Nov. 25, 2025

EP 53. Holiday Romance; Making Time For Each Other

The important point of our discussion revolves around the concept of holiday romance and its significance in nurturing the bond between spouses during the festive season. As we navigate the hustle and bustle that characterizes this time of year, it is imperative that we intentionally carve out moments to reconnect with our spouses, thereby fostering an atmosphere of love and affection. Throughout our dialogue, we explore various practical strategies for enhancing romance, from spontaneous coffee breaks to tender gestures amidst the chaos of holiday preparations. We emphasize the importance of maintaining an attitude of playfulness and joy, which allows couples to embrace the spirit of the season while deepening their emotional connection. Join us as we delve into these insights and encourage you to prioritize your relationship, ensuring that the joy of the holidays extends beyond mere festivities to cultivate enduring love.

The focus of this podcast episode revolves around the theme of holiday romance, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's marital relationship amidst the busyness of the holiday season. Greg and Linda Smith, your hosts, provide valuable insights into creating moments of intimacy and connection during this time of year. They underscore the necessity of intentionality in fostering romance, suggesting that couples engage in shared activities, whether it be cooking together or simply taking a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee amidst the hustle and bustle. The hosts encourage listeners to be present with their partners, highlighting that a little effort can significantly enhance the quality of time spent together, transforming ordinary moments into cherished memories.

Throughout the discussion, the Smiths reference biblical principles that advocate for joy and connection in marriage, urging couples to embrace the spirit of the season with open hearts. They offer practical advice, such as finding stolen moments to reconnect, engaging in playful flirtation, and making plans for special dates. The message is clear: amidst the holiday chaos, couples should not lose sight of their relationship but rather use this time to rekindle their love and affection for one another. By prioritizing holiday romance, partners can emerge from the season not just intact, but more united than before.

Taking intentional steps to strengthen their bond is paramount, especially as they navigate the demands of the holiday season. The episode culminates in a call to action for couples to enjoy the holidays together, fostering an atmosphere of love and joy that will not only benefit their own marriage but also serve as a beacon of hope and affection for others around them.

Takeaways:

  • Investing time in your marriage through intentional moments can significantly enhance your connection.
  • During the holidays, prioritize romance by setting aside time for each other amidst the busyness.
  • Engaging in small yet meaningful gestures, such as a quick hug or a kiss, fosters intimacy in your relationship.
  • Creating a holiday romance to-do list can serve as a delightful way to keep the spark alive during the festive season.
  • Make the most of spontaneous opportunities for affection, even in the midst of holiday chaos.
  • Practicing public displays of affection can not only strengthen your bond but also inspire others to cherish love in their own relationships.

Links referenced in this episode:

  • www.marriedandloveit.com

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/LFxOu11

Website: www.marriedandloveit.com

Our email: marriedandloveit1977@gmail.com

Facebook private group: search for married and love it.

Ecclesiastes 9:9-10; Ephesians 5:15-16; Song of Solomon 7:11-12; Genesis 26:8

Married and Love It phone number/voicemail/text 919-984-270-6062

00:00 - Untitled

00:05 - Introduction to the Podcast

01:31 - Holiday Romance: Prioritizing Connection During the Festive Season

11:28 - Creating Moments of Holiday Romance

23:26 - Let Your Love Shine

27:55 - Showing Affection During the Holidays

33:27 - Holiday Romance Tips

Speaker A

Foreign.

Speaker B

Welcome to the Married and Love It Podcast.

Speaker B

We are Greg and Linda Smith, your host from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Speaker B

It's great that you are taking time to invest into your marriage by listening to our weekly podcast.

Speaker A

The goal of our podcast is to provide you with a weekly dose of marriage teaching to help you stay focused on your marriage.

Speaker A

See it as freshening up your marriage, preventive maintenance, a marriage tune up or fan in the flame of romance, love and passion.

Speaker A

Well, you can even call it continuing education.

Speaker B

We will be covering everything that has to do with your marriage including hot topics like sex, communication, love and much, much more.

Speaker B

Our teachings are based on Christian principles plus over 47 years of marriage and ministry experience.

Speaker A

We want to help you make your marriage great by teaching you how to be married and love it.

Speaker B

It is an honor and privilege to have you join us.

Speaker A

Hey, glad you joined us today to get the weekly dose of Married and Lovett, your marriage Booster Shop for the Week and you know what?

Speaker A

I know this is a busy time of the year and it's holiday time and today's episode is holiday romance.

Speaker A

So hats off to you for taking the time in this busy time to make your marriage a priority and to get your booster shot for the week.

Speaker A

Holiday romance Making time for each other.

Speaker B

And I am excited about this one.

Speaker B

I love Christmas.

Speaker B

I love Thanksgiving, I love the whole holiday season and God's got good things in store for everybody regardless of where you're at.

Speaker B

Just allow the love of Jesus to come out this holiday season.

Speaker B

If you are struggling with some issues, there's some things going on in your life.

Speaker B

Maybe you've lost a loved one or finances are bad.

Speaker B

Just know that the whole reason for the season is Jesus and Jesus has a future and a hope for you.

