Yep, the holidays are here. There’s so much to do! The decorations, the shopping, the tree, the gifts, the gifts, the gifts (thank goodness for Internet shopping), planning the meals, figuring out what to wear to the parties, making up the guest room for relatives…the list goes on. In this run-yourself ragged season, it’s easier than ever to back-burner your sweetie and your relationship. The one thing we are most likely to inadvertently cross off the list when things are super busy is that curl-up-on-the-couch shoot-the-breeze half hour with our partner. Sex? Forget about it. By the time you hit the sheets, you’re exhausted from hauling in and wrapping all those gifts, not to mention cleaning up tinsel, pine needles and tiny shreds of wrapping paper for the hundredth time. Your body, your mind, and your attitude are DONE!

Stop! Take a deep breath and try the following to keep your relationship up front and center, your sanity in tact, and your honey smiling.

Jingle bells. Give your sweetheart an unexpected phone call—even if you’re just on the other side of the house. Take a moment to share a favorite memory and the two things you loved most about him or her on the day you realized you were in love. X-rate it by adding a few sweet nothings at the end and setting a date to meet later that night in the bedroom.

You know Dancer and Prancer and Comet and Vixen. Be the vixen! Greet your honey later tonight in a sexy pair of silk boxers or an ooh-la-la silk nightgown. You can add Dancer with a few fun moves as you make your way through the door. The worst thing that will happen? You’ll both crack up laughing!

But the fire is so delightful. If you’ve got a fireplace, by all means use it. Don’t be too busy for a cup of cocoa or java. Light the fire and then light up your honey! No fireplace? Don’t worry—even the flame of a simple candle can be wildly romantic.

While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. Okay, I have to admit, I don’t know where you can get sugar plums, even in December—but a great box of rich chocolate covered cherries and a bottle of great wine should do the trick. With each bite or sip, tell your honey why he or she makes your life sweeter.

Christmas carols.  No, you don’t have to sing them unless you want to. Throw a favorite Christmas CD or two on the player.  Curl up with your honey and relax. The wrapping will still be there tomorrow, and the fruitcake will survive another day—even another decade! Take the time to listen and unwind.

No matter what’s on your to-do list (or how long it may be), remember that the holidays are something to be treasured, not endured. Take the time to RECEIVE the love. And to give it. Your honey is the best gift ever. Unwrap his or her heart, sit together and enjoy each other. Be in the moment and for that moment, set aside any worries. Being IN the moment—that is the real present you give your sweetheart—and yourself.