Reader Question: Both my husband and I love visiting family during the holidays. Each year we are invited to both families but they live in separate states about a three-hour drive from our home. Our relationship with both families is good and we don’t want to let either one down by not coming. How do…

Bob and Rose are a blended family now. They are asking for ways to make the holidays better in terms of that blending. Here are 10 tips: Examine your expectations and  let go of any  “Brady Bunch” fantasies. Most disappointments come from unrealistic expectations. Continue “old” holiday traditions with your biological kids while creating new…

We will be traveling to our relatives in another state for several family gatherings during Christmas. Two of my siblings are problem drinkers and I am not sure how to handle this with my family. We do not drink so my children are not used to seeing family members act up while under the influence.…

Even though I love the holidays, I also dread them because of the stress involved. I feel on-edge, my children are out of sorts and my husband and I seem to fight about family and activities to attend. I don’t want to feel like Scrooge this holiday season. Are there ways to minimize the stress…

More from Beliefnet and our partners
More from Beliefnet and our partners