The holidays are a time of love and romance. People take time to be with their loved ones and plan special activities designed to bring them closer together. For couples, the holidays can provide special opportunities for intimacy and growth in the relationship. One way to make your holiday season particularly special is by giving more than a materialistic gift. Instead of using a material item to demonstrate your love, why not try also giving an out of the box holiday gift? When you give an out of the box gift, no cardboard box or wrapping paper is used. Rather, it is a gift of your time doing something for and with your loved one. Here are some ideas to get you started thinking about that special gift you will give.
1. Make a lunch or dinner date. For couples still dating, this is done all the time. But for those of us who have been married for many years or decades even, a simple but special dinner date for just the two of you can help reconnect and recalibrate your relationship. Devote enough time to it and make it unique and memorable.
2. Take a day trip and spend enough time alone together to talk about your dreams and your life together. Go somewhere new and different.
3. Start an exercise program together with your partner. One good program to strengthen your relationship while strengthening your body is partner yoga. This is a gentle yet powerful way to make a positive life change together.
4. Find out what your partner's favorite novel is, and read it from cover to cover. Take notes if necessary to ensure you understand the deeper meanings contained in the book. Then surprise your partner by sitting down with them and discussing the book together. This shows your partner that you really want to understand them at a deep level, and that you care about things they find important.
5. Participate in a charitable event together. Decide together on what you'd like to do. Perhaps it involves giving money to your church, or helping out at the food bank. Make it a joint project that you both care about.
Are activities, done together, actual gifts? They can be, especially when you design the activity to be special and unique. Time is our most valuable asset, and giving it freely is a great demonstration of your love. We all know that love is not something that you can buy in a store and put in a box. Although sometimes we express love with things such as a necklace or necktie, making the time and the effort to include an out of the box holiday gift can make the season extra special and meaningful. These gifts from the heart can help bring more love into the lives of both old and young couples.
Published by Tom Heston MD 12/7/2011
Tom Heston MD is a Johns Hopkins trained physician who practices clinical medicine in the Pacific Northwest.