Speaker B

So don't, don't hide, don't hunker down somewhere.

Speaker B

Get around people that are having fun and and feed off their joy and their spirit.

Speaker B

Maybe it's a Christmas play going on or a group of people that are just going out and having some good time and they say, hey, you want to come?

Speaker B

Allow God to use other people to come into your life and bring some holiday joy because you never know what can happen.

Speaker B

Now we're going to be talking about holiday romance in the Bible and this is a scripture I love to use for everything that we do nowadays.

Speaker B

But in Ecclesiastes 9:9 it says enjoyed life.

Speaker B

That means enjoy Christmas the whole 12 months of the year, but especially during Christmas.

Speaker B

It says enjoy life with your spouse whom you love all the days of Your life.

Speaker B

So as we're coming in to the holiday season, God wants you and your honey, your spouse, your husband, maybe it's a fiance, whatever it might be, to have a holiday romance.

Speaker B

Because we know it's hard enough during the off season, January through October, ish, for couples to even have time together because life is heading.

Speaker B

They don't.

Speaker B

You can't.

Speaker B

You don't have time for dates.

Speaker B

You're not.

Speaker B

You're not sitting down and talking.

Speaker B

You know what I'm talking about.

Speaker B

And we've got a podcast that talks about being crazy busy.

Speaker B

But that's not today's topic.

Speaker B

Kind of.

Speaker B

It's about spending time with your spouse during the holidays.

Speaker B

And then you got all the normal life.

Speaker B

And then what's supposed to be fun gets a blur.

Speaker B

Because you got to go here, do this, cook that, wrap that, see this, go there, see people you don't like or do like.

Speaker B

And it's like by the time January gets here, you're like, oh, but you know what?

Speaker B

In the midst of all of that, you and your honey can have a romance.

Speaker B

And that's what we're going to talk about on this podcast is holiday romance.

Speaker B

You see, during this time, you should be enjoying each other.

Speaker B

No, that doesn't mean you're going to go through the next 30, 45 days in a little la la land all the time.

Speaker B

But there's going to.

Speaker B

You can have an air of expectancy, an air of romance.

Speaker B

You know, you can be busy.

Speaker B

You can be in the same room together.

Speaker B

Maybe it's a church service, a play, a kids thing.

Speaker B

And just because you're in the same room together doesn't mean you're spending time together.

Speaker B

Just because you're out shopping for three or four hours doesn't mean you're spending quality time together.

Speaker B

But what we're talking about is you taking 10 to 15 minutes out, a stolen moment in the midst of your shopping to sit down and say, you know what?

Speaker B

We're out shopping.

Speaker B

But let's.

Speaker B

Let's go over the Starbucks, let's go into McDonald's and get a cup of coffee and just sit and talk about our marriage, to talk about what we're going to be doing over the holidays and just spending that time.

Speaker B

Another part it is as you decide to sit down by the fire.

Speaker B

Or if you got a fake fire like we do, you sit down, turn on the holiday music, and you just take 10, 15, 20 minutes.

Speaker B

Maybe your whole day was crazy busy.

Speaker B

But you know what?

Speaker B

You take that time to reconnect you sit.

Speaker B

You sit down, and you're having that cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and you're just looking at the fire burn, Listen to some Christmas music, and you just spend that time together and allow that bonding to take place.

Speaker B

You know what else it is?

Speaker B

It's YouTube being in a crowded room full of people.

Speaker B

Maybe it's a Christmas party.

Speaker B

And you look over at each other and your eyes meet.

Speaker B

And your eyes are doing the talking because you're connecting, flirting with each other.

Speaker B

Flirting with each other with your eyes.

Speaker A

Flirt with each other.

Speaker B

See, it's your attitude.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker B

When you go into this, hey, I'm going in this with my, quote, girlfriend tonight, my boyfriend.

Speaker B

That's see it as your lovers.

Speaker B

And you're going in there and you're right.

Speaker B

Making the circuit.

Speaker B

But you know what?

Speaker B

Your eyes meet and say, hey, we may step under the mistletone a little bit.

Speaker B

See, it's an attitude you have.

Speaker B

Do you go into the party activity?

Speaker B

Oh, man, I can't believe we've got to go into this.

Speaker B

Another thing.

Speaker B

And you go and meet your friends, but you go, hey, there might be some mistletoe hanging up.

Speaker B

Let's see if we can find the mistletoe.

Speaker B

Because you start making it fun and stuff, and this can happen.

Speaker B

Yes, you can have this with all the activities going on, and it needs to be a priority for you.

Speaker B

You know why?

Speaker B

Holiday romance is something that you need, your spouse needs, and your marriage needs it.

Speaker B

You should not go through the whole holidays coming out of it worn out, and you guys are more disconnected than you were before.

Speaker B

Your marriage needs holiday romance.

Speaker B

Don't let the holiday hustle take the joy from each other for.

Speaker B

For your.

Speaker B

Don't let the holiday hustle take out the joy that you guys should be experiencing together.

Speaker A

That's true.

Speaker A

Yep.

Speaker A

Another thing is you.

Speaker A

You're gonna have to be intentional about it.

