December Dating Ideas For Countryside Lovers

December is here and with lockdown restrictions being gradually lifted, it’s time to start getting back outside. If you’ve been hanging out with other rural romantics on Muddy Matches through lockdown, why not take this opportunity to meet up outdoors for a socially-distanced date? Yes, dating in Christmas 2020 is different from what it was this time last year but you can still head out together and enjoy the great outdoors on one of these romantic and festive date ideas.

1. Christmas tree shopping

Thankfully, heading out to choose a Christmas tree is something that you can still do with social distance. Make a whole day of it and invite your countryside love along as well. What could be more romantic than wrapping up warm and heading out to your local Christmas tree farm to select the perfect tree? You’ll get a great idea of their requirements for Christmas tree perfection – much-needed in any relationship – and after your tree is safely stowed away, catch up over a warming and festive hot chocolate.

2. Winter walk

Over 2020 we’ve all seen the benefits that time in the fresh air can bring. With the days getting short and dusk at 4pm being the norm, it’s so important to get Vitamin D and sunlight on your face. So, head out first thing whilst the day is young to enjoy an energising walk together. Yes, you can social distance and the relaxed pace means you can chat away and really get to know each other.

3. Hygge in the garden

We all know about the Danish concept of hygge, but with restrictions still meaning that inviting people from outside our household is tricky, why not embrace hygge but take it outside into the garden? Chimineas, fire pits or a simply bonfire all make a great focal point as well as providing some essential warmth, and you can serve up a seasonal feast – think hotdogs, parsnip soup, steaming spiced cider and of course, marshmallows to toast. The final touches are plenty of blankets (be careful around fire) and fairy lights and lanterns dotted around to create a cosy yet magical atmosphere.

4. Embrace ‘friluftsliv’

It seems that we have a lot to learn from the Nordics, so welcome to the concept of friluftsliv, translated as ‘free air life’. It literally means getting outdoors and connecting closely with nature. Now, we know that most of you countryside lovers do this as part of your everyday lives, but the difference is that friluftsliv also embodies a sense of relaxation, curiosity and adventure. The Nordic people also live by the saying, ‘there is no bad weather, just bad clothing’, so there is no reason why you can’t explore the great outdoors, even on the murkiest, most miserable December day. Invite your rural romance along and get out on the local trails, head to your favourite beach or just see where the day takes you, phone-free, and get close to nature.

5. Gather festive foliage

Filling your home with seasonal leaves and foliage always fills you with the Christmas spirit and the process of gathering is just as enjoyable as the final result. This is actually a gorgeous date idea too, as you can head out in the fresh air together and chat as you search for the choicest sprigs and sprays of holly and ivy. Back in your garden, create a wreath together and capture the Christmas spirit as a couple.