If you’re like most people, sex isn’t necessarily the first thing on your mind when you think of the winter holiday season. Sure there are a few romance-friendly traditions to look forward to, like sweet kisses under the mistletoe. But factors like cold weather, last-minute travel plans, and lots of family crammed into close quarters can really put a damper on your libido.
Thankfully, while the holidays definitely pose a challenge to keeping your sex life red hot all season long, all you need is a little creativity to make it through. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, whether you’ll be traveling to see family or decking the halls at home this year.
See it as a fun challenge.
Even if you’re staying home for the holidays this year, the chances are still pretty good that full schedules might find you and your partner short on time, energy, or both. Don’t let it get you down, though. Instead, think of it as an exciting challenge to overcome, not to mention a perfect excuse to get a little more creative than usual.
Keep your eyes open for opportunities to get a little frisky and seize them when they come. Share a quick shower while the kids are busy baking in the kitchen with grandma. Duck into a dark corner together for a few minutes during the family Christmas party. Volunteer as a couple to pick up those last-minute goodies from the store and then take a detour. You get the picture.
Put in the extra effort.
As is the case with anything else worthwhile in life, excellent holiday sex that keeps you satisfied and connected isn’t going to happen all by itself. The busier your holiday season is shaping up to be, the more effort you need to put into things. So start by making sure you’re always prepared in whatever way you need to be. Think stocking up on condoms or investing in travel sizes of your favorite lubes to stash in your purse just in case.
Go out of your way to help put your partner in a sexy frame of mind, as well. Even a standard trip to the mall for some Christmas shopping or some time spent putting up holiday decorations comes with plenty of opportunities to connect. Look for little chances to touch your partner. Hold their hand, steal a kiss, or whisper sweet nothings into their ear now and then. It helps the vibe between you two stay sexy.
Help each other out.
Although finding the privacy to be intimate when there are relatives around can be tricky, it’s not typically the most significant obstacle standing in between a couple and plenty of sex. That honor goes to being fresh out of energy with so much going on. After all, no one is really in the mood to get frisky when they’re dog tired.
Raise your chances of having something on the brain besides sleep at the end of the day by sharing the workload equally between you. Splitting the work and making up the difference for one another, especially if one of you is really feeling the stress, helps you both keep your strength up. Plus, a partner who’s considerate and helpful is about the sexiest thing there is.
Swap naughty gifts.
Sure, you’ll need to keep your gift-giving PG-rated for any family gift exchanges on your schedule. But why not also schedule a spicy gift exchange for two away from prying eyes? Bonus points for giving each other items that will help the two of you stay merry in the bedroom the whole holiday season long!
Try adding a little oomph to your play sessions with a hands-free couple’s vibrator to wear during lovemaking or a magic bullet to take on the go with you if you find a chance to slip away together. Invest in some sexy holiday-themed lingerie or sleepwear to add some festive fun to your private time. Be creative, and have fun!
Change up your routine.
Naturally, most couples have a sexual routine that works best for them. But it’s good for everyone to shake things up once in awhile, and there’s no time like the holidays to do exactly that. Are you more energetic first thing in the morning? Take advantage of that and have morning sex a little more often over the holidays. Bedroom not such a hot place to get down and dirty due to thin walls and too much family around? Try doing it in the car or the shower.
Sex that inspires you to think outside the bedroom and veer away from the same things you always do is so darned good. Navigating your way around the holidays is the perfect excuse to lean into that spirit. Try it! You’ll be glad you did.
