The Holidays is a great opportunity for some family time but a dilemma happens when the couple can’t decide on where – not to mention with which side of the family – to celebrate with. Is it with his side or her side? And if this is not stressful enough for a newly wed couple, there are also other factors that can affect the couple’s decision and make the decision making harder.

When the couple lives far away from both sides of the family, the chances are the last time they’ve seen their families was during the wedding. For cases like this, husband and wife wouldn’t definitely want to spend the holidays traveling from one state to another just to satisfy both sides of the family. Face it; the couple can only spend the holiday with one side, well at least for this year. If one side of the family gets the newly weds this year then switch next year and go to the souse’s family. Most couples resort to this compromise. But if traveling imposes a great financial budget or there might be some tension between families then spending the holidays together at home is also a grand and win-win idea.

Switching every year is also the most feasible solution if one side of the family lives near the couple. They can celebrate this year locally and then go on a holiday trip slash vacation the next year.

The couple might think that living in the same city or town with both of their families nearby is heaven already but this can be most difficult. So the best recommendation for this is to spend Christmas morning with one family and then Christmas evening with the other.

If the duo is of different cultures and religious beliefs like Hanukkah and Christmas, then take the opportunity of non-religious holidays like Thanksgiving for a family reunion.

The couple shouldn’t let this holiday predicament ruin their entire festivities. If both families get along well then inviting them over and playing host during the celebrations is a grand idea. Yes, it would be rather too much for husband and wife but at least everyone gets to be together. Or if hosting duties and all that other holiday preparations appear to be an impossible feat then be a practical captain, and send out an email asking everyone what they’d like to make or bring. And if both sides of the family are willing to share some of the financial expenses, then go to nice hotel or have a restaurant reserved just for the occasion will also be a great idea less the mess of the dish-washing.

One alternative is also to come up with a place where everyone can go to for the holidays. At this way, everyone has the whole year to prepare for the budget and at the same time, everyone gets to have a vacation together at neutral ground.