Fitness and Fairytales

So it's November and we can officially talk Christmas right?! 

I'm in full thinking Christmas mode ( yes I am that person, but its hitting extra early this year)  so I can enjoy some things before our baby girl arrives within the next 3 weeks. I have about another week of work and our tree is going up, fingers crossed before she arrives because I have to have my tree and Christmas decor up!  This is going to be such a special Christmas after all. 

But to the main point of this post, 12 dates of Christmas! Dating your spouse is so important and 4 years ago we started a tradition called the 12 Dates of Christmas.I worked for Disney at the time, the holidays were crazy and hectic and we didn't get to go home for Christmas so making a big deal of it was important to me. It is my absolute favorite holiday! I always knew when we had kids we would include them in some dates and have some just the 2 of us.

This year could be interesting with a newborn, and we will more than likely not be going out for any of these dates and may not even complete 12 of them, but I am determined to make some happen this year,but we always have dates that are at home dates anyways. The Holidays can be a hectic time, traveling, holiday parties etc... This is a great way to make sure to stay close in the season, not become overwhelmed and keep within the reason for the season. 

I love trying to make a big deal of at home dates. Like making shaped pizzas when we put up our tree, themed dinners to certain movies etc.... Below are some ideas of what you can do: 

1. Putting up the Christmas tree
2. Holiday Beer tasting 
3. Going to pick out the Christmas tree (we don't get a real tree currently but I will one day) 
4. A Christmas show/ performance 
5. Church Christmas Service
6. Gingerbread house
7. Movie Marathon 
8. At home date night with a TV Christmas special 
9. Reading of the story of Jesus Birth to the kids on Christmas Eve ( new tradition we will start in our house this year, even though she won't understand) 
10. Movie theme night ex: Polar Express with hot cocoa, pajamas and cookies 
11. Baking Christmas Cookies 
12. Driving Around to look at Christmas lights 
13. Christmas themed weekend getaway
14. Christmas Shopping
15. Shopping for an Angel Tree Child or some way to give back
16. A concert - last year we did Garth Brooks it's wasn't Christmas themed but that's ok
17.  Trip to see Santa 
18. Ice Skating 
19. Christmas Eve Church service 

Here are a few pictures of some of my favorite dates!

There are so many more things you could come up with depending on things going on in your town. When we lived in Florida and worked for Disney the possibilities were endless. It's just important to not lose the true meaning of Christmas in all the hustle and bustle and spend real meaningful time with your spouse and family. Make it a great season of thankfulness and giving, and stay tuned for some post of what Christmas dates we make happen this year!