Holiday Survival Guide for Couples: Staying Sane and Spicy

The holiday season is a whirlwind of gift shopping, family dinners, and festive chaos, which can make it easy for couples to lose sight of each other. But don’t worry—we’ve got some tips to help you survive the holiday madness and keep the spice alive in your relationship. From tackling holiday stress together to sneaking in some fun and flirty moments, here’s how to enjoy the season without letting it wear you down.

1. Schedule Some “Us Time” Amidst the Chaos
With holiday obligations pulling you in every direction, it’s crucial to set aside intentional time for just the two of you. Whether it’s a quiet night in with hot chocolate or a date night that lets you forget about the to-do list, prioritizing time together can work wonders. After all, the holiday hustle is a lot easier when you’re tackling it as a team. Tip: Plan a weekly date night where you agree not to talk about gifts, travel, or family logistics. Just relax, flirt, and enjoy each other’s company!

2. Set Boundaries with Family
We love our families, but sometimes the holidays can turn into a non-stop parade of gatherings, leaving no time for yourselves. Set clear boundaries about how much time you’ll spend at family events, and make sure you're carving out some couple-time. Politely letting family know your schedule is packed will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Tip: Set up a “day off” during the holiday season where it’s just the two of you. Let family know you’ll be unavailable—no need for explanations!

3. Make Holiday Chores Fun
Gift wrapping, meal prepping, and decorating can feel like never-ending tasks, but they don’t have to be boring. Turn chores into mini games or competitions. Who can wrap the fastest? Who has the best Christmas playlist? Adding a little fun to the mix keeps things lighthearted. Tip: Split the to-do list and offer up cheeky rewards for completing tasks—winner gets to choose the night’s holiday movie or dessert.

4. Flirt, Even in the Frenzy
Don’t let the holiday madness put a damper on your romance. Sneak in a flirty text or leave cheeky notes for your partner when they least expect it. Even a quick glance across the room during a family dinner can remind you both that the real fun happens after the guests leave. Tip: Make it a rule to flirt at least once a day during the holiday season, whether it’s with a playful compliment or a suggestive joke.

5. Start Your Own Traditions
The holidays are full of family traditions, but don’t forget to create your own as a couple. Whether it’s making a quirky holiday breakfast together, watching your favorite holiday movie in pajamas, or exchanging gag gifts, building traditions together strengthens your bond and gives you something special to look forward to every year. Tip: Incorporate a new tradition that’s just for the two of you—something silly, intimate, or simply fun that no one else needs to know about.

6. Gift-Giving Without the Stress
Gift shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Instead of focusing on pricey presents, think about meaningful, thoughtful gifts that reflect your inside jokes, shared experiences, or playful side. Sometimes, a funny card or a small token that says, "I know you better than anyone else" is worth more than the most expensive gift. Tip: If you’re feeling creative, craft a holiday scavenger hunt where each clue leads to a small, thoughtful gift.

7. Handle Family Questions with Humor
“Are you two getting married soon?” or “When are you having kids?”—those holiday dinner questions are inevitable. Instead of feeling cornered, respond with a playful, united front. Tackling these questions with humor will not only diffuse the situation but also remind you both that you’re on the same team. Tip: Have a pre-planned, cheeky response to these questions, like, “We’re still practicing!” It’ll keep things light and move the conversation along.

8. Practice Self-Care—Together and Separately
Amidst the busyness, don’t forget to take care of yourselves. The holidays can drain your energy, so make sure you’re carving out moments to relax. Whether it’s a cozy evening with a glass of wine or an afternoon to yourself, keeping stress at bay will make it easier to reconnect with your partner. Tip: Plan a DIY spa night or take turns giving each other a relaxing massage. It's the perfect way to de-stress and add a little holiday spice.

9. Keep the Bedroom Connection Alive
Between gift shopping, cooking, and entertaining, intimacy can sometimes take a back seat. Make it a point to maintain that connection, even if it’s just small moments of affection. Physical closeness during stressful times can reinforce emotional closeness, so don’t shy away from a little extra cuddle time. Tip: Set aside a “no-interruptions” time where you turn off phones, pause the holiday chaos, and just focus on each other.

10. Laugh Off the Holiday Fails
The holidays rarely go off without a hitch. Whether you burn the holiday cookies or a gift doesn’t arrive on time, laughing through the little mishaps keeps the season light and fun. Embrace the chaos together, and focus on enjoying each other’s company no matter what curveballs the holidays throw at you. Tip: Turn holiday mishaps into fun stories you can laugh about later. After all, the best memories often come from the imperfect moments.

By following this guide, you’ll not only survive the holidays—you’ll strengthen your connection and keep the fun, flirty energy alive. Remember, the season is what you make of it, and with a little planning, humor, and affection, you and your partner will come out of it feeling closer than ever.