Big expectations are part of the Christmas hustle and bustle as we look forward to New Year’s. We’re excited about spending time with family and creating lasting memories with our loved ones. All the anticipation and excitement, however, can lead to emotional letdown. Every one of us has seen the conflict that can arise with family pressure and heightened tension. Don’t let the holidays put a dent in your romance. Take extra care of each other and your relationship and you’ll keep the good feelings of the holiday season alive. Creating memories that will last for years is what really counts.
Here are 15 ways to make sure you meet the needs of your significant other during the holiday season.
- Create rituals that shape and define your growing romantic relationship. Agree on how Christmas should be celebrated. Establishing everyday traditions for the holidays together will define who you are as a couple and give your relationship a deep sense of connection and meaning.
- Commit to doing one small “random act of kindness” daily to show gratitude to each other.
- When you that your partner is feeling overwhelmed, show them that you are there for them. Put a hand on their shoulder and give them a hug.
- Have a conversation before you head out the door to see extended family. Schedule this “state of the union” meeting to discuss how to handle difficult family members. Designate the time as a “no conflict” zone. What are some stressors that you can expect? Leaving little room for surprises is essential to ensure a stress-free holiday season.
- Get on the same page with your loved one. Don’t ever side against him with other family members.
- Physical touch is a small gesture but signals your love in a meaningful way. Give him a flirtatious pat in passing, cuddle on the couch or treat him to a foot rub at the end of the day.
- Plan a date night in just for the two of you. Make a special holiday meal.
- Offer to help cook or clean the dishes.
- Make time for a daily phone call on the way to work or send a sweet “I’m thinking of you” text. Spend 15 minutes catching up on his day before you head to bed.
- Relieve stress with a happy hour or a hot chocolate over a burning fire together.
- Treat yourselves to seasonal “feel good” emotions by settling in to watch your favorite Christmas movie with homemade popcorn.
- Find time for sex. Intimacy keeps a romance alive and scheduling it on your shared calendars means you are committed to the relationship.
- Squeeze in some physical exercise to counter the over-indulgence in festive feasts and delicious desserts. Twenty minutes a few times each week will boost your mood and energy and hold your waistline in check.
- Give back to those in need by donating your time to a charity.
- Express your appreciation for your sweetie with a hand-written letter or card that reminiscences about the past year.
Read More: 10 Frustrating Questions You’ll Get Asked Over the Holidays (and How to Respond)
