By Portia Brown
The holiday season is in full swing—and while it’s often about giving to others, there’s no better time to focus on giving a little extra to your partner. Between the festive decorations, cozy nights in, and that undeniable magic in the air, the holidays provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic and sensual date night. Whether you lean toward naughty or nice, here are playful, low-effort ideas to plan a steamy holiday evening that’s sure to heat things up.
Set the Scene with Seasonal Ambiance
The right atmosphere is everything when creating a sexy holiday vibe. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to achieve it.
- Dim the Lights: Use fairy lights or the twinkle of your Christmas tree to set a soft, romantic glow. Candles are also a classic choice; choose scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or pine to evoke the holidays.
- Seasonal Playlist: Curate a playlist that blends smooth jazz holiday classics with sultry tunes. Think “Santa Baby” and a little Sade. We love Kelly Finnegan - A Joyful Sound.
- Cozy Decor: Drape blankets and throw pillows in front of the fireplace (or a YouTube fireplace stream!) to create a plush, intimate setting. Add a touch of whimsy with mistletoe strategically placed above your makeshift love nest/romp room or whatever you want to call it. It's the holidays, get creative.
Dress (or Undress) for the Holidays
Holiday-themed attire can be the perfect way to spark excitement. Lean into the festive spirit with:
- Sexy Santa or Elf-Inspired Lingerie: If you already own something red or green, accessorize it with bows, lace, or glitter for a flirty twist. Fluer De Mal is a personal favorite.
- Matching Pajamas: For a more playful and cozy vibe, opt for festive matching pajamas. The best part? They’re easy to remove when the time is right.
- Accessories Count: A spritz of your signature fragrance or some shimmering body oil can add that extra layer of allure.
A Sensual Holiday Feast
You don’t need a gourmet spread to make your date night indulgent. Focus on finger foods and treats that feed into the sensuality of the evening:
- Charcuterie Board for Two: Arrange meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts on a board. Bonus points for including aphrodisiacs like figs, dark chocolate, and strawberries.
- DIY Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a station with hot cocoa, whipped cream, marshmallows, and a dash of peppermint schnapps for a naughty twist. Feed each other sips and make it a playful game.
- Holiday Sweets: Bake cookies together or feed each other pre-made ones. Decorating them with frosting can get delightfully messy—and sexy.
Naughty or Nice Activities
Keep the energy flowing with activities that are equal parts festive and flirtatious:
- Spicy Gift Exchange: Set a $20 limit and challenge each other to find the naughtiest or most romantic holiday-themed gift. Think massage oils, fuzzy handcuffs, or a handwritten IOU for a sensual favor.
- Body as a Present: Wrap yourself up in a giant bow or ribbon and let your partner unwrap you. Alternatively, use body-safe paints to create a work of art on each other.
- Holiday Trivia with a Twist: Create a list of fun holiday-themed questions. Every wrong answer earns a playful consequence (like a kiss or something spicier).
Indulge the Senses During The Holidays
To make the night truly unforgettable, engage all five senses:
- Touch: Give each other massages with scented oils or warm lotion. Focus on pressure points like shoulders, neck, and lower back to relax and ignite desire. We use our Body Oil, obviously.
- Taste: Play a blindfolded taste-testing game with holiday treats. Guess the flavors and let your partner know if you’re “naughty” or “nice” depending on your accuracy.
- Sound: Whisper your favorite holiday memories or fantasies to each other. The intimacy of sharing secrets can deepen your connection.
- Sight: Play dress-up or tease with a holiday strip game. Maybe it’s one piece of clothing removed for every ornament you place on the tree.
- Smell: Introduce seasonal scents like peppermint, cinnamon, or pine through candles, diffusers, or even body products.
End with a Cozy Wind-Down
After all the fun and games, it’s important to transition into a relaxed and loving close to your evening.
- Snuggle Under the Tree: Lay out a blanket under your holiday lights and enjoy quiet cuddles. Bonus points for sharing what you’re most grateful for in each other this year.
- Holiday Movie with a Twist: Put on a romantic holiday film but make it interactive. Every time a cliché happens (like a snowstorm trapping lovers together), exchange kisses… or more.
- Gratitude Exchange: Write down what you love most about each other and exchange your notes. It’s an intimate way to feel connected after an exciting evening.
Tips for Holiday Success
- Keep It Simple: The goal is intimacy, not stress. Focus on the quality of time together rather than elaborate planning.
- Communicate: Discuss boundaries and preferences beforehand to ensure both of you are comfortable with the planned activities.
- Be Playful: Don’t take it too seriously. The holiday season is about joy and laughter, so let go of any expectations and simply enjoy the moment.
This holiday season, whether you decide to be naughty, nice, or somewhere in between, remember that the best gift you can give is your presence and attention. With a little creativity and a dash of holiday magic, your sexy date night will be one to remember—no mistletoe required.
Portia Brown shows up as a sex/relationship writer and sex educator. Portia believes we are all divine + deserving of pleasure, and spends her days exposing her own truths and troubles as a means to help others. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Glamour UK and podcasts such as “Doing It” with Hannah Witton and “Am I Making You Uncomfortable” from Huffington Post.
When she is not talking about sex, she is indulging in her own pleasure practices, cooking or watching Survivor with her fiancé. She can be found most easily through her instagram account @ThePortiaBrown and website.
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