The holidays are a whirlwind of shopping, decorating, parties, and wrapping gifts – but amidst all the chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters: each other. 

That’s why we’ve put together “The 12 Days of Naughty or Nice”: a fun and flirty DIY countdown list of suggestions to focus on your connection and keep the spark alive during the holiday chaos (or anytime life feels a little too hectic to put your relationship first).

We promise thesesimple yet saucy Christmas ideas for couples are sure to have you laughing, blushing, and swooning with your partner under the mistletoe in no time.

Day 1: Naughty/Nice Jar or Spicy Surprise Notes

Kick things off with a little poetry – channel your inner Shakespeare and craft sweet or naughty messages to surprise your partner. 

Here are a couple of festive Christmas ideas for couples to help you get started:

1. Fill a "naughty or nice" jar with romantic, fun, and spicy notes. Draw one nightly for a playful way to connect and keep the surprises going.
2. Exchange a "Love List" of five things you adore about each other – a sweet reminder of your bond amid the holiday whirlwind.
3. Slip a spicy note into your partner's stocking or under their pillow with playful compliments or teasing hints for what's to come.

PROTIP: Need a little inspiration? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out the “Sexy Countdown” and “Reasons Why I Love You” posts from our go-to gals at The Dating Divas for some fiery ideas. 

Day 2: Bring Home Some Sweet Treats or Bake Together

The holidays are the prime time for baking and gift-giving, so why not treat each other to something sweet with a little bit of spice? 

Give these Christmas ideas for couples a try and see what deliciously fun surprises you both come up with:

1. Gift each other delicious treats like chocolate-covered strawberries, whipped cream, or edible body paint to turn dessert into an unforgettable experience. 
2. Bake cookies or brownies and playfully decorate them together, smearing frosting or competing for the most creative (or ridiculous) design.

Gift some mints and get creative with their tingling sensations (try kissing games or add a little adults-only fun).

Day 3: Light It Up

Ah, those magical Christmas lights. (Shoutout to Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” song for inspiring this festive favorite with their classic tune.)

Bundle up, grab some toasty drinks, and head to the car for a romantic cruise to admire holiday lights and decorations – one of the coziest Christmas ideas for couples to connect during the season. To help bring back those sweet butterflies you felt early in the relationship, try sprinkling in these tips:

• Hold hands while you drive or walk around.
• Play your favorite carols.
• Steal a kiss at every red light.
• After the lights, park somewhere private and have a hot makeout session.

Day 4: Movie Night with a Twist

Christmas just wouldn’t feel complete without classic holiday movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Santa Clause, or The Holiday.

For this activity, settle in for a cozy Christmas movie marathon...with a sultry twist. For every cliché (cue snowfalls and declarations of love), reward yourselves with:

• Kisses
• Cuddles
• Back scratches
• Something a bit spicier (let your imagination run wild)

PROTIP: Surprise your partner with sexy holiday-themed lingerie or boxers to wear while watching. Think a Santa-inspired babydoll, a lacy leg garter, or silky festive colored boxers– because who said comfy can’t be sexy? These playful Christmas ideas for couples can definitely add some extra steaminess to your movie night.

Day 5: Massage Magic

Break out the oil, light the candles, and take turns spoiling each other – but make it Christmas-style with a holiday-themed massage. 

Here are some Christmas ideas for couples to inspire an indulgent and thoughtful night of pampering:

• Peppermint or cinnamon-scented oils. 
• Snug robes and slippers to wrap up in after massages.
• Relaxing playlist with soothing Christmas hits.

PROTIP: Don’t forget to place a towel under you during massages to protect your sheets. Grab Mentionables' adorable bedroom towels for easy cleanup, keeping your bedding fresh for massages or whatever comes next.

Day 6: Scavenger Hunt

This isn't your average scavenger hunt: it's designed for grown-ups only, with lots of playful “prizes” along the way, making it one of the most exciting Christmas ideas for couples.

To set up this “naughty but nice” treasure trail, follow these steps:

• Hide small, sexy gifts or notes around the house for your partner to find. 
• Each clue should lead to something even more exciting – think along the lines of a luxurious pair of silk boxers, our Mentionables sleep mask, or our cheeky bedroom dice game to keep things exciting. 
• The final destination? A steamy reward, of course! Whether it’s a sweet treat, a fun toy, or a passionate kiss, the journey itself can be just as thrilling as the grand finale. 

