9 Fun Things for Couples to Do At Home When It's Too Cold to Leave

Klaus Vedfelt

DEAR DR. JENN,

My girlfriend and I have rearranged our apartment, made our own bread, and watched everything on Netflix... but I'm bored. What can we do to not lose our minds, especially now that it's getting cold and we'll be forced to spend even more time inside? We desperately need to change things up when it comes to our date nights. —Stir Crazy

DEAR STIR CRAZY,

There is nothing more romantic and cozy than lighting a fire and curling up together during these tumultuous times. Keeping each other warm, connecting, and getting into the holiday spirit are great ways to bond. I've shared some creative quarantine dates but here's your winter edition to help you get creative at home during the cold weather season.

1. Watch holiday movies together.

Whether you watch a classic like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street,’ a more recent family-friendly flick like “The Muppet Christmas Carol," or an edgier take of the holidays with “The Nightmare Before Christmas", taking a deep dive into holiday movie will get you in the spirit. Throw in some eggnog or hot chocolate and cuddle up on the couch in an ugly Christmas sweater.

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2. Plan your Thanksgiving menu.

Even if it's just going to be the two of you or a Zoom dinner with family across the country, there's no reason you can't make the day memorable and thoughtful. Start planning what you are going to make (you might even want to try an online holiday cooking class together!), how you are going to set the table, and what you are going to wear.

3. Share stories about childhood holidays.

Share your family history with your partner, including both good and bad memories. This is the best way to carry on fun family traditions with your partner. Sharing painful memories can help you to get closer and make sure that you create new happier ones together.

4. Make something special for the cold weather.

Take an online knitting class, sewing tutorial, or anything else that will help you both to develop a new skill. Then use it to make a warm blanket, sweater, or scarf.

5. Make a gingerbread house.

Have fun building a home together (literally and figuratively) with some gingerbread. Buy a kit or just wing it together.

6. Get handsy.

Heat up some warm massage oil and give each other back rubs. Learn some new techniques online and take turns trying them out on one another. Even better, do your massage in front of a flickering fire. If you don't have a fireplace, go the virtual route and play a video of flames on your TV.

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7. Plan a fantasy trip.

Look through travel websites, Instagram, or Pinterest and plan a fantasy vacation together somewhere warm. When you feel safe to travel again, you'll have a plan all ready to go.

8. Decorate for the holidays.

Getting your home in the holiday spirit together will keep you busy and make your home cozier and more inviting. String lights, carve a pumpkin, make a wreath for your front door, pull out your menorah, decorate a tree.

9. Do some holiday puzzles.

Get a jigsaw puzzle with a picture that reminds you both of something you love about the holidays and spend some time overcoming the challenge of completing it together.

In Hump Day, award-winning psychotherapist and TV host Dr. Jenn Mann answers your sex and relationship questions — unjudged and unfiltered.