The extraordinary displays of lights adorning each and every house in the neighborhood. The smell of cinnamon, peppermint, and ginger as ovens all over the world breathe life into those adorable gingerbread men. The hustle and bustle of traffic leading to heavily populated aisles filled with gifts for you, your friends, and your family.
This is the perfect time of year for being romantic, because so many of the elements of romanticism are already there. The holiday cheer fills the crisp air, forcing us to draw close to those near and dear. Yes, tis the season for the perfect backdrop for the ideal date. All you have to do is open your eyes to the possibilities that surround you, and let Santa and his elves do all of the work for you. Here are a couple of wonderful ideas for the perfect date this holiday season, whether if it's for the new man in your life or someone you've been dating for years.
ICE SKATING
This date is one of the most romantic ones of them all, but also the most dangerous. It's perfect because it's a cold activity which will force your date to pull you in closer, which guarantees for a more physical and intimate date without it being overtly sexual.
Hand holding and full body embraces that are meant to keep each other from falling, unconsciously help to build a deeper connection. Knowing that your date has got you're back, always there to catch you before you fall...how lovely is that.
The ice also gives you time to talk, play and enjoy one another's company. A lot of outdoor ice-skating rinks play Christmas music around this time of the year, which is sure to put your date in the perfect mood as the two of you glide through the winter air. If you have the chance to visit an outdoor rink, take advantage of it while you can, the amount of romanticism is unmatched.
LOOKING AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
It's the magic of an ordinary house being turned into Santa's workshop, by the addition of lights, that makes the season bright, and the smile on your date's face even brighter.
There is something about glistening bright-lights that set the human heart a glow, and if your date is into the holiday season, this makes for the perfect date. There's nothing like a beautiful light display of Santa, Rudolph, and his gift-bearing slay to bring you back to your adolescent days,leading to the sharing of holiday stories from your childhood.
In some neighborhoods there are competitions, where the citizens of the town compete in creating the best light displays. Create a cheerful playlist of your favorite holiday music, and let the sounds of bells and chimes be the backdrop of your date as the two of you enjoy the beautiful lights. If you're a fan of artist such Mary J Blige, Ariana Grande, K. Michelle, Ashanti, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis or Kevin McCall--who have all released Christmas music this year or a fan of the classics, there's plenty music to create the ideal playlist.
If you live in a city, a lot of parks and stores have the most amazing light displays for which you can walk-through, forging the perfect winter wonderland with your date. With displays such as these, they are often crowded, especially on weekends, so it's best to check local newspapers and the internet to check when they are open. This way you can select the best time where there is the least attendance, making your date more intimate and special. Don't forget to visit Starbucks and get your perfect latte or some egg nog before sightseeing!
DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Setting up the Christmas tree is the official kickoff of the countdown to the holiday, and it's one of the must haves around this time of year. If you are someone who prefers to have a real tree, you may start the date off by visiting a tree farm, and picking out the perfect tree together. Even if you choose to purchase a synthetic tree, retailers carry several different styles, and it can almost be just as fun as visiting the farm itself.
Once you two love birds have found that special tree, it's time to take it home and decorate, but before you do, don't forget to set the mood. Maybe put on some Christmas classics, or your favorite holiday movie; it's all about building a multi-layer date that sets the tone for non-stop interaction and romance.
While you are decorating the tree, take time to share holiday stories with one another. If you have bulbs that have been in the family for years, or ones in which you made in school as a child, show your sentimental side by sharing the story behind those ornaments. Just make sure the stories are filled with cheer! Have fun with it, especially when putting on the tinsel. Why not throw a couple of strands on your date? It's understated flirting that could bring them in closer for a kiss, without the mistletoe.
HOLIDAY BAKING
Baking or cooking something with your date is always ideal no matter what time of year it is because it forces the two of you to work together, find out each others strengths/weaknesses are, bond and share some laughs while doing so. And of course, who doesn't love Christmas cookies!