Speaker B

Yes.

Speaker A

Is definitely true through all of this holiday season.

Speaker A

And to do this, you are.

Speaker A

You know, you might even struggle through the year to be intentional, but especially intentional and on purpose about it.

Speaker A

Ecclesiastes 9, 10 says, Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

Speaker A

So we're talking about enjoying the holiday season.

Speaker A

It takes effort, but you're gonna have to put effort into it.

Speaker A

And you might think, oh, my gosh, I don't even have effort for the regular events going on swirling all around me.

Speaker A

But you know what?

Speaker A

You're gonna find that when you do on purpose, take time for each other to do that, reconnecting with each Other it's going to energize you.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker B

It could be like you guys saying, we got company coming over to this afternoon and we got to cook some dinner.

Speaker B

We need to clean the bathroom, we need to vacuum the floor.

Speaker B

And you two start saying, how can we work together as a team and get this done?

Speaker B

Not just like there's some list.

Speaker B

And then while you're moving around the house, maybe you crumb across each other, stop and get that 10 second kiss.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

Maybe you walk past your wife and you're a little frisky and you just tap her on the behind a little bit.

Speaker B

Or you, you walk by and say, man, your muscles look good while you're vacuuming that floor.

Speaker B

You, you, you do it with an.

Speaker A

Intentional, yeah, you're going to have fun.

Speaker B

It's so, it's your attitude, you're intentional.

Speaker B

So you, instead of, oh man, we got to do this stuff.

Speaker B

Well, how can we bring out the best in it?

Speaker A

And you know what just came to me is grab your spouse's hand.

Speaker A

If you're passing in the hallway and you're got something that you're rushing from, one's going to the front of the house and the other is going to the back of the house, but you meet in the middle, grab each other's hand and say a quick little prayer.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker A

You know, Lord, help, help Greg get this accomplished.

Speaker A

Lord, help Linda get this accomplished.

Speaker A

Greg could say for me.

Speaker A

And, and you know what that does?

Speaker A

That is just like another marriage bust.

Speaker A

I mean, a booster.

Speaker A

It's another little boost, you know, so that you can just encourage each other like that.

Speaker A

So take the moment, take, even if you're out shopping, decide to stop and do it spontaneously.

Speaker A

A spontaneous, you know, coffee break or something.

Speaker A

Or while you're out shopping and getting the groceries and the, the list of food items that you need to make for Thanksgiving or the food items you need for your Christmas or maybe a New Year's Eve party.

Speaker A

Like one time we were in Kroger and we were shopping together and it's like we just needed to stop with the grocery cart and just do a quick little.

Speaker A

What did we do?

Speaker B

That's a good hug.

Speaker B

We just, we just hugged.

Speaker B

We call it the Kroger hugs.

Speaker A

Oh yeah.

Speaker B

At that particular time, it was a connection there.

Speaker B

We didn't care who was around, we just hugged.

Speaker B

And sometimes you just gotta stop, be intentional about it, you know, and, and you can be walking if you, maybe you're somewhere and you walk by the Dell and they got samples in the Deli or the bakery area.

Speaker B

Stop.

Speaker B

Say, hey, let's, let's go over and.

Speaker A

Get a piece of cheese.

Speaker B

Get a piece of cheese.

Speaker B

Or get a piece of croissant or jelly roll, whatever they got at Christmas time.

Speaker B

And just take a couple moments and have that moment.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker B

Just taking time to be there together.

Speaker B

And like you're on a date even though you're out shopping and you're starting to get tired, just be there for one another.

Speaker B

Look for opportunities to be romantic and to express your love and appreciation.

Speaker A

Radar up, you know?

Speaker A

Yeah, that's right.

Speaker B

So that leads us to this.

Speaker B

Make the most of your time.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

You're only you.

Speaker B

You're gonna have that 24 hours a day.

Speaker B

And we're talking about Thanksgiving to New Year's.

Speaker B

That whole time frame is what we're calling holiday romance.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

Because you got three specific dates.

Speaker B

Now.

Speaker B

Christmas has the biggest run up to it.

Speaker B

But you know, all during that time, the Christmas, the big events there, but you got all these activities going on, plus lives going on.

Speaker B

So make the most of your time.

Speaker B

And also, first of all, if it's possible, both of you decide to make holiday romance happen.

Speaker B

But if one spouse isn't listening to this or they're not really paying attention to what's going on, don't wait for them.

Speaker B

You do it.

Speaker B

You're the one who can put your hand out and.

Speaker B

Or ask for a kiss or give them a pat on the behind or.

Speaker B

Or do what we're going to talk about a little bit later.

Speaker B

You be the initiator and don't wait for perfect timing.

Speaker B

There's never a perfect time, especially when they're busy.

Speaker A

That's right.

Speaker B

The mature part and the, the good part is saying, you know what, I'm busy, but I need to do this.

Speaker B

Because if you had.

Speaker B

If you have to take a medicine, a doctor said you got to take this four times a day and you can be busy.

Speaker B

Your timer is going to go off and you're going to take that pill.

Speaker A

That's right.

Speaker B

You're busy all day long.

