You know what waits ahead. The family that you haven’t had the chance to visit much in the past weeks or even months. The conversations. The eating. The focus, not on each other, but on the reunion of a family for the holidays.

It’s a situation that can make even the most secure couple a little uncomfortable and, for those new in a relationship, can be downright terrifying.

But you can experience a holiday get-together and find a little time for just you two, no matter how big the crowd.

"We had no choice but to stay with my parents over the holidays," says Claudia, 29. "I really wanted to visit them and they love my husband, Chad, but I also wanted us to have some time together."

The solution? Claudia and Chad worked to squeeze in some quality time together, alone, during the holidays. "We were at my parents’ house almost a week so it wasn’t that big a deal to get some time apart," recalls Claudia. "I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before! One afternoon, Chad and I took a long, long walk after lunch. We walked all through my old neighborhood together and he asked me about growing up. I think it really brought us closer together."

Other couples find other ways to bring some quality time to the holidays. Consider these ideas:

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• Offer to run errands. The two of you can go to the grocery store, rent some movies, buy last minute gifts...whatever it takes to get a little breathing room.

• Plan a day trip together. Are there some locations near your holiday home base you’d like to visit? If your stay extends over the holidays, plan a day trip (or even an afternoon getaway if time’s tight) to do a little museum visiting or park strolling.

• Treat this visit like any other vacation. Yes, you are staying with relatives but that doesn’t have to be the sole focus of the trip. Before your trip, call the Chamber of Commerce or local Convention and Visitors Bureau or check out tourism websites. Plan your trip much like you’d plan another vacation.

• Squeeze in a little mini-vacation. If the two of you are driving to your holiday get-together, consider leaving a day early to work a little pre-trip vacation into the equation. Play tourist for the day. Rent a hotel room for the night or cozy up together in a romantic B&B.

• When you are alone, use your time wisely! Here’s your chance to relive your teen days. Make out in the car, sneak a kiss in the grocery aisles; the only limit is your imagination!

About the author, Paris Permenter and John Bigley: Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks. They also edit the FREE Lovetripper.com romantic travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations. Website: http://LoveTripper.com

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