NOTE: This date will require a little planning ahead of time. For the dinner portion and activity #3 you might have to buy some ingredients ahead of time. As well as, activity #4 suggest buying one another gifts to exchange.

Activity #1:

Prayerful Preparation: Begin your date night by praying this guided prayer together.

“Thank You, Lord, for the gift of togetherness. In the beauty of this winter evening, surrounded by Your creation, we're reminded of Your majestic handiwork. As we step into this night, may our hearts overflow with gratitude for the companionship and love You've blessed us with.”

Scripture Reflection: Ground your evening in the Word. Choose passages that speak to the beauty of love, commitment, and togetherness. Meditate on these verses and discuss how they resonate with your marriage. Here are some to get you started:

Ephesians 5:25
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Colossians 3:14
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Matthew 19:6

Activity #2:

Create a cozy ambiance with a fireplace (if you do not have one search “fireplace” on YouTube and put it on your T.V.). For dinner, here is a recipe for a seasonal dish to enjoy.

Activity #3:

After dinner, make this hot cocoa recipe.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk is recommended)

*TIP For a richer hot cocoa, use heavy cream instead of milk.

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I love Ghirardelli brand)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Add the milk and chocolate chips to the saucepan.
Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is steaming.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve immediately, topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, if desired.

Tips:

For a more decadent hot cocoa, add a tablespoon of dark chocolate shavings to each mug before pouring the hot cocoa.

While you are enjoying your special winter drink ask each other these questions:

What are your favorite memories from this year?
What are you most grateful for this year?
What are some things you learned about yourself or each other this year?
What are some goals you have for the next year?
Do you have any family traditions that you want to continue or start?
What are some things that you're looking forward to doing together in the next year?
What's your favorite thing about winter?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If you could have any celebrity as your best friend, who would it be?

Activity #4: You choose what to do next

There are two options for this part – or if you would like to do both on your date, you can!

Option 1. Holiday Movie Marathon:

Choose a favorite holiday movie or a selection of your holiday favorites or movies you haven't seen yet. Set up a blanket nest on the couch with pillows and enjoy a holiday movie.

Option 2. Winter Spa Night:

Create a mini spa night at home. Draw a warm bubble bath with some soothing essential oils. Take turns giving each other relaxing massages.

Activity #5: Exchange Small or Thoughtful Gifts

Exchange small, thoughtful gifts that show you know each other well. They could be something related to a shared interest or a reminder of a special memory. Here are some ideas of thoughtful gifts:

Matching Robes
Experience Voucher: A voucher for an experience you will enjoy together, such as a couples massage, a cooking class, or tickets to a show.
Homemade Coupon Book: A homemade coupon book filled with promises of favors, acts of service, or special outings is a personalized and heartfelt gift.
Customized Photo Album: Compile a photo album featuring your journey together, from your wedding day to significant milestones, with personalized captions or notes.
Couples' Cookbook: A cookbook specifically designed for couples, featuring recipes ideal for two and encouraging quality time spent cooking together.
Memory Jar or Scrapbook: Create a memory jar filled with notes of favorite shared moments or put together a scrapbook capturing special memories from their relationship.

Date Night Idea: December Delights: A Cozy Celebration for Two