The holiday season offers lots of opportunities to spark your romance. Couples can draw closer together and singles can search for new connections. Even if the weather outside is cold and snowy, these tips will warm your heart.
Romantic Tips for Couples
Spend time together. Take a break from the holiday bustle to give each other a little special attention. Spend some evenings at home before the fire or hold hands while you take a long walk through the freshly fallen snow.
Create special rituals. Invent your own holiday traditions. Make a tree ornament each year and watch your collection grow over time. Watch an annual marathon of holiday movies and TV specials served up with eggnog and toasted nuts.
Be nice to your in-laws. Earn some brownie points by being kinder to your partner’s family. Encourage your kids to make crafts that they can give to their grandparents or set up a special outing for them if they live nearby.
Exchange meaningful gifts. For example, if you honeymooned in Paris, give each other tickets for a return trip with reservations at the same hotel. For the years you can’t get away, pick up a special bottle of French wine.
Extend your hospitality. Your relationship will grow stronger from sharing your blessings with others. Invite your neighbors over for brunch. Donate your old books to a senior center and volunteer to read them aloud.
Reminisce and plan ahead. Look back and remind yourself of happy memories. Share with each other the qualities you value in each other. Set goals for the future like starting a rose garden in the spring.
Stay physically fit. Keep your love life strong by taking care of each other. Avoid holiday weight gain and exercise each day. Manage stress and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Give each other a new gym club membership.
Romantic Tips for Singles
Build up your confidence. Social pressures can sometimes make people uncomfortable about being single. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Develop a healthy sense of self-esteem.
Take charge of your own happiness. Your life has value regardless of your marital status. Act happy and you’ll soon feel better. Devote your time to meaningful activities and those good feelings will endure.
Socialize more. If you want to meet new people, you may need to go out more. Accept those holiday party invitations or throw your own potluck gatherings.
You may be more comfortable with an activity like ice skating instead of making conversation at cocktail parties.Bring along a friend if you’re hesitant to show up alone.
Focus on others. If being single causes you any distress, distract yourself by looking for ways to help others. Pass around the snacks at parties. Chat with people who are standing on the sidelines. Join the welcoming committee at your local professional association.
Dress up. The person you are inside is what really counts, but attractive packaging has advantages, too. Put your best foot forward by buying some new shoes or a handsome necktie. Experiment with a new hairstyle or makeup that will make you feel irresistible on New Year’s Eve.
Pace yourself. The holidays can be a challenging time to start a new relationship. Exchange modest but thoughtful gifts if you’ve only dated a few times. A book or bakery treat can show you care without being overwhelming.
Celebrate the holidays by spending more time with the ones you cherish and by reaching out to new people. The love and affection you give away will return to strengthen your old relationships and create new ones. And that’s truly something to celebrate, all year long.
