The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection, but it can also be one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year. It's easy for intimacy to take a back seat; however, maintaining that spark with your partner doesn't have to feel like another item on your to-do list. With a little intention, creativity, and commitment to one another, you can keep the flames alive and make this holiday season one you will remember for both of you.
Here are our top tips on how to keep intimacy alive.
Prioritise micro-moments of connection
When schedules get hectic, carving out hours for a romantic evening may feel impossible. Instead, focus on micro-moments of connection. These are small, intentional actions that build intimacy over time. Sex and intimacy don't start from the moment you get into bed with each other; in fact, it's an accumulation of all the small things building up to it:
- Share a morning kiss that lasts a little longer than usual.
- Send flirty messages during the day to remind your partner you're thinking about them.
- Hold hands while navigating through holiday crowds.
- Exchange back rubs while unwinding at the end of the day.
- Give each other small gifts throughout the days leading up to Christmas day.
These moments may seem simple, but they help maintain a sense of closeness even during the busiest days. Remember it's the thought that counts.
Say yes to slow mornings.
If your evenings are packed, reclaim your mornings as a time for intimacy. Even 15 minutes spent cuddling, sharing a cup of coffee, having a shared shower or engaging in slow, sensual touch can set the tone for the day. Consider using a toy like the Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo Essential, which offers hands-free pleasure and can help create a shared moment of exploration without the need for elaborate preparation.
Plan a holiday-inspired date night.
Tap into the magic of the season by planning a festive date night. Go beyond dinner and a movie by:
- Take a stroll through a local light display.
- Ice skating hand-in-hand.
- Building a cosy make-shift bed in the lounge at home and watching your favourite holiday films.
- Using a couples' toy, like the Pulse Duo Lux, to explore pleasure in an intimate, playful way.
A little creativity can go a long way in breaking the monotony and reigniting passion.
Communicate your needs
Stress and exhaustion can take a toll on libido, and it's essential to communicate openly with your partner about how you're feeling. If you're both too tired for physical intimacy, focus on emotional connection instead. Take a moment to share your favourite memories from the year or discuss what you're looking forward to in the future. Building intimacy doesn't always have to involve the bedroom—though it's a great place to end up when the mood strikes!
Practice self-care to show up fully.
Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Prioritise your own well-being so you can bring your best self into your relationship. A long bath, a quick workout, or even solo play with a product like the Pulse Solo Lux or DiGiT can help reduce stress and get you back in touch with your sensual side. Whatever you need to embrace some self-care this holiday, make sure to gift that to yourself.
The holiday season doesn't have to mean sacrificing intimacy for busyness. By making small but meaningful efforts to connect, you can keep the spark alive and deepen your relationship during this festive time. After all, the greatest gift you can give each other is your love and attention—and maybe a cheeky toy or two from Hot Octopuss to make the season even brighter!