Speaker B

And your love dose that you need to give or receive, you need to have it.

Speaker B

So you need to stop what you're doing and get that love.

Speaker A

I love the way you put that, dear.

Speaker A

Your love dose.

Speaker B

Yes, that's.

Speaker A

I know.

Speaker A

I love the way you put that.

Speaker A

And you know, Greg teases me about my to do list that I like to keep.

Speaker A

Well, everybody, some way or somehow they keep a to do list during the holidays.

Speaker A

It seems like if they don't do it through the year.

Speaker A

Well, a lot of people during the holidays pick it up.

Speaker A

It seems so.

Speaker A

But why not do a separate to do list throughout the day for special moments with your spouse?

Speaker B

Yes.

Speaker A

You know, write it out.

Speaker A

If you're list person, then create a holiday rema row culture, holiday romance to do list.

Speaker B

Yeah, that can be, that can be.

Speaker B

Linda can be making one for me, says, okay, I'm going to send, I want to make sure I send Greg a text and tell him he looks so cute in his Santa hat or whatever or just that I'm loving you, I love you, and I'm looking forward to having hot chocolate with you tonight while we're watching the fire, fake fire burning our fireplace.

Speaker B

But you, you kind of put it to do.

Speaker B

What can I do?

Speaker A

Think of those little things and write them out.

Speaker A

Because you might think of them during the day, but when it comes right down to it in the moment, you're like, oh, what was I thinking to do?

Speaker A

And then there you go, you got your little romance to do list.

Speaker B

And Ecclesiastes, the, the scripture I said says daily.

Speaker B

So yeah, it's easy to say, okay, we're going to be going to this candlelight service at church, a Christmas musical.

Speaker B

We're going to the date, or we're going over the Joneses tonight for cookies and punch and, and watch a movie.

Speaker B

But you know what?

Speaker B

Every day, even when there's not some type of event where you're going to look across the room and Google eye at each other, like I just said, send a text.

Speaker B

Be intentional.

Speaker B

What?

Speaker B

Don't try not to let a day go by when you don't express that romantic feelings or touch or words with your spouse.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker A

What was Ephesians 5, 5, 15, 16.

Speaker B

Oh, that says make the most of your time.

Speaker A

The most of your time.

Speaker A

Okay, there we go.

Speaker B

That's what I was going to start off.

Speaker A

So focus, okay.

Speaker B

Focus on your time and look for those little moments.

Speaker A

There you go.

Speaker A

Well, and if you're a pre planner, you know, then prepare a date night ahead of time.

Speaker A

Try to do that and be ready though.

Speaker A

If you are a pre planner, be ready to be spontaneous for spontaneous opportunities.

Speaker A

Don't let your mind stop you from being spontaneous just because you're a natural pre planner.

Speaker A

Right?

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker B

Because sometimes when people are spontaneous, they want to be spontaneous.

Speaker B

And maybe you're thinking, oh, I can, I can.

Speaker B

Oh, there's, let's go get coffee over here for a few minutes.

Speaker B

Oh, but we don't have time.

Speaker B

We don't have Time.

Speaker B

Yeah, you do.

Speaker B

You can make time.

Speaker B

Or, or you think, you know what, I'm gonna go give my husband a big kiss underneath the mistletoe tonight.

Speaker B

And you go, oh, what are people gonna think?

Speaker A

They're gonna.

Speaker B

Or what's he gonna think?

Speaker B

See, a lot of times in life we let, we have spontaneous thoughts, but we try the reason amount and we.

Speaker A

Don'T ever do them.

Speaker B

We talk ourselves out.

Speaker B

Moments to be stolen from you.

Speaker A

So if, like, Greg will carve the meat, a lot of times he'll be in the kitchen carving the meat, and he has his apron on and his back will be to me.

Speaker A

So I'll just come up to him and I'll just wrap my arms around him and I make sure it's not where it would be a dangerous situation with the knife being involved.

Speaker A

But I'll just say, thanks for doing all that.

Speaker A

You know, give those words of love, you know, pour out the love.

Speaker A

This is what a perfect time during the holiday seasons to pour it out even more so than ever.

Speaker B

And your spontaneous times, if you have little spontaneous moments during the day when you're talking about different things or you're flirting and it's not on, quote, your to do list, what happens is all these little things that you do during the day, maybe all of a sudden, you sent decide, I'm going to send a text right now.

Speaker B

I'm going to leave a voice message right now.

Speaker B

I'm gonna do this or do that for my spouse.

Speaker B

All those things help build anticipation.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker B

For things that you have planned.

Speaker B

Because now when you come together, you've kind of had this romantic foreplay going on.

Speaker B

Now we're not talking about you're going to go jump and jump in the hay.

Speaker B

But no, we're talking about you've, you've been flirting, and so now you've got the juices going.

Speaker B

So when you do come together, there's more of a clique going on, there's more bonding going on because you're, you're getting together the talk or for a main event, you know, going to an activity, you're going in there as lovers and friends instead of, oh, this is on our list, let's get dressed, let's go.

Speaker B

Because you've been building the anticipation all day long.

Speaker A

That's true.

