10 Tips for a Christmas Eve Proposal

Christmas Eve is the perfect time to propose. So many things already make this time of year special. The beauty of the holidays is the perfect backdrop for this kind of moment. Great decision. I've put together 10 tips for a Christmas Eve proposal. We'll point out some possible pitfalls to your plans and how to avoid them. And we'll give some great ideas on presenting your marriage proposal to Miss Right.

1.Tell no one! First, take advantage of the surprise element that naturally comes with a holiday like Christmas. She may be as ready as you are to take the plunge, but then again she may be totally surprised by it. Either way, you can surprise her. First of all, tell only those who need to know. Parents would be on the top of the list. And if happen to have a chatty mom or dad, tell the other parent. You may even want to show them the ring. Parents are known ring experts. And they may have some advice for your proposal. I know you'll be excited about your decision and nervous about hers, but refrain from sharing those thoughts with anyone else. It is unfair to tell someone you are getting married and ask them to tell no one. And impossible! That could be a real spoiler. Here are a few people you wouldn't normally want to tell. Your sister or brother, uncles and aunts, cousins, friends, best friends and co workers. You may want to speak with her father, if you think the won't give the game away. You should also talk to your spiritual counselor like a pastor or priest. Other than that, mum is the word! That's step one in your Christmas Eve proposal.

2. Keep your ring choice simple. Unless you two have already shopped for rings, you probably have no what ring what to pick. Then keep the ring simple. Classic ring styles are always popular. Check with the jeweler about the ring refund policy and tell him what you are up against. Don't be angry or upset if you she decides to make some changes to your ring selection. Remember it's a forever ring that she will wear forever. Also, when presenting her the ring, don't apologize for it. After the emotion has died down, you can casually mention that although you like the ring she can make some changes if she wants to. Be sure she can exchange the ring before you purchase it. But chances are she'll keep the ring you chose. That's proposal tip number two!

3. Where to propose? This will all depend on your circumstance. If you are a big family person than you may feel like you need to have them nearby. But remember this is meant to be a special moment for just the two of you. Everyone else's desires should come second. If the beach has been a special place for the two of you then take a walk along the beach. The formal living room in front of the Christmas tree would be a beautiful place for a proposal. In front of the Carousel at the Mall would be lovely as well. Dinner proposals are nice and traditional. If she is close with her family, do her a favor and ask her there. Somewhere cozy like a warm corner by the fireplace. That's your third Christmas proposal tip.

4. What to wear. Yes, it matters. If you are lucky, you only get to do this once. And you want her to remember the moment without replaying the memory with you in sweatpants. A black suit and tie. A nice pair of dress pants and a new shirt. Let her see you in something new when you propose. On to proposal tip number five.

5. What to say. Think over what to say but worry about rehearsing it so much it doesn't sound like you. Tell her how you feel and what she means to you. Don't talk about the bad times or bring up bad memories. And yes, you should say I love you! and say it on one knee!

6. How to say it. A friend once told us a story about his marriage proposal. He talked his friends into coming to his house and caroling for him and his girlfriend. At the end of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, they added a chorus, Beth will you marry Ronnie, Oh Beth will you marry Ronnie. A stunned Beth looked beside her to find Ronnie on one knee with a ring box in his hand. Fabulous! If you decide to do something a little different that's great but remember YOU still have to ASK the question. Next is proposal tip number seven.

7. When to say it. Pick a time when you think she'll be more relaxed. When she's venting about a bad day at work, that probably be the wrong time to ask her to marry you. Is she a morning person, surprise her with your Christmas marriage proposal in the morning with breakfast. Is she a night owl? Then show up with a movie and a ring. Maybe there is a special dinner or event you are attending, would that be a good time?

8. Unique ways to present the ring. The gift within a gift is a traditional way of proposing at Christmas. The tiny gift on the Christmas tree is another well tried but great method. Also, leave suspicious box in her stocking and ask her to open it. You could put it in her seat at dinner and let her open it. What' s more fun is to get tiny gifts for everyone and leave it in their seat. She'll suspect less. That's a great Christmas proposal idea.

9. Be yourself. Although these suggestions are meant to help, be yourself. Don't let her wonder who she's marrying. She loves you for who you are, not who you are not.

10. Whatever method or way you propose arrange a few minutes alone after. Away from the family and the friends. Seal the deal with a kiss. That my friend is the best Christmas proposal advice I can give.