Why Couples Fight More During the Holidays (and How to Stay Connected This Season)

The holidays are supposed to feel magical—but for many couples, they bring more tension than togetherness. As a couples therapist (and unapologetic holiday nerd), I see the same relational triggers show up every year: unspoken expectations, burnout, old family dynamics, mismatched needs, and the pressure to “be happy.” In this post, I break down why couples fight more during the holidays and how to stay connected through the stress, chaos, and emotional landmines of the season.