Speaker A

That is so true.

Speaker B

And again, we're talking about time for you and your honey, you and your spouse, away from the kids, away from everything else.

Speaker B

That's our primary goal with holiday romance.

Speaker B

And I know sometimes you can't have that happen but that's our goal.

Speaker B

And if you have kids, you can still find time.

Speaker B

And I just have to say, get creative.

Speaker B

Because when Linda and I were young and had our kids at home, we had to get creative.

Speaker B

And there's ways to do it, and you probably know.

Speaker B

But if the kids are old enough and they can watch TV on their own and you can get a nice program or streaming thing, they can watch.

Speaker B

Well, while they're watching that, just go to the other room and.

Speaker B

And sit down and have that little talk, have that cup of cocoa or have that special Danish that you picked up at the pastry shop on the way home and just have that time to sit.

Speaker B

Or maybe if they're asleep, then you can do more.

Speaker B

Maybe that's time for you guys to go back and Mr. And Mrs. Santa can do what they want to do.

Speaker B

And maybe you've got some friends that can watch your kids or the kids can go over to their house, or maybe you can have a babysitter come.

Speaker B

Or when you go to events, maybe it's a family event and you got all the families there and the kids are running around and you can say, hey, guys, we need to go for a walk for a little bit.

Speaker B

Can you guys make sure Johnny and Susie behave and they're okay while we're gone for 30 minutes?

Speaker B

See, you got to get creative, take.

Speaker A

Advantage of those moments.

Speaker B

Right.

Speaker A

You know, and hey, if you're a grandparent and you're.

Speaker A

You live close by with and you got grandkids will offer your services to your grown kids so that their mom and dad and explain to the children, your grandkids, mom and dad need to go off without you.

Speaker A

They need some time alone.

Speaker A

So offer your services to your, you know, your grown kids.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker A

Or if you're an aunt or an uncle or maybe just a close friend, offer your services to be there to help out.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker B

If you see you got some relatives and they got small kids and you don't have any responsibilities, hey, like Lynn was saying, hey, can we come over and take care of your kids while you guys go out and have a dinner or go shopping and get those gifts that you need to get and maybe get a little snack or something.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker A

And that's time away with your spouse, you know.

Speaker A

So what's the next one to get away?

Speaker A

What is a good one?

Speaker B

This, I like this one right here.

Speaker B

Song of Solomon 7:11 through 12 says the young lovers are saying, let us go to the vineyards.

Speaker B

Let us go to the countryside and get away from everybody and escape.

Speaker B

Well, you know, I'm applying this now.

Speaker B

They were wanting to get out and do lovey dovey stuff.

Speaker B

And that's kind of what we're wanting to do here.

Speaker B

But not in that sense necessarily.

Speaker B

During the holidays and at different times, you need to get away from everybody, even if it's a household of people.

Speaker B

We kind of referred to this a minute ago.

Speaker A

We did.

Speaker B

Family members go outside.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker B

Go to a different.

Speaker B

Just say, hey, we need to go outside and take a little walk just to get away.

Speaker B

Say you got to have that time together.

Speaker B

Go to a different room.

Speaker B

Maybe everybody's in there watching the football game and you guys can just kind of go to another room in the house or wherever and just sit down and talk, hold hands for a few minutes and have that cup of cider or whatever you're gonna do.

Speaker B

Or you can say, hey, we're gonna go get a coffee for a little bit.

Speaker B

Now most people may not even notice you're gone.

Speaker B

And most people may be looking at you and saying, boy, I wish I could get out of here for 30 minutes and go have a cup of coffee.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

Go out on a dinner, take a walk.

Speaker A

A lot of people take a smoke break.

Speaker A

We'll take a couple break.

Speaker A

How about that?

Speaker A

Take your.

Speaker A

Take your marriage break with each other.

Speaker A

Right.

Speaker A

And you know what I think?

Speaker A

I think people have to give their self permission to do that.

Speaker B

Yes.

Speaker A

You know, that's true.

Speaker A

You know, think I can't do that, they start feeling guilty.

Speaker A

I can't leave mom in the kitchen by herself doing all that.

Speaker A

Well, don't.

Speaker A

Just take five minutes.

Speaker A

That's it.

Speaker A

Right.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker A

Hey, if you have to go to the bathroom, you stop then, right?

Speaker A

You give yourself permission to do that.

Speaker A

Well, then just take that five minute little.

Speaker A

Meet me in the outside, wherever.

Speaker B

That's right.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker A

Give yourself permission.

Speaker B

You know, you're at a family event and you've got your brothers and sisters there and they've got all their kids and.

Speaker B

And you say, you know what, dear, let's go off for a little bit.

Speaker B

So you go over and talk to Mike and say, mike, hey, we're gonna go off for a little bit.

Speaker B

Would you mind watching our two kids?

Speaker B

And when we get back, if you and your wife want to go off, we'll watch your kids.

Speaker B

So kind of bargain with people and set it up so, you know, everybody can maybe get a chance to escape.

Speaker A

There you go.

Speaker B

And let's move on here.

Speaker B

Don't forget about sexual intimacy during the holiday season so you can have your holiday romance.

