The Making of Marriage

January is the month of fresh starts — the time when people decide they’re going to get their lives together by losing the holiday weight, decreasing screen time, getting more sunshine, and waking up the first time the alarm goes off. New year, new me… right?

Well, sure. Maybe a little bit.
But that’s a lot of pressure to put on one month.

Studies consistently show that many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by the end of January, and only a small percentage stick with them long-term. That’s not meant to be discouraging — it’s meant to be freeing. The takeaway isn’t try harder. It’s this: we need goals that are realistic, life-giving, and even fun. Goals that actually fit real life.

Last January, we shared a post about creating a marriage check-in — a simple way to pause and reflect together. This January, we’re offering something new: a free, playful approach to intentionality with a 2026 Marriage Bingo card.

When it comes to setting goals, your marriage deserves a place on the list. But that doesn’t mean you need intense, rigid, or complicated expectations. You don’t need a perfect plan — just a willingness to bring a little more intention, playfulness, and connection into your relationship, one square at a time.

What a “Marriage Bingo Card” Is (and Isn’t)

Connection shouldn’t feel like another resolution. Instead of turning your relationship into another thing on your to do list, give a bingo card a shot. The bingo card is a list of meaningful, fun, and connecting experiences. Think of it as a “what we want to do” list, not a “what we have to do” list. There is no pressure to check every box or complete the card by a certain time. It’s not a competition, either. Creating a bingo card for 2026 simply invites opportunity for more connection, and maybe even for trying a few new things. Any box crossed off is a win for your marriage. 

Why This Works 

“But really, isn’t this just another thing to do??” Well, sure. However, I would argue that creating a bingo card would take pressure off of your marriage in the long run. Creating a bingo card encourages a shared vision for your marriage without the overwhelm. With a little bit of conversation and time, you can set yourselves up for a year’s worth of date nights and connection points. Instead of having the “what do you want to do for date night?” conversation over and over, just turn to your bingo card and see what you can mark off next. Use this as an opportunity to make fun memories. Try things you have been wanting to try for years but haven’t gotten around to. That’s the beauty of the bingo card— no pressure, just dreams. 

How to Create Your 2026 Marriage Bingo Card

What does it look like to create a bingo card? Here are some simple steps to follow, making the process easy and maybe even a little fun. 

• Step 1: Set the tone together (light, prayerful, or playful). It can be a mix of whatever you want really! 
• Step 2: Choose a manageable number of squares. Maybe you have a goal of 12 things, or want to shoot higher for 20 items. Realistically, you know your relationship and capacity. Definitely push a little bit but don’t make these items unattainable. Have a few goals that create tiny habits, some that take a little planning, and others that stretch you a little bit. 
• Step 3: Mix connection types:
  • Emotional
  • Physical
  • Spiritual
  • Fun
  • Rest
• Step 4: Keep items realistic and season-appropriate. Since this challenge should span the year, have a few challenges for each season. 
• Step 5: Leave room for flexibility or “free spaces”. Try to make challenges a little less specific, allowing you to complete them throughout the year and maybe in places you didn’t plan on visiting. 
• Optional Step 6: Check out our Bingo Card template download— it’s free!

Choosing Moments That Matter

Thinking about what to put on your marriage bingo card can feel overwhelming at first—but it doesn’t have to be. The goal isn’t to fill every square with something impressive. It’s to fill it with moments that move you closer to each other.

A great bingo card includes a mix of everyday connection, intentional dates, faith-centered moments, and a little bit of adventure and rest. Here are some ways to think about what belongs on yours.

At-home connection is where so many marriages are quietly rebuilt. These squares should feel less like “we’re killing time” and more like small marriage resets. That might look like cooking a meal together, sitting on the couch with no phones and actually talking for 30 minutes, or creating a simple ritual that helps you reconnect after a long day.

Simple date nights belong on your bingo card too, because romance doesn’t have to mean elaborate plans or expensive babysitters. You might include a goal like having one at-home date night each quarter, or creating a few themed dates you can check off throughout the year. These squares give you something to look forward to—and something to protect on your calendar.

Faith moments are about spiritually choosing each other, not just checking off a religious box. These might include praying out loud for each other, working through a Bible study together, or intentionally seeking spiritual growth as a couple. When your faith is woven into your bingo card, it becomes woven into your marriage rhythm.

Everyday intimacy deserves its own space too. This isn’t just about sex—it’s about being emotionally and physically seen. A square might invite you to ask, “How can I love you better this week?” or to flirt on purpose, send a sweet text, or hold hands on a walk. These are the little things that make you feel chosen.

Your bingo card should also include a touch of adventure and novelty. Not everything has to be a big weekend getaway—mix in both big and small experiences. One square might be taking a trip together, while another could simply be trying a new coffee shop or brewery. New experiences spark new conversations and help you see each other in fresh ways.

And finally, make room for rest and restoration. These squares are about slowing down and enjoying being together without needing to perform or produce anything. Reading a book side by side, starting a slow morning routine, or even planning a peaceful drive through somewhere beautiful—like the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall—can become sacred, grounding moments in your year.

When you step back and look at your completed bingo card, it shouldn’t feel like a to-do list. It should feel like a story you and your spouse get to write together—one small, meaningful square at a time. 

A Year to Cultivate

Don’t look at this bingo card as just another thing to do. But if you haven’t set any goals for your marriage this year, the end of January is as good a time as any! Remember that this is so low key and meant to bring connection, not cause frustration. There is no set schedule or timeline and the flexibility of the bingo card allows you to bring it into your natural daily/seasonal rhythms. Celebrate the small wins— it’s a tool, not a test. 

So what will you include on your 2026 Marriage Bingo Card? Do you want to focus more on bringing adventure to your marriage? Or is 2026 going to bring opportunities for rest and quiet connection? Create a card that reflects the marriage you want to cultivate– a marriage for you and your spouse, and no one else. 

Enjoy the adventure, 

Amanda