By now, dear reader, you ought to know me. I’m a writer, music enthusiast, hater of haunted houses and a bit of a food connoisseur. What you may not know about me is that I’m also a maître de la romance. For those who don’t speak the language of love, that’s a “master of romance.”

I’ve been dating my current girlfriend for over two and a half years, so you could say things are getting pretty serious. Fret not if you’re troubled in the ways of romance, however, for in the spirit of the season, I have provided you with four winter dates guaranteed to get the ladies’ (or fellas’) attention.

1. Christmas movie marathon

Some people hate Christmas. These are people you don’t need in your life. So, the first step to testing the waters with your date is playing Christmas music in November. Take note of their reaction.

Once you know whether your love interest is awesome, bust out the hot chocolate and enjoy a Christmas movie marathon – “Love Actually,” “A Christmas Story,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Home Alone,” you get the idea.

2. Snowball fight

You might think I’m crazy, but never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned, flirtatious snowball fight.

3. Sledding/tubing

Sledding is great, especially if you can fit two people to a sled. Too slow for you? Tubing can be a great way to curse the heavens as you watch how your love interest reacts in a near-death experience. Get out there and impress ‘em, speed demons.

4. Winter picnic

This one’s tough, but if you pull it off, you might as well be Clark Gable. I used this one to surprise my girlfriend for her birthday last year, and it went off without a hitch, you know, because I’m pretty much the perfect boyfriend and stuff.

Make some grilled cheese sandwiches and wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them hot. Bake a lot of chocolate chip cookies. No, not a batch. A LOT of them. Put those in some Tupperware and throw the whole thing in a lunch box. Now, fill two thermoses with hot chocolate. Bundle up, head out to your favorite snowy spot, and get to know each other over a delicious winter lunch.

[Photo by Zak Westfall]