‘Tis the season of LOVE {Kansas City Area Wedding Photographers}
’tis the season…the season of love. There is something about the holidays that brings out the love in all of us. It is exciting to see and hear of all the newly engaged couples coming to Christmas Gatherings and announcing they are “ENGAGED”. There is no better way to share such wonderful news than with all of your Family and Friends gathered in the same place. Ernie and I got engaged a few days before Christmas and it was so fun to share with everyone and talk about all the exciting plans spinning in our (my) head!! As far as Ernie was concerned…his job was done! A few years ago my Sister in law and Brother in law got engaged…so exciting to seem them the next day on Christmas and share their excitement.
A small flash back to the many years ago…oh to visit with my 24 year old self and tell her all the things I know now…
fabulous images by banfii.com
(fyi…I “think” matchy matchy was cool then)
Now that we have spent 9 Christmas’s as Mr. and Mrs. Rieke I thought I would share some advice for all of you just starting out…either newly married…or newly engaged!! Juggling the holidays is always tough the first few years…of course YOU want to be with your family…and HE wants to be with his family….and of course each of your mothers INSISTS that you can not by any means miss THEIR Christmas.
1. Take Charge as a couple…have the conversation with each other BEFORE you have it with the mothers and other family members.
2. Have a game plan…just lay it out simply for everyone…We will be here on this day, and here this day, or this time.
3. Be Flexible…every year changes…plans may change…but just be sure you make the changes as a couple!
4. YOU CAN’T BE EVERYWHERE AT the SAME TIME…you just can’t….so don’t try to be. You will never please everyone…so do what works best for the two of you.
Growing up my family had a great system…maybe this will work for you…
Thanksgiving day we spent with my Dad’s Family
The Sunday after Thanksgiving we spent with my Mom’s Family
The Sunday Before Christmas we spent with my Dad’s mom
Christmas Eve was just the four of us
Christmas morning/day we spent with my moms family
Christmas day evening we went to my parents friends house (they played cards…we watched movies)
New Years Day we went to my dad’s dad’s
Smoothly…simple…the same every year. THEN I MET ERNIE…and we began the juggle!! After a few years we have a revised schedule…
It goes a little something like this…
AGGGGHHHHHHHH……
But we plan that ahead of time…so all is good with the world!!
Good luck navigating the holiday’s this season!!
Love ya,
Melissa