John Thurman's Resilient Solutions Shortcast

Four Practical Ways To Protect Your Marriage During The Holidays

John Episode 85

Holiday plans look perfect on paper—until the calendar crowds out connection. We unpack a simple, human blueprint for navigating December without sacrificing your marriage: turn toward each other in small, daily ways, share the load with clarity, offer real encouragement, and build margin so you can breathe. Along the way, John shares a lighthearted story about Christmas lights, unspoken expectations, and how a quick conversation can shift the mood of the whole house.

We start with the power of tiny rituals: five minutes on the couch, a quiet morning coffee, a short prayer or devotional that recenters the relationship before the day races ahead. From there, we get practical about teamwork: listing holiday tasks, dividing by strengths, and using a shared plan to prevent resentment. Encouragement takes center stage with simple phrases that carry outsized impact, plus ways to use eye contact, tone, and appropriate touch to communicate respect and gratitude when stress runs high.

Finally, we make a case for margin. You’ll hear how to decide which traditions to keep, which to simplify, and how to build buffers into travel, hosting, and family events. The goal isn’t doing more; it’s doing what matters most with a calmer heart. Whether you’re juggling kids’ concerts, office parties, or cross-country flights, these four strategies help you create a season marked by peace, presence, and genuine connection.

If this conversation encourages you, share it with a friend, subscribe to more resilient relationship tools, and leave a review to help others find the show. Which strategy will you try first?

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