7 Holiday Date Night Traditions

This is undoubtedly my favorite time of the year.  The most amazing man on earth to me -yep, that handsome husband of mine- was born on Christmas eve.  

One of God’s greatest gifts to the world was born on Christmas day.  My husband and I eloped two days after Christmas in 2003 and then we followed it up with our first New Years Eve together.

The 52nd week is indeed the most wonderful time of the year for our family.  Most years, we’ve been fortunate enough to go on vacation in another part of the world and we usually choose a country that’s still in the midst of their summer (hello Australia!).  

This year, as was the case last year, we’ve decided to save our pennies and enjoy a home grown staycation.  The best part of staying close to home?  No packing, planes, security lines at airports and a new tradition we’ll kick off this year: a Sweetheart Christmas.

What is a Sweetheart Christmas you ask?  Scroll down to #6 on HWC contributor, Tammy Greene’s list of 7 holiday date night traditions and have yourself a happy and healthy holiday season.  

From our family to yours, wishing you the most beautiful holiday season you’ve ever seen.  

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

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I love the holiday season. I would probably be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t.

But sometimes it can be overwhelming. With all we try to cram into each day, it can be easy to lose sight of why we celebrate the holidays in the first place. 

This year, start some new traditions with your sweetie. Simple holiday traditions can help you feel connected, not only to the holiday but, most importantly, to the one you love most.

Here are some easy and fun ways to add a little tradition to your holiday season and help you and your spouse stay connected.

7 Fun Holiday Date Night Traditions

1. Bask in the Glory of Holiday Lights. Christmas lights are a holiday tradition dating back to Thomas Edison and became an official holiday tradition in 1895. Holiday lights are beautiful and fill us with a sense of awe. Take some time to enjoy the hard work of your neighbors. Hop in the car with your sweetheart and take a drive around the neighborhood to appreciate the magic a simple strand of lights can bring.

2. Drink Cocoa by the Tree. If you celebrate the holidays by decorating the tree, you know how much work this can be. But, once the work is done, do you take the time to appreciate your efforts? Warm up a cup of cocoa, top it with some mini marshmallows and cuddle by the tree. Take in the smell, reminisce, and relax. Don’t let your efforts only be enjoyed on Christmas Day.

3. Watch a Holiday Movie. Take some time to snuggle on the couch, put your feet up and share a blanket while you watch one of the many holiday classics. From the funny to the heartfelt, there is an endless array of movies to choose from. Take some time to unwind together and laugh or cry your way through your favorite holiday film.  You can never go wrong with Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life.

4. Play Hooky. One of my very favorite things to do is to play hooky from work with my husband. There is something delicious about leaving work early sometimes to spend some time with my sweetie. Take a day away from the usual grind to spend it enjoying some quality time while getting in some last minute shopping. Hold hands and stroll through the mall, pick up a holiday flavored coffee, and check everyone off your list. Fighting the crowds is way more fun if you have someone you love standing next to you.

5. Build a Gingerbread House. I know this tradition is usually reserved for the kids, but why is that? Shouldn’t the grown ups have fun too? You can make one from scratch, or take the easy route and pick up a pre-made house at the store. Design a house that represents each of you by adding icing and your favorite candies.   Display it proud for everyone to see. Each time you walk by you won’t be able to help but smile at what you created together.

6. Have a Sweetheart Christmas. Let’s face it, Christmas day can be hectic and exhausting. Opening gifts can be a whirlwind of tissue and paper and watching the clock to make sure you are on time to the next event.

One thing that my husband and I have done since we were teenagers, is have our own separate Sweetheart Christmas. On the night of the 25th, after all the hustle of the day has past and the kids are asleep, hubby and I light a fire, warm some cocoa and meet by the tree. It is only then that we exchange our gifts for each other. 

This time has become a very special tradition for us. It gives us the ability to take our time opening each others gifts. It gives us time to breathe in the peace and gratitude that the holiday season brings. It gives us time to express our love and appreciation without feeling rushed. These are precious moments for us. Celebrating Christmas together this way is the perfect way to wrap up the holidays.

7. Give Back. No matter where you live, you do not have to look far to find someone in need. The holidays are a time for giving, so what better way to give than to reach out to someone who could use a helping hand? Take some time to look beyond your own needs and stress and devote some of that attention to someone who could use some kindness. 

Whether it be donating gifts, making a meal, or donating your time, make this a holiday project you and your sweetie do together. There is tremendous joy to be found in doing something kind for others.

Whatever you decide to do, take some time to enjoy the season together. Cuddle, take in the sights and smells, listen to music, and start some new traditions. It only comes by once a year so don’t let this special time fly by without taking a few moments to relax and enjoy it together.  

Happy Holidays.

Tammy

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