The holiday season can be a magical time for romance. Many people find themselves coupled up during this festive period, according to statistics. Dating app usage tends to spike over the holidays, with apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr seeing increases ranging from 15-50%. The holidays evoke cozy feelings of togetherness that can kindle new relationships and deepen existing ones.
Introducing Holiday Dating
However, the holidays can also add stress to dating and relationships. Finances may be tight for holiday gifts and travel. Families and holiday obligations also compete for time. It's important for both new and established couples to set expectations upfront. Discuss how much time you plan to spend together and apart over the holidays. Talk about gift giving budgets and styles to avoid hurt feelings. Setting healthy boundaries can help make the holidays less stressful and more magical.
Communicating Holiday Expectations
When dating someone new, it's important to communicate your expectations for the holidays early on to avoid hurt feelings. According to VeryWellMind, you'll want to have an open and honest conversation about how much time you each want to spend together over the holidays and where you'll be spending it (source). Discuss gift giving budgets and styles as well - do you prefer extravagant gifts or homemade ones? Establish boundaries and understand each other's family traditions to minimize stress.
ItsJustLunch recommends deciding together ahead of time how you'll split the holidays between each other's families. Compromise if you can't agree. Set rules like no answering work emails or texts from exes during your holiday time together. Respect each other's holiday needs like attending certain religious services or favorite traditions from childhood.
As the BetterYouInstitute advises, holidays can bring up ingrained expectations from past relationships (source). Keep communication open and understand that holidays mean different things to different people. Set reasonable expectations for your new relationship during this hectic time of year.
Festive First Date Ideas
There's no better time than the holidays to plan a festive first date. Check out some fun ideas focused around holiday lights, winter activities, and seasonal treats:
Drive around to the best neighborhood light displays and enjoy hot cocoa or cider together in the car. The bright lights will make for a sparkling backdrop to your conversation. Check your local paper or town website for a map of the best light displays. For a full immersive experience, deck out your car with holiday music and bring cozy blankets.
Go ice skating at an outdoor rink for some hand-holding and playful fun on the ice. Many towns set up outdoor rinks around Christmas where you can skate for free or a small fee. The twinkling lights and festive music will get you in the holiday spirit. Stop for hot chocolate after to warm up.
Visit a local holiday market or craft fair to shop for unique gifts and decor while enjoying snacks like warm cookies or candied nuts. Getting a peek at local artisans and taste-testing holiday treats makes for a sweet date activity. Check schedules early, as these fairs tend to book up during the peak holiday season.
A hot cocoa crawl is another way to indulge your sweet tooth and the holiday spirit. Find 2-3 places with cozy patios, heated seating, and signature hot cocoa drinks to sample. From peppermint hot cocoa to spiked versions for adults, going on a cocoa crawl makes for a delicious holiday date!
Have a Jolly Christmas Date
What could be more festive than cooking a holiday meal together? Don your matching aprons and try your hand at making a Christmas ham, turkey, prime rib or other special entrée. Look up some festive new recipes you both want to try. Cooking together can be a fun bonding activity, and at the end you have a delicious meal you can enjoy by candlelight. According, cooking a holiday dish is a top Christmas date idea.
After your feast, go Christmas caroling around your neighborhood or local senior homes. Belt out your best renditions of festive classics and spread some holiday cheer. Many neighbors will appreciate the musical surprise and you can giggle together over any lyrical flubs. Caroling together makes for a memorable and meaningful date.
Cap off your night by piling in the car with some hot cocoa or apple cider and driving around to see the best local Christmas lights displays. Make a game of trying to spot the blow-up Santas, light-up reindeer and most excessive holiday light displays. Driving around to see neighborhood holiday lights is one of the most classic and romantic Christmas couple activities.
Taking a Dating Break
The holidays can be a stressful time, so it's understandable if you want to take a break from dating. Breaks are helpful when you're dating to give you the chance to take a step back and reevaluate. It's okay to focus on yourself and prioritize self-care over dating during the holidays.
Don't feel pressured into dating just to have someone to kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve. As Insider notes, many people take breaks for emotional, financial or physical reasons. Take time over the holidays to reflect on your needs and recharge without dating pressure.
Taking a dating break helps you learn more about yourself. Use the holiday lull to focus inward, practice self-care and reconnect with friends instead of forcing dates. Don't let holiday loneliness drive your decisions - a dating break can actually help you find the right partner when you're ready.
Holiday Date Ideas for All Couples
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by curling up with your sweetheart for a movie marathon of all your favorite Christmas classics? Make some hot chocolate or mulled apple cider, get cozy under a blanket, and spend a lazy afternoon or evening escaping into Christmas tales. Some great options for festive films include Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Polar Express, and Home Alone. You'll be filled with nostalgia and cheer.
If you prefer to be more active over the holidays, head to a winter sports park for activities like ice skating, sledding, or snow tubing. Gliding around an ice rink hand-in-hand creates romantic nostalgia. Or get your adrenaline pumping while zooming down steep snowy slopes together on a tube or sled. Many winter sports parks also decorate with dazzling light displays during the holidays, making for a magical date night backdrop. For affordable fun, bundling up to go inner tubing or sledding at a local hill.
For couples who want a memorable holiday experience, sign up for a festive couple's cooking class where you can master making delicious Christmas goodies together. Bakeries, restaurants, and cooking schools often offer these around the holidays. Learn how to make gingerbread houses, decorate sugar cookies, or prepare a complete Christmas dinner. You'll enjoy spending quality time together as you sip on mulled wine and create tasty holiday treats and meals to share.
