Fall has transitioned to winter, and we’ve entered what we so endearingly call “cuffing season.” It’s that time of year when it’s colder and you just want to snuggle with something other than your pillow. It’s time for you to commit to whatever relationship you’ve been flirting with and enjoy the holidays with your special someone. But, taking it to the next level can be tricky, especially when you’re preoccupied with finals and seasonal cheer. Once exams are over, take advantage of the holidays and use them to tell your S.O. how you really feel.
1. Steal some kisses under the mistletoe
Mistletoe: A classic holiday move and a crux of relationships starting in December. Mistletoe is powerful because it can initiate anything from friendly cheek kisses, flirty pecks or even full on frenching in front of a crowd. It can be fun and harmless, but like any other kiss make sure you get consent before you go for it! Waiting for them to lean in, asking directly or simply nodding are a few cues to take before lunge for those lips. You can carry some around with you or gingerly lead your crush underneath a sprig. Either way, it’s a cheeky way to DTR.
2. Invite them to holiday dinner
Holiday dinners with family can be hefty to handle alone, so maybe you want a distraction–or a buffer. But, that’s a big step to invite someone to your home and introduce them to your parents. This move should be reserved only for those playing for keeps. However, if you have dinner with your friends, or maybe really relaxed family, then it’s less intimidating for the both of you. It’s important to see how your S.O. gets along with your friends, and if they get your friends’ approval. But remember, you inviting them to your holiday dinner might result in an invitation to their holiday dinner.
3. Party preparation
Maybe you’re the planner of your group and you organize all the festivities. Invite your S.O. to help! What better way to get things done and spend time with your boo? Most people don’t want any extra stress and are busy anyway, so I doubt anyone will be eager to help. If your partner is willing to help that says they truly care. Plus, with no one else around, you’ll get plenty of alone time with them. Being one-on-one will give you both more opportunities to get to know each other better and discuss taking the next step in your relationship.
4. Sleigh ride — or a leisurely walk
Okay, so maybe you’re a hopeless romantic and you organize a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the snow with hot chocolate and holiday music just for your beloved. Okay, so maybe that’s a little unrealistic. That doesn’t stop you from taking them out for a romantic midnight stroll in the cool air. Being outside will have you both rubbing up on one another before the night is over. The increase in oxygen and the goosebumps on your neck will have your brain working a bit quicker and sharper. So, having that talk will come easier and more eloquently than it would have if you’d been cooped up inside all day overthinking what you’d say.
5. Secret Santa
A little gift exchange without naming names might secure you both exchanging a little more than presents during the holidays. It can be an extravagant gift that’ll capture your love’s heart, or it can be as simple as a card saying, “I like you,” etc. If it’s meant to be then he/she will know it was from you. The mystery will be enthralling and the anonymity intriguing. They’ll be dying to talk to you about it and that’s when you’ll be able to secure the bag.
6. Cuddling session
Honestly, blame it on the weather because it’s cuddling season and no one can deny it. It’s much colder, especially at night, so why night call up your S.O. for a night under the covers? I’m not denying that we live in a time where hookup culture is common, and I’m not condoning it either, but what I am saying is it’s cold. And, there’s no shame if you’re just looking for a FWB. Cuddling isn’t reserved just for tinder matches, but you can also use a cuddle date as an excuse to transition your relationship from talking to officially dating. Either way, it’ll definitely give your partner the static you’ve been feeling for them.
7. NYE Midnight kiss
Similar to a mistletoe kiss but much more thought out, a NYE midnight kiss can be the clincher for your relationship and bring a new relationship into a new year. Usually, you know ahead of time what you’ll be doing, where you’ll be and who you’ll be with on New Year’s Eve. So, you can plan ahead of time to be in close proximity to your crush or S.O. Though nothing ever goes exactly to plan, with the proper effort and execution you’ll share a kiss that could really be the start of something new.
Remember, it’s the holidays. Just enjoy the extra happiness and love in the atmosphere, and don’t stress out too much about anything. Especially your love life! Take this time to transition with the help of the holidays without overcomplicating DTR-ing.
Do you have any relationship tips or tricks? Do you have a favorite holiday romance story? Let us know on social media and in the comments below!