For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been a full-blown family affair – loud, chaotic, and overflowing with food, laughter, and the occasional “When are you planning on giving us babies” questions from the aunties.
But this year, I’m trading the usual family frenzy for something new: a cozy Christmas with my boyfriend. His family is out of the country, and we’re not quite in the “meet the parents” zone (because, yikes, pressure), so it’s just us.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I was extremely excited about the idea…until I realized there’s a whole new kind of pressure that comes with a couple’s Christmas. Suddenly, I was spiraling: Did I get him the perfect gift? Does the house need to look like Santa himself co-signed our decorations? Will the food give Martha Stewart a run for her money?
But somewhere between burning my third batch of cookies and tangling myself in Christmas lights, we had an epiphany: why not make this holiday uniquely, messily, perfectly us?
So, grab your hot porridge (or traditional brew—no judgment here), and let me show you how we’re trading perfection for pure, unfiltered holiday vibes this Christmas.
Intentionally Spending Time Together
Sure, we spend a lot of time together, technically. But half the time, he’s shouting at the TV while “strategizing” on PS, and I’m one caffeine-fueled click away from meeting my work deadlines. Basically, we’re in the same room but existing in completely different universes.
This Christmas, we’re putting all that on pause. No emails, no gaming marathons, and no pretending just five more minutes don’t mean an hour. We’re ditching the devices, locking eyes (not screens), and doing the whole “spending real, meaningful time together” thing.
You know, the kind where you fall in love all over again, or at least remember why you like each other so much? Yeah, that.
Creating Our Own Signature Dish
You know how every family has that one recipe everyone swears by? Like your mom’s unbeatable casserole or your aunt’s secret spice mix? Well, my boyfriend and I decided to level up this Christmas by creating a dish that’s uniquely ours.
Instead of cooking separate dishes, we’re taking the best ingredients from our family recipes and smashing them together to create something totally original.
Will it be a masterpiece or a hot mess? Who knows! But that’s half the fun. Honestly, there’s something so special about starting your own tradition, and what’s more intimate than bonding over (possibly burning) a meal that’s all yours? Absolutely nothing.
Roleplay A Lil Christmas Fun
This Christmas, we’re shaking things up because why stick to tradition when you can add a little spice? After much (okay, some) deliberation, I landed on the perfect idea: roleplaying.
Yep, you heard me. Mrs. Claus and her mischievous elf? Classic. The Grinch and a 007 agent from Whoville? Iconic. David and wife Michal straight out of the Bible? A little niche, but hey, we love a good plot twist.
It’s quirky, hilarious, and the best part? Completely free. No overpriced tickets, no fancy reservations. Just costumes, imagination, and a whole lot of giggles.
Having A Holiday Movie Marathon
Love them, hate them, or secretly love to hate them, Netflix Christmas specials are basically the holiday season’s version of potato chips – once you start, you cannot stop.
So this year, bae and I are embracing the cozy chaos and bingeing on all the favorite classics – and yes that includes the film where Vanessa Hudgens plays multiple characters.
Enjoying Happy Hour All The Way
Who made the rule that holiday cheer has to wait for dinner or Christmas brunch?
This year, we’re tossing that tradition out the window and fully committing to happy hour. Whether it’s at 8 a.m. (don’t judge), 11 a.m., or 7 p.m. (because it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, obviously), we’re all about stealing those little in-between moments and turning them into something festive.
Related: 25 Little Ways To Show Up For Yourself Today And Finish 2024 Proud
