9 Winter Wins for Your Marriage

How do you keep things fresh and exciting when there’s so much routine in the days ahead?

Now that we’ve changed the clocks and have long months and nights ahead, we’re faced with a looming question: What do we have to look forward to? Oh, just a loooooong, cold winter. Doesn’t that sound exciting? Well, not if you’re the kind of person who thrives on the chaos of Yom Tov, because, for some people, nothing beats having a full house and seeing your husband’s face for more than just dinnertime. But for others—who love order, routine, and actually knowing where everything is—it’s a relief to get back to normal.

But here’s the thing about routine: it can become just that. Routine. And, if you’re not careful, the same-old-same-old can creep into your marriage, too. How do you keep things fresh during those seemingly never-ending winter months when you’re bundled up in layers of sweaters, and it’s dark by 4:30 p.m.? Here are some ideas for you to spice things up and avoid falling into the winter blues with your spouse.

Create a ‘Winter Bucket List’

Yes, just like people make summer bucket lists full of outdoor adventures, why not create a winter one? It doesn’t have to be extravagant—maybe it includes cozy activities like trying out a new soup recipe together (bonus points if you are both terrible cooks), having a board game night, or even taking a long winter walk to chat about life. The key here is to do something different. Even small changes break the monotony. 

Surprise Date Nights (at Home)

I get it—who wants to go out when it’s freezing, and the thought of putting on real clothes feels like too much effort? But date night doesn’t have to mean leaving the house. You can plan a surprise date night right at home. Maybe set up a picnic in the living room (with blankets, of course), or theme the night around a particular cuisine. One night, it’s Italian—cue pasta and candlelight—and another, it could be a sushi-rolling contest (just make sure to eat the evidence). The point is to make it fun, make it different, and most importantly, make it about the two of you.

Start a New Hobby Together

Winter can feel endless if you do the same thing every day. Why not start a new hobby together? Whether it’s learning a new language (how fun to surprise friends with phrases only the two of you understand), trying your hand at puzzles, or even taking up something creative like painting or knitting (I know knitting is just for grandmas), having a shared activity can create new bonding moments and give you something to look forward to after a long day.

Take Turns Planning ‘Mini Adventures’

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you’re confined to the house. Take turns planning small, out-of-the-box adventures. Whether it’s visiting a new spot you’ve never been to, going ice skating (yes, you will probably fall, and yes, it will be hilarious), or even just getting out for a long drive with no destination in mind, the goal is to break out of your usual routine and create memories that will warm you up—even when it’s freezing outside.

Have a ‘Disconnect Day’

Ever feel like you and your spouse are glued to your screens more than to each other? Why not declare one day (or evening, if a whole day is too much) a ‘disconnect day’? No phones, no distractions. Just you, your spouse, and whatever you come up with. Maybe it’s playing board games, talking about life, or reminiscing about when you first met and laughing about how awkward that first date was. The goal is to reconnect without the usual distractions.

Relive Your First Year Together

There’s something about those early days of marriage, isn’t there? Everything felt new and exciting, and you probably went on more dates in that first year than in the last six months combined. Why not relive that? Pretend you’re newlyweds again—go on ‘first dates,’ dress up, and flirt with each other as if you haven’t been bickering about whose turn it is to take out the trash. It might sound cheesy, but sometimes, a little nostalgia goes a long way in rekindling the spark.

Keep Things Spontaneous

Routine has a way of making everything feel predictable. But predictability doesn’t have to rule your relationship. Spontaneity is the enemy of boredom! It doesn’t have to be something grand, either. Maybe you randomly decide to have dessert before dinner one night (gasp!), or leave a silly note for your spouse to find in their coat pocket. Little things, like surprising each other with small gestures, can shake things up and keep that connection strong.

Get Away for a Night or Two

Sometimes, the best way to refresh your marriage is to escape it all. Even if it’s just for one night—two if you’re lucky!—a quick getaway can work wonders. It doesn’t have to be a five-star resort (though, hey, if you can, why not?), but even a cozy bed-and-breakfast or a cabin nearby can provide a change of scenery, a chance to relax, and some much-needed alone time. There’s something about being away from the usual to-do list that lets you focus on each other in a deeper way.

Create a “Memory Jar”

Throughout the winter, write down little moments that made you smile or laugh and toss them into a jar. At the end of the season, you can sit down together, open the jar, and relive the highlights of winter, realizing that even the mundane had its fun moments.

So, there you have it. Winter doesn’t have to mean settling into a rut or letting things go stale. With a bit of creativity and a sense of humor, you can make the most of the long months ahead and keep your marriage fresh and fun. Often, the little moments make the biggest difference—so go ahead and try something new, laugh together, and enjoy creating warm memories that’ll last long after winter’s chill is gone.