When you think of the holiday season, you probably think of family, gifts and tradition. But do the words exhausted, over-committed and frazzled also come to mind? If you’re like the 34 percent of the participants in a survey conducted in November 2006 by Mental Health America, you feel some stress during the holidays because you have too much to do.

Causes of Holiday Stress
With shopping, holiday parties, church or school programs, cooking/baking, travel and entertaining added to an already busy schedule, it’s no wonder we start to feel a little overwhelmed. And at the end of that kind of day, who has an hour or two left to spend quality time with the significant other?
The fact is, one of the best ways to relieve holiday stress is to take a break and reconnect with your someone special. Here are some great ideas to help you do that.

Take a walk together. Not only do many people stop exercising during the holidays, they also overindulge at the many holiday functions they attend. Taking an evening or morning walk together is a great way to reconnect—and it helps stave off some of those extra holiday pounds.

The gift of each other. Instead of buying gifts for each other this year, treat yourselves to a romantic holiday meal. Or consider booking a day at a spa that has special holiday packages for couples. One good option is Pazazz Salon and Day Spa’s (407.834.4411). Their Couple’s Therapy package includes massages, manicures, pedicures and facials for two ($320).

Date Night. Book a date night in your calendar and guard it closely. It may be easier for the two of you to keep the date and stick to your plan if you choose a night other than Friday or Saturday. Or try Sunday morning, or lunch on Tuesday. There’s no rule that says that date night has to happen during the evening. Once the date is set, you have many great activities in Seminole County to choose from. Here are a few fun options:

Romance on the river. Take a romantic river cruise on the Rivership Romance (rivershipromance.com) or with St. Johns River Cruises (sjrivercruises.com). Check for times and prices.

A little golf. Mini-putt golf is fun! Check out Congo River Golf & Exploration Co. in Altamonte Springs (407.682.4077).

Sail on. Take a sailing lesson on Lake Monroe with Fun Maritime Academy. This two-hour, on-the-water experience serves as an introductory course or simply a pleasure cruise. (407.330.0633).
Cinema in the park. Watch a movie under the stars at Centennial Park in Sanford on December 7th. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket, and relax in this open-air theater. Check out sanfordinfo.com for a list of upcoming showings.

Steppin’ out. Take dance lessons together at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Lake Mary (407.444.4950) or Altamonte Springs (407.260.9900). Call for information about the free 30-minute lesson for first-time clients.

Holiday happenings. Of course, holiday events can also make great date nights, and there’s no shortage of these in the coming weeks. Light Up the Holidays at Cranes Roost Park is a great example of a festive and romantic evening. Find a good spot to cuddle and watch 40,000 lights illuminate the park. This event has food vendors, live music, and holiday entertainment.

As the coming weeks become busier, remember to set aside some “us” time. It will probably be one of the most important gifts you give and receive this holiday season. S

Kristen Manieri is the author of Great Dates Orlando: 52 Ways to Discover Orlando's Romantic Side. To subscribe to her weekly e-newsletter: greatdatesorlando.com.