The holidays are a great time to either reach out to someone you’ve been wanting to ask out, or to step things up with someone you really like. It’s true, people are busy at this time of year, and spending lots of time with family, but the jolly mood, the time off from work, the beauty of the season – from the magic of winter landscapes to the festive decorations in every town and on every city street – it all lends itself to romance.
So if you are looking to make this holiday special for you and someone else, consider these classic holiday dates.
Stroll. There is nothing like walking hand in hand (or glove in glove) down the glittering, holiday-infused streets of your favorite city or town. Some towns have special “city walk” events, when stores and galleries are open late and offer refreshments or entertainment. Window shop, buy a last minute stocking stuffer for someone, nip into a cozy pub or restaurant for a snack, a meal, a hot toddy, or a spiked eggnog.
Go outside. It’s winter! It’s cold (at least in a lot of places). Don’t bemoan that state of affairs, embrace it. Get out into the snow or onto the ice with the apple of your eye and have some fun. If there is a ski area within a few hours of you, throw your snow pants in the car and get an early start. Make it an event. Whether you are a veteran skier or snowboarder, or have never strapped anything onto your feet in the winter other than snow boots, there is fun to be had. Or you can head to a local skating rink or frozen pond and carve hearts on the ice with your ice skates. Such an adventure makes for much laughter and offers a great opportunity to warm up later in front of a roaring fire.
Learn something So you’re not the go-out-and-get-cold-in-the-snow type. That’s okay too. Stay in while doing something fun with your date. Find a wine tasting class, or a wreath making workshop, or a ballroom dance class. Or maybe a holiday themed culinary class at a local restaurant. See what’s out there. If you’re looking to go out, have fun, and shake things up – learning something new together is a great date.
Get culture There are countless opportunities to tap into holiday culture and get in some high quality hand holding. From local art galleries which may have winter or holiday themed exhibits, to the theater, there is edification to be had. A timeless, fantastical story set to glorious music, the classic Christmas-themed ballet, The Nutcracker, is sure to thrill. Or find a movie house that’s showing It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street on the big screen.
Stay in. Invite your certain someone over to your place and (if applicable) light a fire in the fireplace. Props for a fun inside evening may include:
- Nibbles. No meal needed. Just spread out your favorite hors d’oeuvres, whether it’s Buffalo wings or pâté, nuts and olives or chips and salsa!
- Graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars (you know where I’m going with this).
- The makings of an irresistible holiday drink (mulled wine, candy cane cocoa, eggnog).
- Cozy throw blankets and pillows for max comfort.
- A stack of DVDs (Holiday Inn – in which Bing first sang “White Christmas” — and Love Actually are two of my personal favorites, along with It’s a Wonderful Life, of course).
Now all you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Decide to have a great holiday date with someone fabulous
- Get out there and ask….
- Enjoy your adventure
- Spread the love