instead of worrying about the perfect gift for each other, try making time for a date night. You can plan something extravagant and new, or lowkey and cozy. What matters is being intentional about spending time together.
• Tell them that you appreciate them and all that they do.
• Help them make dinner. In fact, this can be a great lowkey night.
• Write a handwritten letter that allows you to express your gratitude for them. If you have kids, help them write one for your spouse too. Plan a time when the two of you can just sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and catch up. You’ll be surprised at what’s on their mind, and really listening to him/her can make them feel heard, loved, and appreciated.
• Spice things up in the bedroom. Intimacy is vital to a healthy relationship, so make sure you prioritize this time with your spouse.
• Surprise them with a small treat just because you want to see them smile. It can be a coffee from a coffee shop, or their favorite snack from your run to the store.

How to Appreciate Him

Some people think that men don’t need to hear that they are appreciated. This is false. Men love to feel respected and validated for all of the hard work they do. [1].

• Find that one gift that he’s been talking about or leaving hints for.
• Make him his favorite food.
• Compliment your man on his outfit or his cologne. They need confidence boosters too!
• Give him the day off by encouraging him to go out with friends and do something he wants to do.
• Don’t be afraid to praise all of his work in front of your friends. Brag about him in a social media post.
• Give him some extra affection through a long passionate kiss or a nice long back massage.
• Buy something new to wear in the bedroom for him.
• Take the kids out of the house and let him have alone time
• Give him a “just because” gift.
• Send him a flirty text while he’s at work; don’t be afraid to let him know how much you love and appreciate him.

How to Appreciate Her

Women do a lot every single day to take care of you and the home. Give her a kiss and a long hug, and compliment the work she’s been doing. Working women and women who stay at home both feel stressed and need praise.

• Give her a massage
• Take the kids for a couple of hours so she can take a bath and relax (Bonus points: Bring her wine or her favorite tea to enjoy)
• Hold her hand while you take a walk, or just sitting on the couch
• Write a love letter to her
• Compliment her
• Do her least favorite chore for her
• Make her favorite meal
• Have a meaningful conversation and ask her how her day was
• Give her a “just because” gift
• Let her sleep in [3]

My husband will bring home a cup of coffee for me because he knows I have had a long day. He knows that coffee makes my day after dealing with kids, school, and work.

When my husband had a long day at work, I make sure that I encourage him to take time to himself. Sometimes this is telling him to go for a bike ride. Some nights, it is making sure his favorite dessert is made. Small gestures go a long way when it comes to showing love and appreciation.

It is important to verbally express your gratitude for your spouse in front of your kids. They will pick up on it and express their gratitude too. It will make the dynamic of your family flourish.

There are many things we can do to show our appreciation for the ones we love. Yes, it can be hard, but we need to make time for our spouses and show them how much we love them. Every day is so precious and being selfless by making someone else feel good is one of the best feelings.

Strive to give more than you take. Relationships thrive when you do your best to serve without expecting anything in return. It is hard to be selfless, but the results are worth it. Remember to appreciate your spouse, especially during the holidays.

Written by Jessica Christian, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. Edited by Rebecca Kochanek.

References:

1. https://www.uncommongoods.com/for-him/gifts-for-husbands/gifts-for-husbands?msclkid=da2a7942e32b1594788d249eedba4379&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Gifts%20for%20Him&utm_term=gifts%20for%20%2Bhusband&utm_content=Husband%20Gifts%20%7C%20BMM
2. https://equippinggodlywomen.com/marriage/national-husband-appreciation-day/https://www.symbis.com/blog/10-ways-show-gratitude-spouse/
3. https://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/staying-married/romance-and-sex/30-ways-to-love-your-wife/
4. https://safeharborim.com/
5. https://ourpeacefulfamily.com/appreciating-your-spouse/

Safe Harbor blog posts mentioned in This article:

1. https://safeharborim.com/10-ways-to-stay-mentally-healthy-during-the-holidays/
2. https://safeharborim.com/dreading-family-loss-during-holidays/
3. https://safeharborim.com/self-care-tips-for-the-holidays/
4. https://safeharborim.com/how-can-support-groups-influence-and-help-women
5. https://safeharborim.com/the-power-of-a-hug/
6. https://safeharborim.com/true-love/
7. https://safeharborim.com/10-ways-to-stay-healthy-during-the-holidays/