Harvard psychologist shares two holiday habits every couple needs to stay emotionally close

Holidays can be extremely romantic for some couples and a fight-filled occasion for others. All the planning, executing and gifting aspects of the events can reveal to you a new side of your partner that may or may not be good.

From keeping it low-key to upholding big traditions, small things and acts can entice unknown emotions and cause rifts that surpass the year-end. According to Sabrina Romanoff, Harvard-trained clinical psychologist, professor, researcher and writer based in New York, the goal must be to blend "each other's cultures and world." The New York-based psychologist shared with CNBC Make It, two habits that successful couples adopt over the holidays to keep the bond strong. Here's what they are:

Be direct and honest

Holidays come with mental, physical, and emotional expectations and being open and honest about them is vital for the longevity and health of a relationship. Do you want your partner to join your family celebrations or would you rather go for a trip together? “You are better off being direct and honest with your partner so you both can really get what you both need,” said Romanoff.

Additionally, this is the time to practice all the flexibility and adjustments you can, on both sides. You will have to get creative and compromise on one thing or another. There are very rare times when the wishes and expectations of both are fulfilled. Maybe this year, you can go with one person's plans and schedule the others' for the next.

Create new traditions

Every partner carries with them a past that is full of previous experiences and expectations.

As you move forward, keeping certain traditions alive can become almost vital in order to keep the memories and nostalgia alive. But what one also needs to remember is to value the present and create some cherished memories in the now. Romanoff states that successful couples create new traditions together during the holidays.

They could be as simple as getting the Christmas tree together or hosting a party at their home.

It is one task that you both are happy with and engage in together, spending some quality time and bonding. It "brings in the security" in a relationship, said the psychologist.

Happy holidays?

The year-end is a difficult time. It can especially be troublesome psychologically with a higher rate in cases of seasonal depression and the added weight of "being happy" during the festive season. When insecurities of all kinds plague the mind and heart, one needs a loved one by their side to hold their hand through it. Especially when it comes to romantic relationships, where the romantic side of it adds another layer of emotion to life.

Thus, being honest with each other and ensuring some bonding time to strengthen your relationship with new traditions, can make the festive season a happy time and increase the strength and longevity of your relationship.