Does this sound familiar? Christmas approaches and you feel increasingly stressed and annoyed with your significant other. All of a sudden everything seems annoying and you find yourself fixating on their bad behavior. In reality, it’s actually not just your imagination. According to reporting from The Atlantic, you feel like you bicker too much with your significant other during Christmas because “cumulative annoyances” are a major trigger of relationship conflicts. These annoyances can be heightened during the holidays with the added stress of gift-shopping and decorating. Plus, you’re probably spending more time together than normal…
However, you can take control of the situation. Take a step back from the holidays and determine that it’s not just a special occasion, but a romantic affair for your loved one. From inspired lighting to a gift with real meaning, here are four ways to add a touch of romance to your Christmas festivities:
Light Up Your Backyard
Your Christmas tree and gathering area aren’t the only places you can add seasonal lights to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Think about how to create a gathering space outside to complement your outdoor decor. Consider mini curtain string lights or solar string lights from a company like Wayfair to turn your porch or backyard into a romantic space for two. Add an outdoor snack cart to sip on wine and eat holiday cookies. And if you’re truly inspired, you can turn your outdoor space into an oasis with an outdoor entertainment unit or foldable movie screen to enjoy holiday movies from cozy, plush patio chairs. Add heavy blankets and curl up together to stay warm in the cold night air.
Mix-up Christmas Cocktails for Two
There’s something so satisfying and intimate about a delicious cocktail over a roaring fire or in your new outdoor entertainment area. Start with a cocktail you already love like a Cosmopolitan or martini. Or get inventive and take a cue from Vogue. They shared ideas for holiday-inspired drinks, including a drink called Shepherd’s Delight. This cocktail features Calvados, pear puree, cloves, cinnamon, and bitters. A little orange peel and cinnamon stick garnish turn it into a romantic cocktail. But if you’re not interested in adult-only cocktails, try sparkling non-alcoholic cider or decadent dark, hot chocolate instead.
Create a Romantic Playlist
You probably cringe when you hear the typical fare of Christmas tunes meant to entertain children and holiday lovers who wear ugly Christmas sweaters all season long. But there are plenty of romantic songs designed for winter and Christmas in mind. Create a playlist with songs like, “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” to play on a cold winter’s night. Dim the lights, light candles throughout the house, and clear a space to wrap your arms around each other and quietly dance while the snow falls.
Tantalize Your Senses
Complete a romantic scene with the right lighting, cocktails, and music by adding essential oils to your holiday night. Try diffusing some Christmas-inspired essential oils like Frankincense to create a complete romantic atmosphere that captivates your senses. Cedarwood is also a wonderful smelling option mixed with clary sage and orange oil. If you don’t have your own diffuser, try adding essential oils to a pot with a little water and warm on the stove to create a romantic aroma that speaks to the holidays.
