The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year for many people. If your marriage is strained and leading to divorce, adding house guests to the mix can be devastating. Luckily, there are techniques you can use to make the most of the visit from your in-laws during the holidays.

Holiday conflicts often reflect the struggles couples face throughout the year. Ashley and Jack have been arguing about the distribution of work leading up to the holidays. From who makes plans and grocery shops to who cleans the house and takes care of the kids, there’s no shortage of work. Their bickering intensifies when Ashley’s in-laws arrive a few days before the holidays. They believe Ashley should take care of the house and kids, and can’t understand why Jack isn’t able to relax with them more. While they don’t intend their comments as a personal attack against Ashley, undoubtedly, this added pressure will intensify the fighting between the couple, creating an even bigger rift. It could be a very long visit.

Here are three tips to help you make the most of the time with your in-laws during the holidays.

Adjust Your Expectations

When you have guests in your home during the holidays, including your in-laws, it’s important not to expect everything to go the same way it does with your own family. If you expect everything to be perfect, you will feel let down.

Instead, adjust your thinking in advance. Acknowledge that things might not go according to plan and that it’s ok to do things a little differently. When you approach the situation with an open mind, a visit from your in-laws during the holidays won’t seem as devastating.

Incorporate Their Traditions

While you may have your heart set on recreating your childhood holidays, it’s important to cater to your guests, too. Incorporate some of your spouse’s favorite family traditions. This can go a long way toward building goodwill with your in-laws during the holidays.

Something as simple as hanging a few of their decorations on your tree or letting your mother-in-law prepare an appetizer for an important meal can make a big difference.

Take Time for Yourself

Don’t be shy about taking a break when you need it. Dealing with your in-laws during the holidays can take its toll on you. You won’t be at your best if you’re stressed out or angry.

Make a plan to go for a walk by yourself or take your kids to the park to give yourself some breathing room. Taking time to collect yourself  can make it much easier to deal with your in-laws during the holidays.

Consider Your Options After the Holidays

Problems with in-laws during the holidays can put a strain on even the strongest marriage.  This is amplified if your marriage is already on rocky ground.  We often hear from couples that the holidays put so much strain on their marriage that it’s time for a divorce.

Collaborative divorce  allows you and your spouse to work through your issues outside of a courtroom so that you can resolve your divorce as quickly and painlessly as possible. It’s a family-first approach to divorce that focuses on mutually agreeable solutions. You and your spouse will have access to a group of professionals, including attorneys, communication specialists and neutral financial professionals. Each of these people will help lay the groundwork for your future while keeping your family in mind.

If you’re ready to begin your divorce, contact the professionals at Best Legal Choices today.