The holidays promise joy and togetherness but for many couples, they also bring stress, busyness, and mismatched expectations. In this episode, we're helping you slow down, reconnect, and approach the season with intention. We talk honestly about why couples often drift spiritually and emotionally in December and offer simple, realistic ways to stay grounded in Christ and connected to each other. From aligning holiday expectations to creating meaningful traditions, you'll walk away with practical tools to cultivate peace, gratitude, and unity in your marriage. Whether this season feels exciting or overwhelming, this conversation will help you not just survive the holidays—but truly thrive together.

 

Episode Highlights:

The holidays can magnify an already existing disconnect.

When Christ isn't the center of the holidays and your marriage, both will suffer.

True joy doesn't come from a full schedule.

Quotes from Today's Episode:

When we take our eyes off the true reason for Christmas—Christ—we get caught up in the world's chaos. 

Don't abandon what nourishes your soul just because life gets hectic.

The habits that sustain you all year are even more vital during the holidays.

Keep your year-round rhythms strong—pray together, make time to communicate, and carve out quiet moments as a couple amid the December rush.

Acts of generosity spark joy and deepen your connection.

Intentionality is everything—if you aren't purposeful, the busyness will steal your time and memories. 

Release the pressure to do it all—focus on what brings true joy to your family.

Give yourself permission to let go of traditions that drain you, making room for new ones—or simply space to rest, bake cookies, and enjoy music by the tree.

 

Couple's Conversation Guide:

1. Which part of the holidays tends to be most stressful for each of us, and why?

2. Is there a simple spiritual practice we could commit to together this December?
 

3. Where do our expectations differ when it comes to gifts, gatherings, travel, or downtime?

4. What new tradition could we create this year that fits who we are as a couple right now?

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Awesome Marriage is on Instagram.

• It's not too late to start our Very Married Christmas Couple's Advent Calendar.
• Our Annual Marriage Check Up Guide is the perfect way to assess what's working and set new goals for what's not.

• We gathered all 665 answers, organized them into the top 10 themes, and added 1 practical step for each theme so wives can better meet their husband's needs. 10 Things Husbands Want Their Wives to Understand

• Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. How do we take a season that is often filled with stress and anxiety and turn things around? An Awesome Marriage Christmas goes over four things you can do as a couple to reduce the stress and anxiety of the season and help you focus on Jesus.

• If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at Dr. AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! 

• Speaking of being intentional! Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

• Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our 10 Things Husbands Want.