Ah, the holidays: a time for cozy sweaters, steaming mugs of cocoa, and... struggling to find even a sliver of solitude. Between the kids being home 24/7, family members camped out in your guest room, or travel plans that land you in someone else’s house, finding intimate time can feel like the ultimate holiday miracle. 

But fear not! 

With some creativity and thoughtful planning, you can keep the romance alive this holiday season – or anytime privacy feels scarce (like on family vacations). Keep reading for our top eight sex tips to maintain the spark during the holidays, or whenever you’re surrounded by family and kids.

Sex Tips #1: Silent Nights (Sort of)

If your house is bustling with holiday activity, intimacy might require a little more creativity and quiet finesse. But with these clever sex tips, we’re positive you can stay connected with your partner, even when privacy feels impossible.

Master the art of subtlety with these discreet sex tips:

• Wait till after the kids or guests head to bed for the night, or during nap time.
• Consider investing in a white noise machine or turning up the holiday playlist to help mask any…ahem…festive noises.
• Use pillows to muffle any surprising sounds for added peace of mind.
• If the bed’s too squeaky, try moving your adventure to the floor. 

Mentionables PROTIP: Schedule a "movie night" for the kids or your guests. Popcorn + a long animated movie = a perfect window for a little movie magic of your own with your partner.

Sex Tips #2: Clever Getaways

Is Aunt Martha taking over your bedroom? Sleeping bags filling the living room floor? Don’t let that stop you – think outside the bedroom box when it comes to sexy time; consider it as a grown-up version of hide-and-seek.

One of our favorite sex tips with a full house: Reclaim a corner of your world by creating a romantic hideaway in unconventional spots. But make sure they are unoccupied first. 

Here are a few locations you can try:

• A cozy nook in the basement.
• A parked car in the closed garage.
• The laundry room, especially with the machines running for added noise cover (bonus points if the door locks).

Mentionables PROTIP: Looking for sex tips to spice things up in tight spaces? Try our non-graphic position cards for fresh ideas, or check out this blog post for quick, new sex moves to try. And just because we’re all pals here, here’s an extra insider sex tip: we suggest a spooning position – it looks like cuddling and works well in small spaces.

Sex Tips #3: Morning Mischief

If you’re not usually a morning person, it might be worth adjusting your routine while hosting guests or having the kids home from school. One of our best sex tips for these busy times: set your alarm a little earlier than usual to sneak in some “morning activity” (if you catch our drift).

While everyone is catching some extra zzz’s, making breakfast, or watching their favorite cartoons, you can squeeze in some early sensual connection before the day begins. Bonus sex tip: Starting your day with intimacy can give you both a secret, knowing smile throughout the day that helps you navigate the chaos together.

Mentionables PROTIP: Lock the bedroom door and make it clear that Mom and Dad are having a "grown-up meeting” – no further explanations are needed.

Sex Tips #4: Romance in Plain Sight

Remember, even the smallest intimate moments can have a big impact and keep the romance alive, even when surrounded by family. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment to show affection – create it in plain sight! It doesn’t have to be over-the-top, just a wink or whispering a saucy comment to your partner to remind each other of your special bond. 

Here are a few sex tips to keep things flirty and fun:

• Steal a lingering kiss under the mistletoe.
• Hold hands while watching the kids open presents.
• Send flirty texts throughout the day. 
• Play footsies with each other under the dinner table.

These simple little gestures can build the anticipation for when you do find alone time. 

Mentionables PROTIP: Even if sex just isn’t in the plans (hello holiday fatigue), you can still foster intimacy through meaningful conversations or playful, sexy games.  Check out our blog post for conversation starters or try our Let’s Reconnect or Truth or Dare card games for added spice.

Sex Tips #5: Plan Ahead

If the calendar is packed with holiday events, make intimacy part of the schedule. Sure, it might not sound as exciting, but penciling in time for each other ensures you won’t let the season fly by without connecting.

We love the Ultimate Intimacy app for scheduling some “special time” together, with a shared calendar that’s private and easy to use. You can even send each other discreet, flirty messages to build sexy tension for your future moments together. 

Mentionables PROTIP: Use code words for your plans, like “making hot cocoa” or “wrapping gifts,” to keep things under wraps (pun intended). For even more festive inspiration, explore our “12 Days of Naughty or Nice” blog post, packed with sexy holiday ideas for a truly merry season.

Sex Tips #6: Celebrate the Quickies

When time is tight, embrace the thrill of quick intimacy. A sneaky touch or brief passionate moment can be just as satisfying as a long date night—quickies are all about spontaneity, not perfection. While the kids are out sledding or the family is distracted by a competitive game of Monopoly, seize the opportunity. 

Turn seemingly innocent moments into opportunities for spontaneous, secretive intimacy with these sex tips:

• Disappear into the pantry for a quick make-out session. 
• Share a steamy shower.
• Run a quick “errand” together. 
• Take advantage of downtime between holiday activities to enjoy an “invigorating” massage.

Mentionables PROTIP: Keep your clothes on during any frisky moments for a quicker return to normal, if needed.(Hint… Any of our crotchless lingerie pieces are perfect for keeping things discreet). Bonus points if you leave a little love note or text afterward to continue the flirty vibes.

Sex Tips #7: Hotel Holiday Escape

Traveling and staying at someone else's home can make finding privacy really difficult, especially with extended family, or parents around, meaning no personal space to retreat to. While it might seem like an extra step and expense, hear us out: Consider booking a nearby hotel room for a night or two. 

Here’s why it’s one of our most recommended sex tips for the holidays: 

1. You’ll get the precious alone time you need to reconnect.
2. Enjoy the luxury of clean sheets and a cozy bed.
3. Have the TV remote all to yourselves.
4. The change of scenery can bring a refreshing new spark to your intimacy.

Mentionables PROTIP: Frame it as a mini “holiday gift” – a romantic retreat to recharge and revitalize your relationship, keeping your spirits high for the season ahead.

Sex Tips #8: Relax and Laugh

Let’s face it – things might not go according to plan during the holidays. Unexpected interruptions might arise: someone knocking on the door or the dog barking at the worst possible time. 

Our best advice: Instead of letting it ruin the mood, embrace the humor and let the laughter bring you closer. Holiday intimacy doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to feel right for you. Incorporating this approach or trying some of the sex tips mentioned above can make those moments even more meaningful.

Mentionables PROTIP: Turn disruptions into inside jokes. The more playful your attitude, the more relaxed and connected you’ll feel – and that’s the true goal.

Prioritizing Intimacy This Holiday Season

The holidays are all about love and connection, so don’t let a hectic schedule or a crowded house stop you from nurturing your relationship. With a bit of ingenuity, some stolen moments, and using our eight sex tips, you can keep the spark alive into the new year – or whenever you need discreet intimacy.

Let Mentionables help you bring the holiday heat with our selections of classy lingerie, including our stunning holiday collection. We’re here to help you keep intimacy a priority, even during the busiest season.

Now, go deck those halls... and maybe lock the door while you’re at it. 

But first, tell us – what sex tips do you have for navigating intimacy when privacy is limited?