Your Sexiest Christmas Ever (Part 1)

The holidays are upon us and with all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to forget all about romance. I totally understand - you're thinking about shopping, cooking, in-laws, wrapping gifts, attending Christmas parties and school plays. You might even have rolled your eyes or laughed at the idea of the 'sexiest Christmas ever'. But this time of year can be wonderfully romantic if you put yourself in the right frame of mind.

I want to invite you to squeeze in some time for romance and - of course - for sex. I have a few ideas to help you get through your Holiday To-Do List quickly so that you'll have time to cuddle up in front of the fireplace with your sweetie and share a bottle of wine.

1. Get things Done Ahead of Time: Nothing robs you of your mojo like rushing around like a maniac. Try shopping, wrapping and doing other prep as far ahead as possible, so you can take your time. 
2. Go for a shopping date. If you have kids, get a sitter and make an evening of it. Have your list ready to go and hit the stores together. You can have fun with it if you are in the right frame of mine. Try to keep your patience and enjoy being a team. Reward yourselves by going out for a quiet dessert or maybe even a movie if you finish early enough.  
3. You Do NOT Need to Be Sober to Wrap Presents: Make an evening of it. Grab a bottle of wine, put on a romantic movie that you love and start wrapping. If you do it a few days ahead of time, you'll know you are getting ahead of the game at the same time. 
4. Lower Your Standards: Does the house need to be absolutely spotless to have people over? What if it was just 'good enough' but you were in a great mood? I think it might be worth it.
5. Hire it Out: If your budget isn't stretched too far this year, consider having someone come in to clean your home right before Christmas. This can save you many hours, leaving you more relaxed. The last two years, I have ordered Christmas dinner from a catering company. It isn't that much more expensive than buying all the ingredients and I was able to spend Christmas day with my kids and my husband instead of in the kitchen. On Christmas night, I didn't have achy tired feet and the feeling like I missed out on all the fun. I got to be part of it too! I let go of my ego attachment to serving a wonderful meal and just decided to enjoy. I'm planning to do it again this year. (I'll make the big meals again when my children are older).
6. Delegate: If hiring it out isn't for you, maybe you can delegate. Are there other people in your home who can help with the preparations? If you are having relatives for a meal, can they each bring something to take the pressure off you? Don't think you have to do it all on your own, only to end up feeling resentful when the big day arrives. 
7. Take care of Yourself: What do you do to show self-care? Sleep enough, eat healthy, exercise, maybe go for a message if you can? Do those important things that keep your energy levels up and put a smile on your face. 
8. Date Night: Make a list of romantic things you want to do with your significant other and make them a priority. Go for a drive or a walk in the evening to look at the Christmas lights. Book a dinner out or have a candle-lit dinner at home. Pick a favourite movie to watch together. Snuggle up on the couch under a cozy blanket and just be together. Even if you just find the time to do one or two romantic things together in the next few weeks, it will go really far for creating wonderful, warm feelings and memories. After all, isn't love what the holidays are all about?

Okay, so that's it for tonight! The babysitter just got here and my husband and I are off to do our Christmas shopping date.

Coming Soon:   Part 2 of Your Sexiest Christmas Ever - and it's About to Get Hot in Here...