Speaker B

Because a lot of couples, it's tough enough during the year, but you know what?

Speaker B

You still need to have that bonding.

Speaker B

So during the holiday season, during that time, you need to take time for bonding.

Speaker B

Get creative how you can fit this in.

Speaker B

Even if you're out of town, there's ways love will make a way.

Speaker B

So get creative to try to make time for y' all to have some sexual intimacy.

Speaker B

The term quickie takes on a new meaning when you're out of town.

Speaker A

That's love will find a way.

Speaker B

So next part here, I think is very important during this holiday romantic time is let your love shine.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

Okay.

Speaker B

I think this is important.

Speaker B

This isn't so much for you now.

Speaker A

It's for other people, for them to see your love.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker B

See, Genesis 26:8 says, Isaac and his wife are outside somewhere, and the king saw him sporting his wife.

Speaker B

Another version says, caressing.

Speaker B

We're just going to put it in this moment that he looked out and saw them sporting.

Speaker B

Well, you know what?

Speaker B

We need to let people see us showing affection in front of people.

Speaker B

We.

Speaker B

They need to see us showing affection to each other.

Speaker B

Why?

Speaker B

Because it lets them see couples can be in love, they can be affectionate, they're getting along, and that's a good example of what love is.

Speaker B

So in other words, let your light shine.

Speaker A

Now, you don't have to go overboard.

Speaker B

No, you're not talking about going overboard.

Speaker A

Like, go get a room or anything like that.

Speaker A

A public display of affection.

Speaker A

But it's like just being kind to one another.

Speaker A

How.

Speaker A

How is the tone of your voice while you're talking to your spouse in a room with other people?

Speaker A

Are you just getting a little sweet kiss on the cheek?

Speaker A

You know, and this holding hands when you're sitting down to watch a Christmas movie together, that kind of thing right there.

Speaker B

Stealing a kiss, snuggling on the couch.

Speaker B

If people see the mistletoes hanging there and people are walking around, you know what?

Speaker B

You go over there and you take your spouse and you get a kiss in front of everybody.

Speaker B

You know what?

Speaker B

That's letting people see you're having fun.

Speaker B

Because so many times people get around couples and they're stiff, they're boring, or there's tension in the air.

Speaker B

I just heard a survey results of a survey the other day, and it said 61% of high school girls in 12th grade say they are only.

Speaker B

That only 61% attendance intend to get married one day.

Speaker B

That's down from 83% from 1993.

Speaker B

The system in the world's coming in where marriage is not the thing to do.

Speaker B

Young kids, the little kids and teenagers, they see their parents arguing, being boring, just being roommates, and they say, why do I want to get married?

Speaker B

But you know what?

Speaker B

When you're out during the holiday season and you're showing some affection, people like to see that because it says, man, they love each other.

Speaker B

They're, They're.

Speaker B

At least they look like they love each other.

Speaker B

They're acting.

Speaker B

Probably wouldn't be doing it if they don't.

Speaker B

But they're.

Speaker B

They're showing affection.

Speaker B

They're showing, hey, this couple, they have a presence about them.

Speaker B

You ever get around certain couples and you can just tell they love each other, and they're, They're, They're.

Speaker B

They want to serve one another and bless one another.

Speaker B

So that's what we're talking about.

Speaker B

Let your presence be something that people are attracted to.

Speaker B

Or they can look up and say, I like to be like that couple.

Speaker B

You see them.

Speaker B

You know, we.

Speaker B

This Pat, through the last few years, in our house, we just did this big old Christmas display, and we had a place that had mistletoe hanging up, and couples would come in and take pictures under the mistletoe and kiss.

Speaker B

And I remember one time a couple came through, it was a young couple, and the wife goes, hey, let's get a kiss, and they can take a picture.

Speaker B

And he goes, nah.

Speaker B

The husband goes, nah, nah, I don't want to do that.

Speaker B

We don't need to do that.

Speaker B

And I could tell the wife was disappointed.

Speaker B

So they walked on around.

Speaker B

We had a curve area where people went around and looked at something else, and they came back by, and the guy said, we'll do that kiss now or we'll take that picture.

Speaker B

I could tell he had to come to Jesus moment when his wife talked to him.

Speaker B

So you know what?

Speaker B

Let your presence shine.

Speaker B

God's love.

Speaker B

That's what we're talking about.

Speaker B

Like Linda said, we're not talking about making out and tongues are flying and everything, but no, we're just talking about showing love and affection.

Speaker B

So during the holiday season, that's what it's all about.

Speaker B

It's God's love.

Speaker B

And what better thing is it for marriages, a husband and wife to be demonstrating love and affection?

Speaker B

The world needs that.

Speaker B

Your kids need that.

Speaker B

Your family's watching you.

Speaker B

People are watching you.

Speaker B

Be the North Star example of a heavenly home or couple.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker A

And you know what?

Speaker A

Let your family and friends know that you're sweet on each other.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker A

You know, that's a rare Commodity.

Speaker B

Not by your words, but.

Speaker B

Well, your words too, but especially by your actions.

Speaker A

It's just the environment that you create around.

