The holiday season seems to have sprung up quicker than ever this year. One moment we were shaking the sand out of our sandals, the next we found ourselves carving the Thanksgiving turkey. And now Christmas is right around the corner. While it's a fun and festive season, it can also be a time of heightened stress for many people.

The busyness and non-stop pace can run us ragged—between decorating our homes, entertaining, attending countless work parties, and managing the hectic holiday shopping. The pressure to find the “perfect” gift for our friends and family can be downright grueling.

In fact, numerous studies from across the world indicate that the season can take a toll on mental health and lead to overspending and impulsive shopping.

One common holiday stressor for couples is overthinking about what to get their spouse or significant other. What one person thinks their partner might like isn't always the case. Sometimes we purchase a gift that we like, and we assume they will as well.

And then comes awkward silence. Have you ever excitedly handed your partner a gift, only for them to smile and politely say "thank you" without much enthusiasm?

Or perhaps you’ve been on the receiving end – baffled as to why your partner got you yet another meaningless........

© Psychology Today