Like many of you, this is my most favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the fuzzy blankets, and the festivities.  

But it can also feel totally overwhelming.  

Social media is an easy place to find people who seem to have it all together– they have cute couple photos, matching jammies, holiday mugs, and they even finished their Christmas shopping!

If you are anything like me, you’ll need this reminder that the holiday season is not the time to get caught up in good impressions. This is the time for meaningful connection. So here are 5 quick ideas on how you can intentionally connect with your sweetheart this holiday season!

Watch a holiday movie in comfy jammies. Bonus points if you have a holiday blanket to snuggle under!

This simple date may seem, well, simple, BUT being intentional about the time you take to watch a movie together IS different than just turning on the TV after a long day. Make this time special by setting aside a specific time, picking the movie out beforehand, grabbing a comfy blanket, and taking time to snuggle.

Set a timer on your phone for 5 minutes and show some physical affection. Hold hands, hug, or make out. Pick your spice level!

With all of the hustle and bustle of this time of year, physical touch can quickly be overlooked. You may get to the end of your day and realize you haven’t even kissed your sweetheart at all today with how busy you both have been! A few minutes spent reconnecting physically can make an important difference in your relationship, especially at this time of year.

Make a holiday playlist for your sweetheart to listen to throughout the day.

Whether your sweetheart is just at work or on a long work trip, add a little music to their day! From songs with a good beat to songs with meaningful lyrics, you can help your sweetheart know how you feel about them through your playlist. Compare what your favorite songs were.

Have a pizza picnic. 

This is a tradition that I grew up doing with my family. It was always one of my favorite parts of Christmas! Here’s how you do this: order a pizza, lay a blanket out by your Christmas tree, sit on the blanket, and eat your pizza! Turn on some Christmas music (or the playlist you made earlier!) and talk about some of your favorite childhood Christmas memories… or whatever else you want!

Hang some mistletoe under your bedroom door.

Break out that inner DIY-er, or take a quick trip to the dollar store. Add this little Christmas tradition to your home and let the sparks fly. A kiss under the mistletoe before you go to bed is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Although you probably still have a never-ending to-do list with holiday preparations, try these simple suggestions to connect with your sweetheart. Be intentional about the things you do this holiday season and work to strengthen your most important relationship.