Somewhere in between the holiday parties, the inevitable family member asking if you’re seeing anyone, and the New Year’s countdown where you have no one to kiss, the holidays can make the single person a little Scrooge-y. The mistletoe, tinsel, and magic can seem a little duller without a significant other to share it with. Unless you have the right frame of mind.
Sure, there are things that might be better with a partner. A plus one to that holiday party you really don’t want to go to would come in handy. But there are actually a lot of reasons that the holiday season can be better because you’re single. Yes, you read that right.
8 Reasons It’s Better to be Single During the Holidays
One: You chose who you spend your time with
Listening to my friends figure out the logistics of who’s family gets what holiday and how they’re going to make it all work sure does make me feel grateful that I get to just go home to my family. End of story. I can grab that drink with my friend while they’re in town and give them my undivided attention. Plus, less people to buy presents for. Cut that Christmas shopping stress in half!
Two: One set of parties
I like a good holiday party as much as the next gal. But after the 5th one, I’m a little spent and out of white elephant gift ideas.
Three: Travel plans are all up to you
Want to take extra time off? Or can only get specific days off? You don’t have to incorporate someone else’s schedule. Book that ticket for whenever you want.
Four: Quality time
Give your undivided attention to the people you love.
Five: Control the remote
Want to watch that Hallmark movie for the third time? You go, Glen Coco
Six: Make a romantic connection
Christmas is downright magical. Maybe, just maybe the way you meet your person is under the mistletoe. You get to be in a real-life Hallmark movie!
Seven: Do it on your own terms
In most relationships, there is a compromise. What a beautiful thing. You know what’s even better though? Not having to compromise at all and doing it (decorating, shopping, eating, whatever) on your own terms.
Eight: Start playing Christmas music the day after (or *gasp* before) Thanksgiving
Maybe your future S.O. won’t mind but blast that “Jingle Bell Rocks” now just in case.
The Holidays Are About Love
Your holiday season isn’t made or not made by the fact that you have someone “special” in your life. You are so loved. Spend extra time with your parents, your siblings, your cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, whoever. The holidays are about loved ones. It’s about love in general. And you being single during the holidays means DIDDLY SQUAT. It says nothing about who you are as a person. Focus on the love that is in your life.
One day, you will have someone to share the holidays with. Once you do, everything will be different. It won’t be just you and your family. The dynamic will change. That’s not a bad thing but enjoy where you are now. You will have more holiday seasons in a relationship then you will being single during the holidays. Love. Friendship. Family. That’s what the holidays are about. Not your relationship status.
Without a significant other, you’ll be able to shower the people you love that are already in your life with more time and more love. That’s something to be so grateful for if you are single for the holidays coming up.
Volunteer with the extra time that you have. Help your dad shovel the walkway. Go see your kid cousin in a holiday play. Help the church with the special Christmas eve service.
The secret to thriving (not just surviving) being single during the holidays is to remember what you do have instead of focusing on what you don’t.
Cheers to you thriving,
Don’t Miss Out!