Speaker A

Right?

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker A

Okay, so another one would be just.

Speaker A

Here's just a bunch of random ideas.

Speaker A

We probably have talked a lot about them, but here's some random ideas of how you can holiday romance, you know, do things that your spouse likes to do and maybe you don't like to do it.

Speaker A

You know, we knew a couple that her husband did not care to decorate at all.

Speaker A

He didn't care to do any kind of stuff.

Speaker A

And she loved to do all the decorating, but he would never engage.

Speaker A

He would never do anything that she wanted to do.

Speaker A

She had to call on friends and, and even family members to help her decorate, to have anything that was part of the holidays.

Speaker A

And you know, so, you know, think about it.

Speaker A

People out there, if you don't like doing something, we'll do it for your spouse, do it for your marriage.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker B

And I know there's people that, that love watching all the Hallmark type movies or Great American Family or Pure Flex, all the good Christian movies and, or Christmas movies and some people just gag or whatever.

Speaker B

But you know what, they like to do that.

Speaker B

And maybe the spouse doesn't like it.

Speaker B

Well, you know what, maybe sit down with your spouse and watch one with him or her because they want to do that and then they can do something that you want to do that they may don't care.

Speaker B

So it's a two way street.

Speaker A

It is.

Speaker B

But do decorating together.

Speaker B

You know what, you know, you see them doing on the movies and everybody's having fun and you know, they put the star up and the star, the, the lady falls off the ladder and he catches her.

Speaker B

Well, you can have your own Hallmark movie.

Speaker A

Oh my God.

Speaker B

Decorate together.

Speaker B

That's fun.

Speaker B

Watch them go for a walk.

Speaker B

Maybe you don't like to go for a walk, but your spouse does.

Speaker B

You know what?

Speaker B

Go for a walk because they need it.

Speaker B

Hold hands in, in talk and just cuddle.

Speaker B

But go for a walk.

Speaker B

Do a mistletoe hunt.

Speaker A

Oh, yeah.

Speaker A

I think that is really cool.

Speaker B

When you're out and about, look for mistletoe together and go get a kiss.

Speaker B

Yeah, that's what it's for.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker A

If you're walking in the mall, then go find that mistletoe somewhere in the mall.

Speaker A

A lot of the stores I know the entrance, their door entrance, they'll hang a little mistletoe right there at the door entrance.

Speaker A

Okay.

Speaker A

Right?

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker B

And there's so many.

Speaker B

You can google what can you do for Christmas dates?

Speaker B

What's ideas?

Speaker B

Bake together, cook together, go walk in the snow.

Speaker B

Some of y' all are out where it snows.

Speaker B

Go scout in the snow and get a carriage ride.

Speaker B

There's so much that you can do.

Speaker B

But decorate together, cook together, listen to Christmas music.

Speaker A

Yep.

Speaker B

While you're cleaning, while you're cooking, while you're just sitting and lounging, and while you're driving in the car, there's some good Christmas love songs out there.

Speaker A

Oh, hey, here's one.

Speaker A

Take time to make out.

Speaker A

But here, I just thought of that.

Speaker A

If you're in the car together and you're.

Speaker A

And you park.

Speaker A

Well, before you park to head into the restaurant or the mall or whatever, grab each other or grab your spouse and just say, come here, let me just give you a big old kiss.

Speaker B

Yeah, you know what?

Speaker A

Hey, women, be smart about it because you might get a little extra handy because of that.

Speaker B

Oh, that sounds like a bride.

Speaker A

Oh, no.

Speaker A

Well, you know what?

Speaker A

Greg had a great idea.

Speaker A

Google it.

Speaker A

They'll come up with a bunch of stuff.

Speaker B

But I, like, Linda mentioned it, take time out to make out.

Speaker B

Just think, use that term a lot of times.

Speaker B

Take time out to make out.

Speaker A

That's it.

Speaker B

You gotta.

Speaker B

You gotta be intentional on it.

Speaker B

And.

Speaker B

But daily, do things daily that would send the message to your smile.

Speaker B

Do a sticky note.

Speaker B

Things that you do all year long, just do it during Christmas.

Speaker B

Be more intentional.

Speaker B

Talk to them in person.

Speaker B

Write them a hand note.

Speaker B

Text them, leave a call while they're at work and say, you know what?

Speaker B

I can't wait till we come home tonight.

Speaker B

We'll do a little decorating and then we can snuggle on the couch.

Speaker B

I can't wait for you to get home.

Speaker B

Do that as a voice message.

Speaker B

Write a message on the mirror, make a phone call, and just look for little gifts to give them.

Speaker B

Maybe that says, I love you, this is Christmas time.

Speaker B

Go to the dollar store if you don't have a lot of finances, or if you do, you can find little knickknacks.

Speaker B

Do something that's around a Christmas theme and be a boyfriend, be a girlfriend, be a lover.

Speaker A

Yeah, maybe.

Speaker A

You know what?

Speaker A

This is very creative.

Speaker A

Find a little piece of mistletoe.

Speaker A

And women, we can stick it in our purses or something like that.

