Every year I tell couples to walk around their neighborhood or a neighborhood that goes all out with Christmas decorations. Hold hands and drink hot cocoa. Anytime a couple can get in touch with their playful nature, it's a bonding experience. If you're blessed with snow, have a snowball blast!

Fun is always bonding. If you don't enjoy Christmas villages or lights, then go ice skating, or take a horse-and-carriage ride through a city or park. Participate in the season and all it has to offer for free. Fun always leads to romance.

Is golf, fly-fishing or jazz what your spouse loves to do? Then learn something about it, and buy a gift certificate. This can be meaningful yet inexpensive. A bucket of balls, a packet of knotless leaders for the tackle box, or a vintage jazz CD can be a thoughtful gift. Tuck the certificate under your loved ones pillow. The romance will take care of itself.