While typically considered a spiritual, festive, family-type of holiday, Christmas can be a celebration of romance as well.
Romantic ideas for Christmas can build on the existing celebratory nature of the holiday season, such as thoughtful gift-giving, fireside chats, soft, lilting Christmas carols and winter wonderland weather.
Fireside Candlelit Dinner Start a roaring fire in the fireplace and set a romantic table for two close by.
Use your finest Christmas linen, china and stemware and be sure your beautifully decorated Christmas tree is in prominent view.
Play Christmas carols that are soft and emotional and prepare and serve a sinfully rich and elegant meal.
Consider a full rib roast, prime rib, rack of lamb and decadent desserts such as rum cake with freshly whipped cream or a cherry flambe.
Ice Skating Add a touch of whimsical fun to an afternoon of romance at a local pond or ice-skating rink.
Bundle up in warm, festive sweaters, hats, gloves and mittens and hold hands while you skate figure eights.
Finish the afternoon with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Horse-drawn Carriage Ride Bring along your favorite red wool blanket as you take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through a park lit with Christmas lights or a brightly lit and festive city street scape.
Tour of Lights Take a tour of your town or city to enjoy the beautiful light displays of Christmas.
Take your time to stop and truly appreciate the beauty of each display, as well as your time together.
Symphony or Holiday Theatrical Performance Enjoy a romantic evening at the symphony or attend a holiday theatrical performance together.
Seasonal favorites include "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol.
" Christmas Movies Select your all-time favorite Christmas movies and have a private, romantic evening watching them at home.
Pop popcorn, pour eggnog and snuggle up on a cozy couch with only the lights of the Christmas tree.
Make Your Own Gifts A truly romantic idea for Christmas is for a couple to agree to create their gifts for each other.
Consider your love's interests and come up with a creative way to build, bake, construct, knit or sew a unique gift that truly comes from the heart.
Rent a Cabin in the Woods Few things are more romantic than renting a cabin in a snow-covered forest to celebrate Christmas.
Select a ski lodge, a snow resort or even a borrowed or rented hideaway where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and each other's undivided attention.
Volunteer Together Consider volunteering to help those less fortunate during the Christmas season.
Whether you're shopping for gifts to donate to underprivileged children or serving a meal at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, this shared and selfless activity can bring couples closer together.