My husband and I had two Christmases together before we started having kids.
That wasn’t much time to figure out our own Christmas rhythms and traditions. Once we started having kids, our Christmas began to center around them, what to buy them, and what traditions we wanted to start with them.
Things haven’t slowed down and if we aren’t intentional about participating in Christmas traditions for couples, we’ll go another year without establishing our own. So this year, though we will still carry on some of our favorite family traditions, we also will start some new ones for just the two of us. Here are some of our favorite Christmas traditions for couples.
1. Open presents on Christmas Eve.
Many couples live near family or travel at Christmas time. Before we had kids, my husband and I spent our Christmases alternating between our parents’ houses each year. Now that we have kids, Christmas Eve is usually spent wrapping last-minute gifts. Opening your presents together on Christmas Eve gives the two of you a chance to connect before the big day. Some gifts may be a little more private or meaningful and are not meant to be shared with an audience. Be intentional about when you exchange gifts and make sure you have a private moment to do so.
2. Mark the year with a meaningful Christmas ornament.
One of my favorite things we do add a new Christmas ornament to our tree each year. This could mark a vacation we took that year or it may even be homemade. It’s a special way to mark any special anniversaries, memories, or milestones from the year. Each year when we take out our ornaments, it is so fun to remember the meaningful moments we have had in years past while we decorate our tree.
3. Have a Christmas movie marathon.
Christmas movies can trigger nostalgia like no other genre. As I have gotten older, I have found that there are a few classic Christmas movies I have never watched. We are making it a point to watch them all, even if we have already seen a few. It’s fun to pop some popcorn, cozy up under a blanket together, and watch our favorite Christmas classics.
4. Venture out and look at Christmas lights.
Hand in hand with some warm apple cider would be the perfect way to enjoy the romantic twinkling of lights on a cool evening. Experiencing that inner-child wonder together is a great way to connect with one another.
5. Decorate a gingerbread house.
Building and decorating a gingerbread house has been a favorite tradition of mine. My husband and I decorate our own half which results in one funky-looking gingerbread house. Both our personalities are portrayed through icing and candy. We usually build it a few days before Christmas and then leave it on display until Christmas.
Traditions help us connect with one another as well as keep us present to each other in the season. These Christmas traditions for couples can help end the year on the right foot.
