On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me… a partridge in a pear tree. ♫
A Christmas countdown with a romantic twist sounds like a fun idea but I don’t think anyone wants to receive turtle doves, French hens, swans, geese, drummers, maids and the rest of those mentioned in the song.
If you want to surprise your other half with a romantic Christmas countdown, a “12 Dates of Christmas” is a great idea! It doesn’t have to be 12… you can go for 10… 7… or if you really want to go all out, make it 24! On each day, do something festive and romantic together until the last and final day which is of course, December 25th.
To help you out and get you inspired, here are 12 romantic holiday date ideas that are easy to do and budget-friendly too.
#12: Watch a tree lighting ceremony in your city or a city nearby. It’s usually free and it will surely set your mood for the holidays.
#11: Now that you are already in the holiday spirit, it’s time for your home to feel the Christmas vibe as well. Whether you live together or not, putting up the Christmas tree and hanging Christmas décor together is a fun date idea. Hey, putting up the Christmas tree isn’t that easy, you know? An extra pair of hands is much needed.
#10: By this time, I’m pretty sure your neighbors have already decorated their homes too. And you know how some households go ALL OUT when it comes to decorating their houses whether it’s for Christmas, Halloween or any occasion. Drive around or just stroll through your neighborhood while viewing and taking photos of beautiful homes all decked for the holidays.
#9: Who doesn’t love baked goodies? Gingerbread houses and Christmas cookies aren’t just for kids. A holiday baking date sounds (and tastes) like a fun and yummy idea! It’s even more fun if one or neither of you knows how to bake. There’s always a first time for everything.
#8: If baking was a success, munching on those holiday treats while having a Christmas themed movie marathon is your next activity. Prepare a list of all your favorite holiday flicks and curl up next to each other for a Christmas movie night.
#7: To change things up after 2 consecutive stay-in dates, how about do something outdoorsy like Ice Skating or sledding?
#6: It’s during this time of the year when you can watch all-sorts of classic holiday performances. Take your significant other to a romantic date night and watch a holiday play, musical or concert. Some popular and classic ones are The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol.
#5: Start your shopping or if your budget isn’t ready for it yet, a window shopping date will do. This will help you both plan and decide on what to get each other and your other loved ones for Christmas. Take a stroll through the main shopping district, major department stores and holiday bazaars or markets.
#4: Have a holiday-themed photo shoot. You don’t need to hire a professional photographer. As long as you have a camera or a phone that takes good quality photos, a tripod and a nice Christmas-y background, you can already have your own mini and quick photo shoot. Check out Pinterest for photo inspirations.
#3: Host a Christmas party with friends. This time, make it a “group date” and enjoy all things Christmas-y with your best friends. From festive feast to gift exchange, ugly sweaters to fun Christmas-themed charades.
#2: Volunteer together. Not everyone is lucky and blessed like you are and what better way to show gratefulness than to give back and share your blessings. Plan a day to volunteer together and make others feel the love and holiday spirit.
#1: Well, it’s finally time to give each other gifts but you don’t have to give each other material things, the best and most romantic gift that you can give is the gift of time, togetherness and love.
Keep in mind that Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ so don’t forget to thank Him every day. Happy holidays!