Date nights add a fun spark to any relationships. If you're looking for love this Christmas, make sure you make time for date nights. Dates can be in person or virtually, depending on your restrictions. Use your outdoor areas to a maximum. For example, a date in Nottinghamshire could be a self-guided treasure hunt, while in Cambridge, you could go punting! If you're struggling to come up with ideas of what to do with your other half this Christmas, here are a few fun things you could try from a distance! 

While it is fun to wear an ugly Christmas jumper, avoid wearing it on your first date. Think cute winter clothes and boots, rather than trackies and a hoodie. It may be cold, but it doesn't mean you can't look great. Black Friday has meant there are some amazing winter deals on clothing and shoes, so you can pick out a stylish outfit for your date. There is nothing wrong with loungewear, but if you're like me, then you've been living in it for the last year. Switching it up and dressing the part can help to build up the night and make you excited. How many times have you been out lately? First impressions count, so make sure you look the part for a winter date!

One of the biggest things at Christmas is family. This year, there is a limit on how many families you can see and when. If you want your relationship to thrive this Christmas, you need to sit down and talk about a few things. Here are some important questions you need to discuss to make sure Christmas runs smoothly, no matter what dating stage you're at. The answers will vary based on where you are in your relationship.

If this year has taught me anything, it's to not hold out massive hope that things will be perfect. I left school and started an apprenticeship, something that I thought would change my life and instantly make me happy. Nothing went the way that was planned, and it certainly wasn't like the films. If you're looking for a Christmas romance or even a long term lover, don't use the movies for advice. It's easy to have high hopes around Christmas with snow falling as you go in for that first kiss. But don't expect it to be perfect. Set reasonable standards, and account for the fact you probably can't even hold hands as you ice-skate. This year, dating is going to be a little different. I did a whole post on how to date with social distancing measures with even more date ideas!

It may seem counterproductive, but if you're desperate to find love, you'll never find the one for you. It's great knowing that you'd like to be in a relationship, but don't feel pressured to couple up with someone over the holidays. It's important to appreciate yourself and embrace being single. It's better to take time than to rush into a relationship that you're not happy with. Make sure you're listening to your heart and mind leading up to Christmas. It can be difficult if you're the only one without a relationship, but listening to yourself can help to avoid a lot of heartbreak! Self-care and looking after your wellbeing should be high on your list this season.