The Holidays are all about being together and spending time with the most important people in your life. Sometimes, all that togetherness can be a little stressful — especially if it includes an intense travel schedule or getting to know some new family members. So, here are ten tips for surviving the holidays.

1.  Be Mindful

Thanksgiving is a time when a lot of new couples meet each other’s families for the first time. Make sure to brief each other on sensitive topics to avoid. If you have a crazy family member, give your boyfriend or a girlfriend a heads up. If there’s a family secret you accidentally shared, make sure your loved one knows not to say anything so he or she doesn’t wind up with their foot in their mouth.

2.  Choose Your Gifts Wisely

When you’re holiday shopping, you don’t want to go overboard with your gifts. Keep in mind that it’s the thought that counts, not the amount of money you spend. Your gift should come from the heart and show that you care.

3.  Try Something Special

Try something different with your significant other. Doing something out of the ordinary, such as ice skating or sledding makes special holiday memories. Taking part in unique activities also increases dopamine in your brain and helps stimulate the amazing feeling of romance.

4.  Enjoy Some Intimacy

Holding hands is a great way to be intimate and intensify your feelings for each other. It increases feelings of trust and attachment. When you walk down the street, hold hands with your partner. You’d be surprised how something so simple can make you feel great. Plus, it feels so organic during the holidays!

5.  Make Time For Each Other

The holidays can put extra unnecessary stress on your relationship so it’s imperative to make sure you take some time just for you two. You want to make sure to connect each day.

6.  Compromise

The holidays are all about compromise, compromise, compromise. Everyone is going to want to spend time with you and your beau. The key to preventing a fight and avoiding hurting people’s feelings is to compromise. You can’t be in more than one place at the same time. Decide which meal you’re going to spend with each family.

7.  Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is all about being grateful. It’s a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for your one and only. Whether you’re overjoyed that he’s going to meet your family for the first time, or you’re thankful that she’s putting up with your love of Thanksgiving day football, tell your significant other how much you appreciate him or her. It’s a phrase you can never say too often!

8.  Maintain Your Privacy

Maintain the privacy of your relationship. Don’t gossip about you two to your friends and family. Your relationship is sacred, so make sure to treat it that way.

9.  Don’t Feel Pressured

Just because it’s the holidays, doesn’t mean you should let anything affect how you feel about each other. If you’re in a new relationship, enjoy it. There’s no need to rush things. If you’re in a seasoned love affair, don’t feel a sense of urgency to take the next step. You have to move at a pace that works for you.

10. Start A Holiday Tradition

Start a holiday tradition of something you both enjoy. If you like cooking, plan a potluck dinner. If you like charades, organize a game night. Creating a tradition will help you feel connected as a couple and give you both something to look forward to in the future.