So, you've found someone you really like. They've made you smile more than a few times and decided you want to keep seeing them. Needless to say, you have a bright outlook about it. Meanwhile, the bright lights are hung up on the homes around your neighborhood. The music is playing on every radio station. That's when it hits you - you're dating someone new during the holiday season.
You get it. It's the most wonderful time of the year. You want to take part in the festivities. But you also want to keep things casual. So, how do you say, "hey, I am starting to like you," during the season typically reserved for long-term relationships and family? You certainly don't have to take any large leaps forward if you aren't ready.
A key to keeping things on that level is giving thoughtful, yet appealing gifts. There are some gifts that send the exact message that you are looking for while not scaring anyone away.
Texting gloves - Everyone is on their phones, even when taking part in holiday celebrations. Since it is often colder in the winter, texting outside might threaten to turn your fingers into popsicles. Giving gloves as a gift to the new person that you are dating lets them know that you care about their comfort.
Tickets to a show or event - This is a gift for a fun time AFTER the holidays are over. The holidays can get a bit hectic with social gatherings, office parties, spending time with family, and purchasing gifts for everyone on your list. There is barely time to do anything else until the new year is rung in. So, why not plan for something after the holiday madness has come to an end? Plus, it lets your partner know that you are planning to stick around weeks (or even months) down the road.
Board games - Sometimes, you just have to unplug. That is perfectly fine. Playing board games with someone you're dating is a great way to spend time together. First, it teaches you their interests and how they think, helping you to get to know them better. It certainly can be a better option than staring at a movie screen without a word spoken between the two of you for hours. Board games give you a better opportunity to share, to have a genuine exchange, and to learn more about this new person that has just struck your fancy.
A book - Here's your chance to tell the person what you're about. You can give a joke book with a theme on dating. You could send a collection of short stories that tug at the heartstrings. Or it could even be a book on a topic that your date is passionate about. Kudos to you for being a good listener.
Dessert - Who doesn't like dessert? Whether it's chocolate, candy, cake, or ice cream, someone that you are dating will appreciate the thought of you giving something sweet to someone sweet. If the treat is homemade, even better. Then, you tell them that you thought enough about them to spend time making something that would make their belly happy. They might even do a happy dance.
Celebrating the holidays when first dating might seem challenging at first, but not when approached with the right attitude. You want to be engaging and interested, so your gifts should be a reflection of that. You also want to send the message that you are taking your time while still including the person that you are dating into your holiday traditions. So, usher in fun and fabulousness by gifting thoughtfully and enjoy a well-rounded dating experience this and every holiday season.