Christmas Dates

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Couple covered in Christmas lights and kissing

It's time to usher in the holiday season with a big Ho Ho Ho! Christmas is a great time of year to be in a relationship, with all of the holiday parties, giving and receiving of presents, family get-togethers, and general merrymaking. Here are a few ideas for holiday dates in case you run out of your own:

See the Pretty Lights
Find a neighborhood that goes all-out with the Christmas decorations and take a nice stroll through it on a quiet night. If you haven't seen one during your normal driving routine, ask friends or hop in the car and go out hunting for some together. Here in San Diego, the Del Mar Fairgrounds has a public light show every year that people can drive through, which is something that may be available in your area too. Don't forget to bring along a thermos of hot cocoa or cider to stay warm!

The Spirit of Christmas
Gifts, parties, and snowmen are great, but the real spirit of Christmas can be found in helping others. Take some time this year to volunteer at one of the many worthwhile charities and give a gift that someone will truly appreciate. This could take the form of helping out at a local soup kitchen, contacting your church for charitable events, spending an afternoon jingling the bell outside a supermarket, or donating unused clothing, canned goods, or toys. A fun way to help out is by hosting a party for friends and/or family and charging toys, canned goods, or unused clothing for admission. Another idea is to make Christmas cards explaining your charitable cause and put them in your neighbor's mailboxes. It's a great way to meet people you see all the time but may not know and an easy way for them to drop off clothes or items at your house instead of trying to locate a charity. Lastly, give blood. Blood banks always need more around this time of year so consider taking an hour to donate. You'll feel good about yourselves plus get free cookies and juice. Top that!

Relax to an Old Christmas Radio Show
This is the Christmas version of our classic radio broadcast date idea. Start out by downloading an old Christmas show like A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, or Twas the Night Before Christmas. I've added a few links up there to the right or you can check your local library, bookstore, or other web sites for shows. Set the holiday mood with a sparkling Christmas tree, cozy fire, warm eggnog or hot cocoa, and relax to a classic Christmas story!

The 12 Days of Christmas
We all know the lyrics, "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree..." Just like the song, give your true love a new gift or experience each day to celebrate Christmas! Ok, technically this isn't "a date", but you can make it into a series of fun and memorable experiences. Traditionally, the twelve days begin on Christmas, but it may be more fun as a lead-up activity than a follow-on, especially with the new year right around the corner. They don't have to be big things, think about stuff like 1 moonlit walk, 2 scoops of ice cream, 5 of their favorite flowers, 7 candles that you can place around the tub for a bath together, 10 minutes of foot rubbing, you get the idea. Stay traditional with the lords a leaping though, you can never have too many of those lying around. Get your list started, the 13th is right around the corner!

Make it from Scratch
When I think Christmas, part of me remembers a house filled with the smell of baking and an endless supply of treats. Make your own Christmas confections from scratch this year with these recipes for homemade hot cocoa, Christmas sugar cookies or gingerbread men, and candy canes. Make a bunch and give them away to friends and family as an early gift!

Get Communal
Most cities and towns offer fun holiday events like Christmas in the park, tree lighting ceremonies, public lights displays, parades, and other Christmas events. Check local events sites and blogs, government web sites, and newspapers for a calendar of events.

Gift Exchange Party
Instead of trying to buy gifts for all of your friends this year, why not have an exchange party? Everyone brings a wrapped gift that's suitable for just about anybody - think chocolates, wine, gourmet coffee, homemade cookies, candles, bath salts or oils, etc. Note whether the gift is better for a man or woman and list any potential issues like "recipient must love coffee." When the time comes, everyone picks a random present and opens it! When you're done, people can do a gift swap if they have something they don't like, and since everyone's only buying one gift for the whole group of friends they can spend a little more and still save money.

Tis the Season...for Christmas Movies!
Snuggle up on the couch and get into the spirit of the holiday with your favorite Christmas movies or specials. Some holiday favorites are A Christmas Story (my #1), It's a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Love Actually, A Christmas Carol or Scrooged, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Watch a Christmas Play
Many local theaters offer seasonal productions of stories like The Grinch and A Christmas Carol. Get a little culture while you ease into the Christmas spirit this year!

Deck the Halls
Take a trip to the local lot or out of town to cut down your own perfect Christmas tree. When you get it home, turn on the holiday tunes and do some decorating while you eat and drink holiday eats and drinks. Take it a step further and decorate the rest of the house and front yard while you're at it!

Personalized Presents
This one is like our ceramics painting date but instead of making things for yourself or a date, you're making them for friends and family. Put together a list of people, along with activities they like (sports, hobbies) or character traits that describe them, and paint them onto mugs, bowls, or plates. You'll have a great time making personalized gifts for your loved ones and they should appreciate the extra effort!

Play in the Snow
If you're lucky enough to be in snow country during the holidays, take a look at some of our fun dates in the snow. If not, pack a picnic lunch, some warm clothes, and drive out there for an afternoon of fun!