Grinch Day: The Key to Stress-Proofing Your Relationship During the Holidays

Next week marks the 20th anniversary of our engagement.

And if there's one thing we've learned from two full decades of navigating the holidays as a couple, it's this:

If you stay connected and in sync, you can manage even the most bat-shit-crazy emotional drama that comes your way.

If you don't, the stress of the holidays will land on your life like an atomic bomb.

So today, we want to give you a single practice for staying connected during the holidays.

Take a Grinch Day.

What's that?

It's a day when you and your partner get to hard pass on all things holidays and instead spend time together doing anything you want.

Just think about what this means.

During Grinch Day, you don't have to have that awkward conversation about tariff policy with your uncle Charlie.

You don't have to risk plunging to your death standing atop a 20-foot ladder while stringing up Christmas lights.

You don't have to sport an ugly sweater or drink the vegan eggnog.

No, during Grinch Day, you and your partner get a one day break from all of the insanity.

How can you make the most of Grinch Day? 

1. Schedule it, like, now.

Like most moments of relationship connection, if it's not on the calendar, it's not happening. 

So start by making time for Grinch Day.

This might not be easy. You might have to say "no" to parents, siblings, and friends.

You may have to get a babysitter and pay them extra for holiday overtime.

You may have to move logistical mountains. But we can guarantee you. It's worth it.

And if a full day is too much, pivot to Grinch Night or maybe even a Grinch Two Hours away from extended family activities.

2. Do something different.

We like to think of novelty as the rocket fuel of connection.

Doing something new disrupts well worn habits. It creates excitement. And it gives you and your partner something fresh to talk about.

So use your Grinch Day as an opportunity to turn your ordinary routine upside down.

Try indoor rock climbing. Take a goat yoga class. Go bowling with matching shirts. Snowshoe through the woods. Learn how to bake the perfect chocolate croissant. 

Do something weird, scary, or different. The further out of your comfort zone, the better.