So you’ve entered into a new relationship during the holidays. You’re excited to have a date for New Year’s and things are going really well right now, but the week around Christmas has you feeling nervous.
Everywhere you go, advertisements and store signs are urging you to “get that special someone something they won’t forget,” followed by a list of expensive items designed to make you feel guilty if you don’t pick them. But you’re still at an early stage in your relationship and you don’t want to overdo it!
Forget everything you’ve seen on TV, the radio, the internet… forget it all! You are hereby exempt. I’ve got some tips to help you conquer Christmas stress free!
How much is too much?If you have to ask, it’s likely too much. You don’t want to come on too strong and seem like you’re moving too fast, and you also don’t want to put your partner in an awkward position if they didn’t go all out on a gift like you did.
Only if you try to avoid it altogether. Have a conversation! It’s probably something they’ve been thinking about too. Communicate with your partner in a casual way. Tell them that you’re sure they have a bunch of gifts to buy (as do you) and that you’d rather do something fun than get a gift. Maybe suggest a “Christmas Decompression Date” instead!
This can be a fun way to acknowledge
the elephant in the room while still showing that you care about your partner by adding a personal touch.
You’ll make a meal from appetizer to dessert (or pick up takeout if you’re not the cooking type), they’ll be responsible for bringing the wine & a movie. Both promise not to talk about Christmas all night, and whoever does has to either take a sip of wine, accept a truth or dare, or anything else your imagination can come up with. This is fun, and doesn’t require dipping too much into your holiday budget!
There are so many places to choose from. Test your wits, have some fun, match your skills, and create a memory! Most escape rooms are around $25 per person.
This is an adventure. It’s physical, but you really do feel like you’re skydiving. Absolutely a one of a kind experience, and nothing quite beats the holiday stress like free-falling indoors. This is a bit pricier at around $72 per person for 2 flights, but there are always coupons online! Just check Google for codes and reduce the price.
There are several to choose from. Some require you to find items, while others require you to answer trivia questions. You’ll be partners working together in a group setting, for approximately $35 per person.
These are just a few unique ideas to come together during the holidays without the pressure of “The Perfect Gift”. You’ll learn more about each other… and who knows? It may become your Christmas tradition. No matter what, you’ll definitely make a memory.
A new relationship during the holidays can be awkward when it comes to gift giving, but don’t let it make or break what could be a beautiful partnership!
Ciao!
Laura
