The Christmas and New Year period is a magical time, but let’s be real—it’s also chaotic. Between family commitments, christmas parties, gift shopping, and travel, the season’s hustle and bustle can leave little room for nurturing intimacy, connecting and sex. From finding time for solo play, to navigating scenarios like your first family holiday together, spending the season apart, or trying to keep the spark alive while sleeping in a childhood bedroom with thin walls, here are some tips to stay connected and manage expectations during this busy time.
Keep reading as we discuss how to keep sex alive this festive season.
Balancing Romance with Holiday Chaos
Go into the festive season with realistic expectations and that starts with communication. If your partnered up, talk about plans, different commitments with work, family and friends and what you expect from each other. Don’t let your relationship get lost amidst the noise of the season and make an effort with small and manageable, yet meaningful gestures. Micro moments of connection should be your motto over the next few weeks.
Navigating Privacy Challenges
When staying with family, privacy can feel like a distant dream. Whether it’s thin walls, shared bathrooms, or siblings barging into the room unannounced, here are a few tips:
Get Creative: Intimacy doesn’t have to happen in a bedroom. A private walk, a late-night chat on the couch, or even a stolen kiss while wrapping presents can keep the spark alive.
Signal Alone Time: If privacy is scarce, try signalling your need for it. Something as simple as closing the door and putting on soft music can let others know you need a moment.
Redefine Intimacy: Physical connection is important, but so is emotional intimacy. Use this time to share stories, laugh together, or reminisce about your favourite holiday memories.
Managing Conflict and Stress
Let’s face it: this time of year can bring out stress, and spending extended time with family can sometimes create tension. Here’s how to navigate:
Pick Your Battles: If a conflict arises, ask yourself, “Does this need to be resolved now?” The holidays are not the time for major confrontations. Focus on maintaining peace and address bigger issues when things are calmer.
Lean on Your Partner, Not Against Them: Stress can make you more reactive, but instead of taking it out on your partner, approach challenges as a team. Even a simple “I know this is a lot, but I appreciate you being here with me” can shift the mood.
Prioritise Self-Care: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure both of you carve out time to recharge—whether it’s a long bath, a quick workout, or 10 minutes of journaling. When you feel good individually, it’s easier to connect as a couple.
Keeping Intimacy Alive When Apart
If you’re spending the holidays apart, don’t let distance dampen your connection. Schedule virtual dates, send thoughtful messages throughout the day, or surprise them with a small gift or love note to keep the romance alive. Anticipation for your reunion can also add an extra layer of excitement.
Be realistic this festive season, communicate and find those mini moments of intimacy and pleasure when you can. Remember, intimacy isn’t just about physical connection—it’s about showing up for each other, even in small ways, during one of the busiest times of the year.
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