Navigating the holiday season can be challenging whether you’re single or in a committed relationship so in today’s episode I’m sharing my best advice on holiday dating and etiquette. 

This episode, we discuss:

[2:48] Ways to meet someone when you’re newly dating during the holiday season

[8:50] 10 examples of where you can bring your date 

[11:26] The best gifts to get your partner during the holiday season

[14:13] Grooming etiquette during the holiday season 

[15:11] What to wear to holiday functions 

[16:35] Holiday party etiquette 

[19:08] Tips for being a great holiday party guest

[2:48] Ways to meet someone when you’re newly dating during the holiday season

During the holiday season, attend all holiday events that you are invited to because it’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people outside of your circle. 

In addition to going to as many holiday events as possible, I think shopping for gifts in person instead of online can be helpful too. I know it’s easier to shop online nowadays but you never know who you might meet when you are out shopping. 

Another great place to meet people is at the grocery store. Try going during lunch time or after work. It is important to make sure that you look presentable. 

You can also meet someone when you are traveling by plane or train. I know it’s easy to pop in your headphones but take this time to be present and open to meeting someone new. 

Another great place to meet people is at charitable events. Pick a volunteer opportunity that resonates with your beliefs and go for it. This will ensure that you meet someone who shares similar values. You can go volunteer at your local toy drive, homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or even animal shelter. 

Another less common place to meet someone new during the holiday season is at a UPS or FedEx shipping store. 

We can also meet someone new at a coffee shop. A lot of people are still working remotely and working out of coffee shops so I think it’s a great place to meet people. 

If you’re religious, church or the synagogue might be a wonderful place to meet someone because you will know right off the bat that they have similar beliefs. 

You can also host your own holiday party or potluck celebration for your community and tell everyone to bring a friend. 

[8:50] 10 examples of where you can bring your date 

One date you can go on during the holiday season is ice skating. This gives you the opportunity to do something a little more adventurous than normal. Another date you can go on is to a local holiday market. This is a fun and festive activity and you can both potentially knock out some holiday shopping together. 

You can also find a restaurant that goes all out for the holidays and have dinner and festive drinks. Another fun idea is to go on a hot cocoa crawl and try hot chocolate from a few different places. 

Another more adventurous option is to take a salsa class together. This is a fun way to see if you have any chemistry with your date. You can also have a friend’s night in with hot chocolate and Bailey’s and spice it up with some Christmas karaoke. 

You can take a holiday cooking or baking class together. If you live in a colder environment, you can go sledding or to a ski resort. 

You can also go volunteer together. There’s nothing like giving back and feeling so good with another person to share that with. 

Another fun idea is to have a Christmas movie marathon. There’s nothing better than curling up and getting cozy. 

Most of all, I encourage you to have fun and don’t stress about dating this time of year. 

[11:26] The best gifts to get your partner during the holiday season

If you have only been dating for a month or two, a good gift would be some nice perfume or even a pair of shoes. 

If you have been dating for two or three months, then I recommend going for a necklace, bracelet, or earrings. 

If you have been dating for more than three months, you should know her love language by now. If you don’t, then make sure to go take the love languages quiz so that you can get the perfect gift for her. 

If her love language is words of affirmation, maybe you can write a poem for her and frame it. If her love language is acts of service, gift her a spa day or even a housekeeping service. If her love language is quality time, then you can book a day of fun activities to do together. 

If her love language is gifts, then you can buy her something sentimental like a necklace or another object to represent your love. If her love language is physical touch, you can make a booklet of massage coupons she can redeem at any time. 

When it comes to gifting this holiday season, my best advice is just to make sure that you are not being selfish. Don’t buy her lingerie in hopes of getting to see her in it or a breadmaker in hopes that she will make you bread. It’s important to pay attention to her and her interests so that you can get her the perfect gift. 

[14:13] Grooming etiquette during the holiday season 

Etiquette is important year round but it’s more important during the holiday season. Your image says everything about you in just a few seconds so make sure that you are paying attention to your image. This applies to grooming, your cleanliness, the way your clothes fit, and more. 

Make sure that your hair is always brushed and you do not have too much product in it. Your nails should always be trimmed and well kept. Keep gum, a mint, or breath spray handy for in between meals. 

Make sure to always put on deodorant and apply some cologne. Women love cologne but don’t overdo it. Your clothes should always be clean and neat. Make sure your shoes are polished and your clothes are overall in good condition. 

[15:11] What to wear to holiday functions 

Holiday parties are the perfect time to dress things up. You should be wearing velvets, satins, and patent leather. Lean into colors like red, green, blue, gold, and silver to really get into the holiday spirit. 

[16:35] Holiday party etiquette 

Get really clear on what type of party you are attending. Is it a White Elephant party? What kinds of gifts are exchanged? Be prepared and ask the right questions before attending the event. 

If the event you are attending is a potluck, then bring a dish that you really love or represents your family traditions as this can be a great conversation starter. Also, make sure to bring a nice bottle of wine or champagne for the host. 

If you’re drinking white wine or champagne, hold the glass by the stem so that it doesn’t warm up. For red wine, you can hold it by the base of the glass as red wine shouldn’t be cold. Cocktails should be in cocktail glasses and beer should be in beer glasses. For holiday functions, please use the two drink maximum so that you don’t get sloppy. It also helps prevent beer goggles. 

[19:08] Tips for being a great holiday party guest

When attending holiday parties, it is important that you RSVP. Make sure to ask the host if there is anything you can do to help. Don’t be early or late to the party, be right on time. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, call and let the host know. Always thank the host. 

When it comes to food, if there’s finger foods, take a few and then let others get some. Don’t talk with your mouth full or smack your lips. 

If it’s a dinner party, ask if there’s a specific place you should sit and make sure you’re using the proper utensils. 

My best advice is to go out and have fun. I know it’s easy to sit at home and watch Netflix but that’s not going to help you find the one. 

If you’re looking for more tips on holiday dating, you can message me on Instagram @celestemooreimage and let me know your thoughts on today’s episode. I’d love to hear from you!