Full disclosure: I’m a whole-hearted believer that the holiday season is, in fact, the most wonderful time of the year. Between the cold nights spent cuddling for warmth with a mug of hot cocoa, the fun snow activities, the cookies, preparing for Christmas (and, of course, Christmas itself!), and the New Year’s Eve kiss – I often find myself hoping to never leave the wonderful winter wonderland created at this time of year.
The winter isn’t just the most wonderful time of the year because of those feelings of Christmas cheer and hope for the new year in the air, but it’s also a very romantic season. I mean, come on. Getting to hide your “holiday gut” under a sweater while flirting under the mistletoe? That’s just the right amount of cozy and cold, but hot as hell *wink, wink*.
The holiday season is the best season. That doesn’t mean, however, that it can’t be a stressful season (ESPECIALLY for newer relationships!). During the holidays we tend to get a little overwhelmed. Life doesn’t stop just because there is A LOT of holiday preparation to do. I adore this time of year and even I get overwhelmed with all of the last-minute baking and gift wrapping. Not to mention the stress of shopping – ugh!
Check out some tips for dating during the holidays in hopes of making this holiday season the best (and possibly, the most romantic) it can be!
Make time for one-on-one time
Whether it’s making time for a phone call because you’re with your own family or making time to meet under the mistletoe at a party you went to together *wink, wink*; make sure you’re making time for that special someone. It’s important to let them know that you’re thinking of them. It can be easy to get caught up in the season and the family aspects of this time of year and forget to pay enough individual attention to your partner. Be sure to make time for them so they don’t feel neglected. This time of year is the perfect time to take advantage of the season and to plan a Christmas themed date night.
Tip: At the New Year’s Eve party don’t forget the New Year’s kiss! My man forgot one year and he’s still hearing about it!
Make your partner feel included in family time
Whether it’s keeping them updated on your plans, inviting them along with you, or actually introducing your significant other to your family for the first time (assuming it’s the right time for that step) – make sure that they feel included in your life even during the stress of the holiday season. If you’re not ready to have them around for family time, be sure to let them know about your plans in advance and make compromises about plans to celebrate together alone.
If you do invite them along for family time, make sure to help them feel included in the celebration without making them feel pressured to become family too soon. I mean, nothing ruins the holidays more than making someone feel pressured into marriage and/or family before they’re ready. I mean, I know I’m going to lose my mind if one more person brings up “when [I’m] going to have a baby” at a Christmas party *dramatic eye roll*.
Don’t over-stress the gifts
This is a big issue in any relationship. I’m the first one to admit that I STILL struggle with knowing what to get my man and we’ve been together for a freaking decade (yeah, for real). But, this doesn’t HAVE to be a nightmare (even if, at times, it totally feels like one). Paying a little extra attention in the months leading up to Christmas can really make all the difference. For the newer couples this can be difficult since you don’t always know what they’re passionate about right away, but that’s OK.
A Christmas gift doesn’t have to be elaborate if it’s considerate and says something sweet about your relationship. Men get off easy with jewelry, but there are all kinds of cute ideas similar to the sentiment of jewelry for men too. For example, those wallets that you can get engraved with a picture of the two of you together or a key chain that says something cute. Christmas gifts always seem more daunting than they actually are. Spend some time doing research online and you’re sure to find something suitable for your special someone.
Be ready to cope with distance
If your holiday plans include going home for Christmas to stay with your family over the holidays (possibly without your significant other), then it’s important to be ready to cope with distance. Facetime and Skype have really changed the game for keeping intimacy alive during times apart. Or, if your significant other has decided to come with you to visit your family over the holidays, it’s important to remember the sacrifice they made to be with you and to let them know you appreciate it. Consider reminding them that next year it will be your turn to make the sacrifice. This could be a great chance to let your partner know you’re willing to compromise to make life with them work.