If life looked like a Hallmark movie, I’d say the holidays would be the most romantic time of the year. There would always be a quaint, downtown Christmas festival where you and your love could hold hands, dodge a snowball fight, and sip hot cocoa. But in reality, so many of us are running on all cylinders from mid-November through December 26th that romance is the last thing on our minds. Still, planning holiday dates for you and your husband shouldn’t be the last thing on your list.
Lean into the season and explore holiday date ideas that are a creative step up from dinner at a nice restaurant. Even if some of these ideas sound like a stretch, don’t immediately write them off. Remember, studies show that a date night packs a lot more punch when it’s something that’s out of the ordinary for you and your husband. Which of these 6 romantic holiday dates make your bells jingle?
1. Feel the chill.
You know how the song goe:, The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful… Take advantage of the chill to create some warmth of your own. Put a fire in the fireplace, and leave your heater on low. Half the fun is feeling cold, so you and your hubby can snuggle under the blankets. Once you’re close, take the time to talk about your favorite Christmas memory or dream about the future together.
2. Have a Christmas scavenger hunt.
Why save all the fun for the kids? Send your husband on a treasure hunt, with a nice prize at the end for all of his hard work. First, come up with clues that send him around the house, or even outside (or use our Christmas Scavenger Hunt printable). One clue leads to the next. At the end, be waiting with hot cider, his favorite treats, or a prize of your own creation… Wink, wink.
3. Share the shopping.
Do you do all the shopping for your children’s Christmas gifts? Let your husband help. Grab some of the catalogs that come to your house and head out for coffee. Look over the books together and see what catches your husband’s eye. One mom we know did this, and the gifts her husband chose were the big hits on Christmas morning. Dads bring a different perspective to toys and games. They’re usually big kids at heart, so let them play!
4. Experience the season.
Have you ever gone to The Nutcracker or the Messiah with your husband, or watched a live Nativity or singing Christmas tree? Leave the kids at home. You’ll experience the magic differently if you’re not keeping an eye on little ones. This is just for you two.
5. Have a holiday movie night.
Put on a Christmas movie, make two cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows (and even a candy cane), and enjoy some time away from all the chaos. You could even start the night by making cookies from scratch to enjoy with your cocoa. Send the kids to grandma’s house or tell them they’re confined to their rooms for the night. They’ll have fun knowing the TV room is off limits.
6. Get physical.
Is there snow outside? Go sledding. Have an ice rink nearby? Put on some skates. Even going for a walk when the air is brisk and cool in your lungs can make you feel energized and bonded as a couple. When you come in from the cold, warm up with a hot shower, and light a couple of Christmas candles.
What kinds of holiday dates do you like to go on with your husband?
