How to pop the question this holiday
If your girlfriend’s present this Christmas can be counted in carats, you’ve got some planning to do. Yes, all proposals involve a little strategy but the family gatherings, gift giving and traveling inherent in the holidays can complicate your romantic intentions. Don’t let that dissuade you though, the hurdles you’ll have to jump will only make the moment that much more special. Follow these tips for a day neither of you will forget.
Keep Time on Your Side
Choose the day that works best for you. Don’t try to squeeze the proposal into a chaotic Christmas Day just so you can say you were engaged on Christmas. If Christmas Eve is more convenient, do it then. Wait until midnight if you like. Alison McGill, editor-in-chief of Wedding Bells magazine says that the date is not as important as thinking ahead. “It’s all about making a plan,” she says.
Presents and Proposals
You probably spent a pretty penny on the ring but that doesn’t excuse you from buying other gifts entirely. “I think the ring can certainly be her main gift,” says McGill, “but lots of little things on her wish list in addition to the ring is always a nice idea.” She suggests being creative with how you present the ring. Don’t just let her open it like any other gift. Build a little suspense, especially if you think she’s expecting a proposal.
Although it may sound cliché, put the ring in the biggest box you can find. To totally throw her off, make sure to fill it so it feels heavy. Have her open all her other gifts first (especially important since the ring will outshine all the rest anyway).
Stuff a stocking with lots of little gifts and wrap each one separately so she has to open them one-by-one. Put the ring in a box at the very bottom. Making the gifts fit a theme makes it even more fun. Get her nine nostalgic presents that represent trips you took or your first date and make the 10th the ring. If you want to drop a big hint, give her a bunch of plastic or costume jewellery rings saving the real one for last.
Ultimately, it’s not about the gimmicks. “It’s all about knowing your other half,” says McGill. If she’d get a kick out of you dressed like Santa, go for it, she says. Just make sure it’s special, personal and an event that suits your style as a couple. If two glasses of wine, a cozy fire and Christmas carols is your idea of the perfect moment for a proposal, do it that way. It’s most important that you’re both totally comfortable.
Avoid the Christmas Crowd
Unless you’re absolutely sure that she’d love to get engaged in front of family and friends, don’t make your engagement a public affair. “My advice is to keep it personal and intimate — just between the two of you,” says McGill.
Again, if this means presenting her with the ring on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day, then so be it. If you’ll be waking up Christmas morning at someone else’s house, McGill suggests delaying the proposal. Wait until after dinner and take a romantic walk. “It’s a once in a lifetime moment and very special one for the two of you. You want to be able to celebrate it yourselves before letting everyone else in on your big news.”