The key to making this holiday dating scenario work is to keep it simple. Don't try to be Martha Stewart and bake several different kinds of cookies, but stick to one, two or three flavors. Peppermint Fudge, Gingerbread, California Walnut Jewel Squares, and Sugar cookies that require decorating are some holiday cookies to start with.
Now every gentlemen isn't an Emeril Lagasse such as myself, and maybe you aren't the "baking type," so why not try creating cookies such as Chocolate Rum Balls, Ho-Ho Snowballs, Holly Cookies, Haystacks, and other cookies that require no baking at all. I would recommend making Gingerbread of Sugar cookies, as they require you to break out the cookie cutters, icing, and your creativity, for a couple of fun filled hours. Not to mention that icing could come in handy later in case you want to decorate a real-life gingerbread man.
Once the two of you are done baking, you have a lovely treat to eat, as you enjoy one others company and the perfect holiday movie. The Grinch anyone?!
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
I know all too well that Christmas shopping can suck the life out of this season. The traffic, crowded aisles, screaming children, and the long lines make for quite the adventure, but that doesn't mean that shopping for someone still can't be enjoyable.
Buying gifts for those you love amidst all of this insanity, actually adds to the fun of the holiday season. The festive displays, the holiday music, and the aromas of Christmas pastimes--all can turn any Grinch into one of Santa's helpers. Sure you can forgo the stores, and indulge in some online shopping, but trust me, it just isn't the same as in-store.
I'm sure you and your holiday beau probably have some last minute gifts to pick up, so why not do it together! You can help each other pick out gifts for friends, family, and coworkers, while taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday. If the two of you have been dating for a while, and have chosen to exchange gifts, this is the perfect time to drop hints on what you'd like him to gift you for Christmas.
And of course, after the two of you have built up an appetite from shopping--go home, order some takeout, wrap the gifts you've brought, and afterwards wrap up with one another with some much needed rest time and a little pillow talk.
HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT
Have you ever watched the Grinch in closed caption? Believe me when I tell you that it makes for one of the most fun filled holiday nights of your life, as the voice-over says some crazy ass shit.
Instead of going to the movies, why not cozy up on the sofa and watch a holiday classic with your man. Before the two of you meet, stack up on some movies, maybe some ones that you or your date have never seen, and watch them together. Make some hot chocolate, curl up under a huge fleece blanket and enjoy the warmth of each other's bodies as the holiday spirit illuminates throughout the room.
Holiday movies provide hours of entertainment because there are ones in every genre, and you cannot help but to smile at them, which is the perfect way to end a date.
Any Disney Christmas movie works, as it brings you back to the most innocent part of your life, your childhood. A Christmas Story, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, Home Alone, and the list of classics goes on.
GO SEE A PLAY
While I have never been a fan of plays, musicals or ballets, if my date was into it and wanted to see The Nutcracker, why not? It just means that I'm one step closer into cracking my nuts later, right? Just kidding! It's all about the romanticism and the tradition, which are two more reasons that make going to see it worth while.
If The Nutcracker isn't your thing, A Christmas Carol is the perfect alternative, which will be sure to lift you and your date's holiday spirit. If the city is too far away, look in your local newspaper and see if any of the high schools or colleges are putting on a performance of either showing. If you would rather travel out of state, say to the lovely New York (believe me there is nothing like Christmas in the city), find out what venues are presenting a holiday themed show, and make it a date.
VOLUNTEER
Yes, volunteer you lazy mofo!
Giving is what this season is all about, so why not make a date out of it. This date is perfect because it gives you a chance to see your man in a new light. You get to see how well he interacts with those who are less fortunate than himself. Does he throw up his nose at them? Is he disgusted by the way they look? Does he complain about everything?
Or is he a decent human being and do it with a smile on his face, humbled by the entire experience? At the end of the date, does he walk away from the experience feeling more appreciative of the life he lives? This is the ideal way to see if a man is "husband" material, and it will most certainly let you know if he is shallow, arrogant, outright selfish or a man with a heart of gold.