I know this time of year we’re focusing all of our time on gift buying, wrapping, cookie baking, party attending, crafting, decorating, go-go-going, that we totally neglect our marriage. I want to put a stop to that! We still need to make our marriage a priority, which will in turn keep us in much better moods this Holiday Season. Which is why my Hubby and I always schedule a December Date Night.
Nothing too fancy. Just a nice dinner, where we sit and actually have a conversation. We take our time and enjoy each others’ company. Then we usually spend the rest of the night Christmas shopping, which may seem like it defeats the point, but it works for us. We try to use this time to buy the “fun” gifts. The gifts for my nephews, cousins, and friends’ babies. We have so much fun picking out toys and imagining how the kiddos will play with them.
After shopping, we usually peruse a Barnes & Noble, or their equivalent, sip some coffee, and pick out a read for ourselves. Sometimes we just flip through the magazines and enjoy some quiet. Life with a toddler is anything but peaceful…so sometimes a little quiet is welcome.
A night to ourselves is just what we need to pump us back up and get us back to looking forward to the Holidays. Some other fun and simple date ideas include:
-Sipping wine and sitting by a fire. Or in my case, watching the OnDemand Yule Log- ya gotta do what ya gotta do, when you don’t have a fireplace! Or just put on a little Christmas music and cuddle.
-Wrapping presents together. You can rib each other and make fun of each others’ wrapping skills. Or if your Hubby’s not a great wrapper, have him put on the bows, label, and organize.
-Bake cookies together. You can make fancy, extravagantly flavored ones, or just the classic cutout sugar cookies. Whatever floats your boat. The emphasis is on the fact that you did it together. If you don’t want to eat the cookies, share them with a neighbor!
-Adopt another family. Instead of buying gifts for each other, buy them for someone in need. This season is about giving, and by giving from your heart, it will make you both appreciate what you already have.
-Ringing bells together…Before our little guy came along, Hubby and I would always ring bells for the Salvation Army. We stood together and chatted, joked, and laughed. And wishing everyone a Merry Christmas really boosted our Holiday spirit.
-Watch some Holiday movies together while indulging in your favorite snacks- check out my Holiday Movie List for some inspiration!
-Have a Christmas Carol Sing off- belt out your fave tunes. See who can remember the most words. Tease each other. Laugh. Have fun.
At the end of the night, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to bring on the Holidays. Laughter and a little quality time really is the best medicine. Give it a try, and I hope it boosts your marriage and your Holiday spirit,
What are your favorite ways to make your marriage a priority this time of year? Any date suggestions?
*Stay tuned ALL this week for My Holiday Gift Guides*
