It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for dating! The snappy outfits you get to wear, the holiday parties, and endless festive activities make this season one of the most romantic. Don’t let the merry come with the scary when you begin to think about all of the expectations that come with “holidating”.

To help make your dating life a little smoother and more relaxed this season, be sure to follow these holiday dating do’s and don’ts suggested from our professional matchmakers.

DO Allow Your Inner Child to Embrace the Spirit of the Season There are so many fun activities to do this time of the year. For some second date ideas, go ice skating, drink cocoa with whipped cream or eggnog, or bake gingerbread men and decorate them together. The holidays can be really fun, so try and see them through the eyes of a child—it creates awe and romance!

DON’T Move Too Fast If you’ve put your membership on hold for a match, you might end up being seduced by the joyous times, thinking that you should invite your new significant other to the big holiday dinner. Try to think logically. Ask yourself if you’re actually ready to take such a big step, or if it’s just the magic in the air getting you ahead of yourself.

DO Exchange Small Gifts Even if you’ve only been dating a few weeks, it’s okay to consider getting him/her a little something, but make sure not to go overboard. A holiday gift can send a big message—if you want it to—or simply show that you’re thinking of them. A little gift exchanging can always put a little spark in your relationship.

DON’T Take it Personally Dating during the holiday season can feel a little tricky, especially if it’s a new relationship. Some singles want to spend more time with families and friends and aren’t ready for that weighted introduction just yet. Don’t take it personally. Give yourself time and space to connect with your own family and friends.

DO Invite Your Date to Events If you have an office holiday work party and can invite a date, go for it! Especially if you feel confident they can easily handle themselves in a crowd and you don’t need to constantly take care of them. Holiday parties don’t need to be a huge deal, and are generally the more the merrier. But if you’re worried that it’s too soon to introduce this person into the mix of people you work with, listen to your gut.

DON’T Settle The holidays can be a lonely time for some. Just because you wish you had someone to spend the holidays with doesn’t mean you need to settle for someone you otherwise would have no interest in just to have someone around. Keep your options open…remember that’s what It’s Just Lunch is all about!

DO Take advantage of all opportunities People are out at night more than ever this time of year… and in good spirits. Even if it means skipping a spin class or having sore feet after a long day, get out and socialize, put on something that makes you stand out and that you feel great in!

DO Be Confident at Parties Sometimes attending your partner’s work, family, or friend’s holiday party can be the first time you meet other people in their life. If you’re joining one of your partner’s holiday parties, do your best to walk in exuding confidence, even if you’re nervous. Showing approachability, friendliness, and interest will create a positive first impression.

DON’T Drink Too Much Don’t overindulge while getting into the spirit. Nobody wants to get stuck with the drunken person at the party, so the experts agree—mind your alcohol intake. Make sure to occasionally swap out that holiday punch and eggnog for some Perrier with lime, which looks the same as vodka and soda.

DO Wear Red Our Matchmakers say red is a color that inspires the holiday and is a great color to wear to catch someone’s eye, especially during the holidays. It draws attention, it’s classic, it gives you confidence, and it’s a color people are drawn to. You’ll stand out among all the other black dresses.

DON’T Overdo the Gifts if You’re a New Couple Unless you get a sense that this relationship is really heading in a good direction, giving your significant other something major—like a watch or a pricey designer clothing item—could give them the wrong idea or even scare them away. Make sure to have a conversation about what you’re both thinking about gift buying, to manage mutual expectations and get on the same page around spending.

DO Create Your Own Traditions Whether it’s just the two of you seeing “The Nutcracker,” making latkes, or catching the first showing of “A Christmas Story” marathon while baking sugar cookies, make your own special holiday time together. Create your own traditions that you’ll look forward to if you find yourselves still together this time next year.

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