The holidays can be a time of joy and celebration. However, for those in interfaith couples, it can be a stressful time. You and your partner take part in different religious traditions which can make it hard to agree on how to celebrate. Plus, how do you honor everyone’s religious beliefs and individual holidays at the same time? Especially when there is Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstices, and Kwanzaa all at once? In this blog, a couples therapist in Atlanta, GA gives advice on how to navigate the holiday season as a couple with different faiths.
Look at This as a Chance to Learn More about Your Partner
Instead of feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, try to look at this as an opportunity to learn more about each other’s faith and religious traditions. To even learn more about your partner and maybe even your own faith. Try attending services or ceremonies of both faiths, and learning about traditions. Perhaps, even the history of each faith. This will give you both opportunities to learn more about each religion and what it means to each of you.
Respecting Each Other’s Boundaries
It’s important to respect each other’s boundaries when it comes to religion. You and your partner may few religions differently or practice them differently. Respect each other’s beliefs and don’t try to compromise or change the other person’s faith. You and your partner can also seek counseling from a religious counselor to help navigate this delicate situation. A religious counselor can help you both find the meaning in your individual faiths and what’s important to each of you. Especially what each one holds as values, messages, etc. Which will give even more insight into why certain religious holidays are important to both of you.
Creating Your Own Tradition
Another way to navigate the holidays as an interfaith couple is to create unique traditions together. Ones that honor each other’s holidays and beliefs. Try crafting something like a “joy tree” where it’s decorated with symbols from each faith. Or have a holiday dinner together and include the foods that are special to each faith. This is a great way to honor both beliefs and create something special together.
Research Together
Finally, a great way to navigate the holiday season is to research together. Look into the tenants of your religions and what each one teaches and values. This will give you and your partner insight into what each other believes and how each holiday is celebrated. Learning about each other’s religion will also create a deeper sense of understanding and empathy for one another, which will help bridge the gap. It can also help to start conversations about what each partner wants to do during the holidays and how to honor both beliefs.
No matter what you and your partner decide, celebrating the holidays together as an interfaith couple can be a beautiful thing. It’s a chance to learn more about each other and what you both hold as important. While it can be a challenge, it’s also an opportunity to respect and celebrate each other’s faith traditions.
Start Working with a Couples Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Navigating the holidays as an interfaith couple should not be a source of stress. It should be a time of love and understanding. However, if you and your partner are needing some help along the way, William Hemphill, a couples therapist, can provide professional guidance. From helping you create a plan to celebrate the holidays together to providing insight into each other’s faiths, he will be there for you every step of the way. Whether it’s through online therapy or in person at his Atlanta counseling practice. When you’re ready to start therapy follow these steps:
- Contact me to schedule an initial appointment
- Learn more about anxiety treatment
- Celebrate the holidays together!
Other Services Offered at Faith and Family Empowerment
Couples Counseling isn’t the only service offered at my Decatur, GA-based therapy practice. I’m happy to offer a variety of in-person and online mental health services. These include Christian counseling, and depression support groups. Other mental health services include premarital counseling, discernment counseling, and counseling for affair recovery. Learn more by visiting my about, blog, or FAQ pages today!