It’s not true. I wish I had the time to tell you we still go on dates despite all of our holiday shopping and party planning. We also have deadlines at the end of the year, family obligations, and other commitments. It’s hard to find time for a date, even though spending time together and creating opportunities for connection is important in maintaining a healthy relationship. You can bet that I will take any chance to spend time with my partner and suggest mini-dates to make the most of these short moments.
These dates are short and sweet. These are perfect for spontaneous dates (which require very little planning) or to fit into your schedule. These 12 mini-dates are perfect for those who are trying to find ways to connect and spend time with their partner during this holiday season.
Grab a cup of coffee before you go to work.
You may be feeling the strain of Q4 if you spend a lot of time at work or thinking about it. This makes it difficult to talk to your partner, let alone see them, without being distracted by emails. You or your partner may find it difficult to talk to each other or even see them in the morning. Instead, go for a coffee before heading to work or take a moment to share java at home. It doesn’t take much time; just a few extra minutes in the morning can make a huge difference.
Join the fun!
You can relax, chat, and laugh together when you get outside. The endorphins, fresh air, and crisp weather will help you get through the toughest days. You can go for a walk or bike ride, go ice skating or sledding, or play a game of pickleball.
Take part in an interactive activity.
You can have some fun together by playing a board or card game or a puzzle. Or, you could challenge your partner to play tic-tac-toe. You could try one of these games while you’re waiting for dinner to be cooked or before going to bed. This could be your favorite way to spend the evening together.
Drive to see the holiday lights.
It’s the only time in the year that driving aimlessly through neighborhoods is acceptable. Enjoy the holiday lights while listening to music, and take a mini-date with your partner. Since the night is getting darker earlier, you can fit in more time at night. If you have only 30 minutes to spare before dinner, go a bit early and admire the lights.
Join a fitness class together.
You might be thinking, “How can I exercise when I have so much on my calendar and am so exhausted?” You may be thinking: Why would I want to exercise when my calendar is so full and I’m so exhausted? But hear me out. We all know that exercising can make us feel good, and we need endorphins now more than ever. Your partner makes a great accountability buddy. You can spend time together by booking a fitness class, going for a run outdoors, or watching a video at home.
Bake a treat after dinner.
Holiday Treats make the best treats. And they are even better when you bake them with someone special. Choose a recipe you both will love and plan to bake it together. It’s not necessary to be an expert to make something from scratch. It’s always fun to try new things, even if you are a complete novice. Tip: Play music or watch a Holiday Movie. Light a Candle. Then, they fight over who gets the spoon.
No-phone night
I know scrolling mindlessly through your phone at the end of a long workday is a guilty pleasure for many people (including myself), but how often have you found yourself silently scrolling with your partner? You and your partner probably spend a lot of time like this. You’ll be surprised at how much time you spend together if you challenge each other to a no-phone night. You could play a video game, watch a film, or make DIY presents.
Watch a Movie
It takes more effort to pick (and agree) on a film than just putting on your comfort program. Let’s be honest: Watching a movie, whether you haven’t seen it before or you know the words to it, can make your evening more exciting. It’s also a great way to unplug from your phone, share some holiday treats, and snuggle up together on the couch.
Shower together
Why not take a shower together? You know that both of you have to shower. The possibilities are endless. You can shower together before work, after an exercise class, just before a party or holiday, or even after a stressful day. You’ll be pouring anyway, so it’s no big deal to have some fun together. Play some music, experiment with a different position, and spend all the time you can get steamy.
Dance in the Living Room
Dancing in the living room or kitchen feels so good. You’ll feel like you are in a romantic comedy where you fall in love for the very first time. You can either plan this mini-date spontaneously or by telling your partner to get their dancing shoes ready for after dinner. Mini-dates like this one will never be as boring as sitting on the couch.
Book Clubs: Create Your Weekly Book Club
It’s a great time to create your book club if you and your partner are both avid readers! Choose a book you both like, set up a schedule for reading, and choose a date of the week to discuss the plot and your thoughts. You might only have this one chance to speak without any distractions. You can be sure that you will have this little pocket of time with your partner because it is one of the few ideas for a standing date.
Together, run your holiday errands.
No one can deny how busy holiday shopping can be. But, hey, it’s a necessity. You can romanticize the holiday errands you have to do by working together. Get a holiday beverage from Starbucks, and then tackle your list together. It will be much more fun to navigate the chaos together. You can also celebrate the end of your journey with a holiday-themed cocktail.