Speaker A

Men, maybe somewhere in your pocket.

Speaker A

So wherever you go, pull it out and just stick it over your spouse's head right in the middle of Kroger.

Speaker B

Oh, there you go.

Speaker B

That's right.

Speaker A

Somebody's gonna be pulling Something off the shelf in their car, walking by you and they're gonna see you hang that mistletoe over your spouse's head.

Speaker A

And they're going to be going, well, I'll be darn.

Speaker B

I think next year we're going to sell married and love it.

Speaker B

Mistletoe.

Speaker A

Hey, that's what we need to do.

Speaker B

Okay, so the bottom line is we want you to enjoy the holiday season, but we want you to enjoy it together as a spouse, as a married couple.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

And that it's.

Speaker B

That it's a romantic holiday for you.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker A

And a couple, before we close, just, you know, here's a couple little honeydews.

Speaker A

We pretty much had talked through this podcast about some.

Speaker A

But just begin to think of things that you can do, you know, when you listen to this podcast, some of the things that we've talked about to get creative, to make your time with your spouse creative.

Speaker A

Holiday romance this year.

Speaker A

And then just do it.

Speaker B

Yeah, just do it.

Speaker B

And that leads us to our 10 second kiss.

Speaker B

And this ought to be part of your holiday romance in the mornings.

Speaker B

Holiday romance.

Speaker B

Get that 10 second kiss.

Speaker B

Do it during the day, do it at a party or do it when you're out and about.

Speaker B

Say, hey, we need our 10 second kiss.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

But pull your spouse up.

Speaker B

Maybe you both got your Santa Claus hats on.

Speaker B

Make it fun.

Speaker B

Yeah, make it fun.

Speaker B

And, and, and if you're out looking at Christmas lights, get a 10 second kiss while you're looking at the lights.

Speaker B

Whatever you can do to make your time together special.

Speaker A

That's it.

Speaker B

Get your mind off the kids or the gifts, the wrappings, the food.

Speaker B

Even though it's two weeks from Christmas, there's lots of stuff going on.

Speaker B

What can you do to cause your love to be enjoyed, to be an expression to each other?

Speaker B

Others people can see and that can make this a romantic time and not just crazy busy that you're glad when you're able to lay your head down in the evening.

Speaker A

Yes.

Speaker B

And just have a holiday romance.

Speaker B

So right now, remember your 10 second kiss though.

Speaker B

Pull your, pull your spouse up.

Speaker B

Say, come over here, Ms. Claus or Mr. Santa, come on over here.

Speaker B

You get your kiss and just pull them up to you.

Speaker B

Set your Timer and have 10 seconds of holiday romance.

Speaker A

Holiday bliss.

Speaker A

Right?

Speaker B

Yep.

Speaker A

Well, well, before we close though, I want to remind everybody that we are doing a married in love at coffee mug giveaway.

Speaker A

So because we celebrated 48 years of anniversary this November on the 12th, that's what we're doing.

Speaker A

So if you're currently on our mailing list.

Speaker A

Send us a comment, a question.

Speaker A

Maybe it's a prayer request or maybe it's something that you'd like for us to be discussing on our podcast.

Speaker A

And the deadline's November 30th and the drawing is going to be on December 5th.

Speaker A

December 1st.

Speaker B

That's coming up.

Speaker A

I know really fast.

Speaker A

Yep.

Speaker A

So go to our website.

Speaker A

You can see a picture our coffee mugs there and there's button there also on the website to, you know, just to push on there to sign up, tell a friend about it.

Speaker B

That's in our show notes.

Speaker A

Yep, that's right.

Speaker A

That's going to be in our show notes and tell a friend about it.

Speaker A

You know, if they aren't already on our newsletter mailing list, they can enter, they can do the same thing and there's a button to sign up with their email and they can be put into the giveaway.

Speaker B

So and you can text, email or voicemail any comments you have about our show that you like it or if you got a question or topic that you would like for us to cover or to answer, just send us that text, email or voicemail and we'll be glad to answer that or receive your comment.

Speaker A

But you know what I was just thinking we would love to get a picture of you and your family doing some kind of holiday specialty.

Speaker A

Maybe it's just you and your spouse do do a holiday specialty.

Speaker A

Send it to us.

Speaker A

We would love to see you and your family.

Speaker A

All right.

Speaker A

So I hope today's message actually they.

Speaker B

Could go to our Married and Love It Facebook group.

Speaker A

Yeah.

Speaker B

What is that true?

Speaker B

Married and Love it.

Speaker A

We can put it in our show notes.

Speaker B

Okay.

Speaker B

Yeah.

Speaker A

Yeah, let's do that.

Speaker B

Thank you for investing into your marriage by listening to the Married and Love it podcast.

Speaker B

Be sure to be a part of the ripple effect of see you next week.

Speaker A

And until then, remember you can be married and Love it on purpose.

Speaker B

Also, subscribe to and follow us on your favorite platform and be sure to check out our website at www.marriedandlovet.com where you can learn more about Married and Lovett and contact us with any questions or comments that you may have.

Speaker B

And remember with God that you have a future and a hope and you can be married and Lovett on purpose.