PROTIP: For a truly memorable scavenger hunt, The Dating Divas come to the rescue again with a variety of fun ideas and charming printables to make your chase extra special. 

Day 7: Candlelit Connection

Set a romantic mood with candlelight. Whether it's a bubble bath, cuddling, or a cozy dinner, the flickering glow can help create a merry and magical atmosphere – one of the simplest yet most meaningful Christmas ideas for couples.

We love these classic holiday scents to create a warm and cheerful vibe:

• Pine
• Juniper
• Cranberry
• Vanilla bean

PROTIP: As you bask in the warm glow of candlelight, take the opportunity to deepen your bond. Use our Mentionables Let’s Reconnect conversation cards to spark heartfelt conversations and make the evening even more memorable.

Day 8: Roleplay Reindeer Games

Get ready to step into some frisky holiday roles. Dust off your acting chops and get inventive with the spirit of the season. These Christmas ideas for couples can add a fun twist to your holiday activities.

Spark your creativity with these fun classic Christmas character pairings:

• Mrs. Claus and Santa
• A mischievous elf and a stern boss
• Rudolf and Clarice (from the classic cartoon movie)

Let your imaginations run wild – it’s all in good fun.

PROTIP: For more playful ideas, check out our roleplay blog post or our Mentionables Truth or Dare game.

Day 9: Naughty Carols

Put your songwriter hat on – it’s time to take your favorite holiday tunes and give them a “naughty” twist by rewriting the lyrics with a little risqué flair. Serenade each other with your new creations for some cheeky fun. Bonus points for making each other blush and creating your own hilarious holiday hits.

Here are some holiday tunes that are perfect to “remix” – just add a new verse or play around with a word or two:

• “Jingle Bells”
• “Santa Baby”
• “Deck the Halls”
• “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

This saucy activity is one of our favorite Christmas ideas for couples, and it’s sure to spark laughter and maybe even start a whole new Christmas tradition.

Day 10: Curate a Sexy Christmas Playlist

Move over, Mariah Carey – it’s time to make a playlist that’s both classy and flirty. Make it extra romantic by dancing together in the glow of the Christmas tree lights.

Here are our top tips for creating a Christmas playlist that sets the mood and turns dancing into one of your favorite Christmas ideas for couples:

• jazzy holiday hits 
• sultry slow jams 
• acoustic crooner ballads 

Looking for a pre-made playlist with hits from Michael Bublé and Kelsea Ballerini? We’re absolutely loving this one. It strikes all the right chords (if you know what we mean).

Day 11: Couples Photoshoot

Capture the magic and make lasting memories with a special photoshoot for just the two of you. Set up your phone or camera for a cozy, playful session you’ll treasure for years. Whether you’re both in the frame or it’s a private viewing just for him, this is one of the most unforgettable Christmas ideas for couples.

Depending on whether it's a "naughty or nice" photoshoot, your outfit options could include:

• Cozy or ugly holiday sweaters
• Elegant evening wear
• Festive lingerie

PROTIP: If the thought of an intimate photoshoot makes you nervous, don’t worry – we’ve got the best confidence-boosting tips here to help you shine during your sparkling holiday boudoir session.

Day 12: The Ultimate Gift

To cap it all off, we’ve saved the best of Christmas ideas for couples for last: wrap yourself in ribbons or bows and give your partner the ultimate gift – YOU! And, For the cherry on top, why not add something sultry, gorgeous, and lacey to complete the surprise? Hint, hint…

On this final night, pour your favorite drinks, cozy up by the fire (or a YouTube fireplace), and raise a toast on surviving the season together. Share a wish for the new year to end on a heartfelt note. Make the night all about connection, laughter, and celebrating your bond with some sensual intimacy.

Wrap Up the Season with Love and Connection

The holidays don’t have to be all stress and rush. With these simple, thoughtful Christmas ideas for couples, you can slow down and reconnect with the person who makes it all worthwhile. Whether you’re feeling “naughty” or leaning toward “nice,” these 12 days can bring joy to your relationship – and isn’t that the greatest gift of all?

Ready to create some holiday magic together? Mentionables has a gorgeous holiday collection of lingerie and accessories, perfect for bringing some extra sparkle and spice to your Christmas celebrations. 

Explore our holiday collection and more today to make this season one to remember.

Are you ready to tackle all 12 days of naughty or nice? Which of these sizzling Christmas ideas for couples are you most excited to surprise your partner with? Let us know in the comments!