Intimacy over the holidays

Most of us know that the holidays can be stressful, and some of you may also know that stress can impact intimacy.

Intimacy is not just a sexual experience—it’s a feeling of close, genuine connection that can be emotional, physical, and even spiritual.

I wanted to re-share these ideas for int*macy during the holiday season, to hopefully inspire you to connect with yourself and your loved ones in new (or familiar) ways:

▫️ share or create a tradition
▫️ reflect on individual and partnered goals and resolutions
▫️ share gratitude
▫️ enjoy quiet downtime together
▫️ get cozy with sensory comforts (candles, blankets, etc)
▫️ reflect on needs and boundaries
▫️ share beliefs and emotions regarding the holidays
▫️ hold space for emotional release

These suggestions can apply to partners, friends, family members, and oneself (solo intimacy is just as important as interpersonal intimacy).

While they might be different from your typical ideas of intimacy, they touch on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and sensory experiences that can be deeply healing for us. Experiencing closeness in these ways, with oneself or others, can foster senses of belonging, empathy, and compassionate care. With all that’s going on in the world, we need each other more than ever, and genuine connection is a vital foundation for peace, growth, and change.

I hope your holidays are filled with as much peace, comfort, and love as possible.