Ya--it's family of origin. Example: my father's mother was killed in a car accident on Christmas day. All my life my dad has been a grinch about Christmas, and this is how my mother always explained it to me.
I just wondered if your H might have some sort of bad association with the holidays, other than the onslaught of the cold winter weather there.
About the touching thing.... From all you've posted, I picture your family as loud, fun, gregarious folks. I can't imagine you NOT being a naturally affectionate person. (..correct me if I'm wrong here..) If you are bubbly and affectionate with your children and friends, then why treat your H any differently. It just seems unnatural to me if you act all stiff and formal with him only, unless he has clearly resisted you touching him. I don't mean pursuit, i.e. hand holding or anything sexual (like yanking his towel *wink-nudge* or pinching his butt). Just a touch on the arm or a squeeze on the shoulder in passing. Nothing unnatural for you. You may BOTH be making incorrect assumtions about the wishes of the other.
BTW---What do you think his primary Love Languages are? Have you read this book?
