Romantic Traditions to Brighten the Holidays - I Do Every Day - November 29

Romantic Traditions to Brighten the Holidays
By Lisa Lakey

What is it about Christmas that’s so hard on a marriage?

Maybe it’s all the focus on the kids or the arguments about how much to spend (or more pointedly, not to spend). Or maybe it’s just the hustle and bustle of schedules and to-do lists that make us more tired than any North Pole resident on December 24.

I don’t know about you, but this season can often take my marital bliss from merry and bright to bah-humbug quicker than you can re-gift Aunt Cheryl’s Christmas fruitcake.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. This year, I’m focusing less on presents and more on presence. Yes, it’s cliche. I know. But however you phrase it, one-on-one time with my hubby is at the top of my Christmas list this year.

Here are a few ideas for romantic traditions to brighten the holidays.

Hot drinks and a fire. Ok, my husband’s more of a hot apple cider kind of guy, but it makes little difference to me (cocoa all the way). After the kids are in bed (or even quiet in their rooms), I plan on a lot of blankets, hot drinks, and an outside fire for two.

Dinner and dollar shopping. A friend told me she and her husband don’t buy Christmas gifts for each other. Instead, they set aside the money for a nice dinner out around the holidays, and head on over to their nearest dollar store. Then they race to find the best gift $5 can buy.

Host a wrapping party … for two. I love wrapping presents, my husband does not. But he agrees to sit on the floor with me and hand me tape. Plan some easy snacks and finger foods, your favorite holiday drinks, and put on some Christmas music. Voila. Party of the year.

Wondering how to ease the stress this Christmas? We’ve got ideas for that, too.

The Good Stuff: Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Action Points: How can you set some time aside for your marriage this season? What holiday traditions can be tweaked or created to focus on your relationship during this season?

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