i (29F) started dating my bf (29M) a couple months ago and we come from similar backgrounds (poor families, childhood poverty, etc.) so we share a lot of similar unfortunate memories.
as adults we're both independent and stable and live very different lives than how we grew up, but some things still linger. i found out recently that for him, christmas is uncomfortable. he feels gloomy around it, doesn't have positive memories attached to it, and doesn't look forward to it.
for me, christmas is one of my only positive childhood memories. my grandparents always went above and beyond to make it very special and i loved spending time with my cousins. because of this, christmas is kind of my super bowl. i go as big as i can every year with decorating and baking and gift wrapping and it brings me so much joy!
i want my bf to feel positively towards the holidays and enjoy them and feel loved and special, but i also don't want to overwhelm him. my goal isn't to turn him into me, but more to help him transition into a phase of his life where the holidays don't have to be stressful or hurtful anymore.
i guess i'm looking for advice on how to do that or how to be more mindful of his feelings/how i can be supportive of them!
Thank you in advance for any insight or personal anecdotes (:
TLDR: christmas makes my bf sad, how can i help make it not?