Making Time for Your Partner
The holidays can be a hectic time with family gatherings, parties, shopping, baking, and more. With so much going on, it's easy for couples to neglect quality time together. However, intentionally focusing on your relationship is important for avoiding holiday stress. As psychologist Lisa Panos recommends, "Staying present and accessible to your partner at holiday gatherings can go a long way in making them feel loved and supported" (source).
Discuss your needs and set boundaries around family events and alone time. Compromise on a healthy balance. Therapists suggest scheduling regular date nights over the holidays to unwind and reconnect (source). Even 25-30 minutes of intentional quality time can make a difference. Go for a walk together, exchange massages, cook a meal together, or cuddle up with hot cocoa and watch a movie. Tune out distractions and be fully present with your partner. The holidays will be much more enjoyable if you make time for each other.
Enjoying Singlehood
The holiday season can actually be a great time to enjoy being single. Rather than feeling pressured to date or be in a relationship, embrace this time to focus on yourself. Connect with other single friends who can relate to make plans over the holidays so you have companionship and support. One of the best things about being single over the holidays is that you get to be emotionally open and go to parties and social events solo. Make self-care a priority - plan relaxing at-home spa days, get a massage, meditate or do yoga. Treat yourself to your favorite foods and activities that make you happy.
The holiday season often comes with expectations that can be stressful for singles. Set boundaries with family and friends - don't feel pressured into dating or attending holiday parties just to have someone to kiss at midnight if that's not what you want. Going home single for the holidays allows you to be fully yourself. Take time this season to reflect on your goals and priorities for the new year ahead.
Winter Date Ideas for Cuddling Up Together
When the weather outside turns frightful, you can still have a delightful date night indoors. Turn up the romance with these cozy winter date ideas:
Go sledding together and race down the hill hand-in-hand. According to The Pioneer Woman, sledding is a fun winter date to get your adrenaline pumping. Look for local parks with sledding hills or even use an inflatable sled for downhill backyard fun.
Check out a local holiday festival and enjoy the festive sights and activities together. Capital One recommends bundling up and strolling through holiday markets with hot cocoa or mulled wine in hand.
Curl up together by the fireplace for warmth and ambiance. Light some candles, pour two glasses of red wine, and snuggle under a blanket as you listen to soft holiday music or chat quietly. There's nothing more romantic on a chilly winter night.
With a little creativity and holiday spirit, you and your sweetheart can make magical memories no matter the weather.
CONCLUSION
The holiday season can be a magical time for romance, but also stressful for both couples and singles. As we've explored, it's important to focus on communicating your needs and setting boundaries to avoid hurt feelings if you're dating someone new or in an existing relationship. Discuss expectations for time spent together and gift giving budgets ahead of time. Plan fun and festive dates like going ice skating, baking holiday treats together, or having a classic Christmas movie marathon. But also make time for self-care and your own traditions. For those who are single, don't feel pressured to have a partner just because it's the holidays. Enjoy time with family and friends, treat yourself to your favorite activities, and plan a New Year's celebration for one. The holidays are what you make of them, so do what feels right for you. Wishing you peace, joy and laughter this season, whether you're coupled up or flying solo.
FAQ
What are some tips for communicating with a new partner over the holidays?Discuss expectations for time spent together and apart, gift giving budgets and styles, and family obligations. Compromise if needed. Set rules like not answering work emails/texts from exes during your time together. Respect each other's traditions and needs. The holidays can bring up ingrained expectations from past relationships, so keep communication open.
What are some fun and festive first date ideas for the holidays?
Go ice skating at an outdoor rink, visit a holiday market, go on a hot cocoa crawl to sample seasonal drinks, drive around to see neighborhood light displays. The festive atmosphere and activities are perfect for sparking new romance.
What are some memorable holiday date ideas for established couples?Have a classic Christmas movie marathon with hot cocoa and snacks. Go sledding, tubing or skiing at a winter sports park. Take a couples’ cooking class to learn how to make gingerbread houses or a holiday meal together. Sign up for a gift wrapping or holiday craft workshop. The key is choosing an interactive activity you both enjoy to create shared memories.
How can couples make time for each other during the busy holidays?Discuss your needs and set boundaries around events and alone time. Even scheduling short periods of quality time, like 25-30 minutes, can help you reconnect. Go for a walk together, give each other massages, cook a meal together or cuddle up and watch a movie. Make eye contact, put away devices and be fully present with each other. Compromise when you can and don't feel obligated to attend every party or event.
What are the benefits of being single during the holidays?You can focus on self-care by planning spa days, exercising, meditating and eating your favorite foods. Connect with other single friends for support. Attend parties and events solo and be open to new connections. Set boundaries with family and don't feel pressured into dating or kissing someone at midnight on New Year's Eve. Reflect on your goals and priorities for the year ahead. Enjoy not having to navigate relationship expectations or family obligations with a partner.
What are some cozy winter date ideas for cuddling up indoors?Curl up by the fireplace with wine, blankets and soft music. Have a movie marathon of favorite winter or holiday films. Cook a warm, comforting meal together like chili, stew or fondue. Give each other massages with essential oils. Play board games or do a jigsaw or crossword puzzle together. Keep the ambiance low key, cozy and relaxing.
How can you make the most of being single during the holidays?Don't isolate yourself. Make plans with supportive friends and family and engage in self-care. Reflect on the past year and your goals for the next. Take a class or join a local group to meet like-minded people. While it's tempting to feel down about being single this time of year, focus on nurturing yourself and your relationships. The holidays are what you make of them, so choose to make the most of this time alone.
