I felt pressure to make our first Christmas as newlyweds special. My wife helped me realize that just being together is enough.

Photo credit: Emma Devereaux and Marissa Foley

After a stressful year of planning our perfect September wedding, I wasn't prepared to face additional pressure now that the holidays are approaching. This wasn't an ordinary Christmas filled with relaxation, eggnog, and just a sprinkle of family drama; this was the Christmas that would mark our first milestone as a married couple and set the tone for years to come.