Relationship
Love in the air: 5 ways to rekindle the spark this Christmas
AS the Christmas season approaches, the air is filled with love, joy, and togetherness. It is a time to reconnect with loved ones, and what better way to do so than by reigniting the spark in your relationship?
As a marriage and relationship expert, I have seen many couples struggle to keep the flame alive, including during the holiday season. But with a little effort and creativity, you can make this Christmas a special one for you and your spouse/partner. Here are five ways to rekindle the spark:
1. Create a romantic ambiance
As a married couple, the holiday season is the perfect time to set the mood for romance. Dim the lights, light some candles, and play your partner’s favourite love songs. Cook a special meal together, and enjoy it by the fireplace or under the stars.
Better still, imagine sipping hot cocoa by the beach at Labadi, watching the sunset over the ocean, and sharing a romantic kiss with your spouse under the stars. Or, picture yourself cozied up in a charming café in Osu, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the soft hum of jazz music.
Create a romantic ambiance that speaks to your partner’s heart. You can even recreate your first date or plan a surprise getaway to a secluded spot in the countryside. Make it a night to remember, just like the ones you had when you first fell in love.
2. Give thoughtful gifts
Gift-giving is a big part of Christmas, but it is not just about the price tag. In Ghana, we love giving gifts that show we care. Instead of splurging on expensive presents, focus on thoughtful gestures that speak to your partner’s heart.
Maybe it is a handmade gift, a personalised item, or something that represents a special memory you have shared together.
For example, if your partner loves cooking, consider gifting them a cookbook from a local Ghanaian chef or a set of artisanal spices from the Makola Market.
It is about showing your partner that you care and pay attention to their needs and desires. Take the time to get something that says, “I love and appreciate you.”
3. Plan a getaway
The holiday season is a great time to take a break from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with your partner. Who says you need to leave the country to have a great getaway?
Plan a quick trip to a nearby city like Cape Coast, Aburi, or Akumadan, and experience the beauty of Ghana together.
If you are on a tight budget, consider a staycation at a cozy bed and breakfast in Tema or a romantic dinner cruise on the Volta River.
Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to bring back the spark.
4. Show appreciation
The Christmas season is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the people in our lives. Take the time to tell your spouse why you love and appreciate them. Write love notes, surprise them with small gifts, or simply say thank you for being an amazing partner.
5. Make new memories
Try something new and exciting together, whether it is a cooking class, a dance lesson, or a fun activity you have always wanted to try.
Go on a cultural tour of Accra and explore the National Museum or the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. Or attend a concert together. The laughter and excitement will bring back the spark and create new memories to cherish.
This Christmas, make a conscious effort to reignite the spark in your marital relationship. With a little creativity and effort, you can make this holiday season one to remember.
Merry Christmas, and may your love continue to grow and shine bright!
To be continued …
By Counselor Prince Offei
Source:
REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI is a renowned author, mental health professional, lecturer, and marriage counsellor at COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE).
He is the author of several books, including “Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage” and “A Counsellor’s Guide to Using ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Effectively.”
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Aries
You are a warrior by nature, try to balance out your own needs to ensure you do not give all of yourself to another. Give yourself some love, too!
Taurus
Do not fret, the secrets being hidden are not bad and are beneficial to your future. In fact, you will be super happy when they are revealed. Then, you can make strategic moves forward.
Gemini
Your friendship circle is evolving, allowing you to meet new people who will become your best buds over time. Embrace the rare chance to connect and engage with others you meet now.
Cancer
Home is where your heart is this week. And the more reason for you to start making yourself feel cozier in your space now. Treat yourself to a few new items to decorate and spruce up your pad to get in the spring spirit. Add fresh.
Leo
Lean into your higher mind and vibe. This will give you the ultimate opportunity to achieve personal fulfillment and spiritual growth over the next few months. Doing so will encourage you to reach new personal heights.
Virgo
Standing up for yourself takes a lot of guts and confidence. Luckily for you, you are able to assert your view against others and defend yourself against those who aim to bring you down.
Libra
Making your mark on the world is challenging, but you are headed in the right direction. As long as you accept that you need to be a leader rather than an innovator in your endeavours, you can take on your goals with success.
Scorpio
You are being introspective and plotting your next moves on and off this week. Take this time and energy to strategise the upcoming sunny days, so you can use them to your advantage and achieve your desires.
Sagittarius
It is time to get creative! This means busting out your drawing board, paintbrushes and colour palette to make art. Whether it is for professional endeavours or for pleasure, you will be inspired to bring your passions to light
Capricorn
Work is becoming very chaotic at the moment and requires all of your time, but you have the chance to balance out your vibe and not focus on professional endeavours. Find your chill spot and lean into self-care.
Aquarius
You are feeling extra chatty and more able to engage with friends. Word of advice: think before you speak to avoid conflict with others.
Pisces
This week gives you the chance to restart, reboot and get motivated to take on new opportunities. The question is: Are you ready now?
Attention-Deficit or Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often mistaken for laziness or indiscipline. In consulting rooms across Accra and in reports from school teachers, the pattern repeats: children who are bright but forgetful, parents who feel helpless, teachers who see incompleteness.
Research is clear-Barkley (2015) and others describe ADHD as a difference in the brain’s regulation of alertness, impulse and working memory, not a lack of effort.
The family’s role begins with structure. Regular sleep, predictable meal and homework times, and a simple visual list (uniform → books → water → corridor) provide the external scaffolding these children need. Praise what is completed—“You opened the book and wrote the first sentence”-instead of rebuking what is missing.
Schools can help by seating the child front-row and centre, giving short written plus verbal instructions, allowing brief movement breaks, using quiet nonverbal cues and, where possible, grading effort and method as well as neatness. These adjustments reduce conflict and raise submission rates without lowering standards.
Couples and caregivers should share roles: one grounds, one pivots, and both protect rest. Shame-“bad parenting, bad child”-needs replacing with fact: different wiring, needs scaffolding.
Outcomes improve not by promises of perfection but by daily routines, clear limits and warmed connection. One homework slot kept, one instruction chunked, one calm repair after blurting-these small wins shift the family climate and let the child be seen beyond the label.
Resource
• CPAC (award-winning Mental Health and Counselling Facility): 0559850604 / 0551428486
Source: REV. COUNSELLOR PRINCE OFFEI’s insights on special needs support, relationships, and mental health in Ghana. He is a leading mental health professional, lecturer, ADR Expert/Arbitrator, renowned author, and marriage counsellor at COUNSELLOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE) – 0551428486 /0559850604.
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