The holiday season is upon us, and with that brings holly jolly family time and catching up with friends. Rich swirls of pine and glimmering lights will surround us, hopefully holding a nice big mug of hot chocolate. With that warm fuzzy feeling comes the most dreaded question: “So, are you seeing anyone?” It could come from your grandma, or maybe that aunt that has way too much hope in her eyes. Perhaps even your mom is asking you that question, and it is most likely not the first time your ears have been set on raging fire by these never-ending questions. This question to a single person, especially around this time of year, is the equivalent of the “Jingle Bell Rock” playing on the radio and someone pulling the plug forcedly making the scratched vinyl sound. This is my 19th holiday season single, so here is my gift to you: some stocking stuffer tips to get you through the next month and a half or so.
1. Hot Chocolate
It’s a must. My personal little mix, which is highly adored by my fellow single elves, is 2 cups of skim milk, 2 scoops of Chocolate Nesquik. Put it in the microwave for about 40 seconds, stir, add a scoop and a half more with another 20 seconds, and finally stir in one more half scoop with 12 seconds in the microwave. The questionable effectiveness will prove itself with the first sip. It keeps that warm fuzzy feeling you love about the holidays in your tummy with every gulp. Disclaimer: sugar free Chocolate Nesquik is guaranteed to be healthier, but not personally guaranteed to keep you as merry.
2. Blankets, a fire, and a damn good book
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A BLANKET CUDDLE SESH.
3. Treat yourself
Do a fun design on your nails and a charcoal facial. You could do candy canes, or one nail sparkly while freshening up your complexion.
4. Get crafty with your girls
Go on a gift shopping spree, make ornaments, take your time to wrap your gifts, or build a gingerbread house. Make your season your aesthetic!
5. “Me” time
Time to just lay in bed or lounge on your couch in your pjs. Being home, you see a lot of people between family and friends, it’s a lot of talking about how school is going, your social life, your health, etc. Take a day to celebrate you!
6. Mariah Carey. That is all.
Look, we can all agree Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas is You” is a banger. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of bops around Christmas, but between this and Britney Spears’s “Santa Can You Hear Me?” I am ready to to sleigh the season (see what I did there?).
7. Candles
Make it smell like pine, or maybe cinnamon plum, how about cashmere? Aromas like these can make it smell like the holidays, keeping you warm curled up by the fire.
8. Christmas Movies
X-mas movies are to remind you that you don’t need a significant other and a mistletoe in perfectly falling snow: Home Alone 1&2, The Grinch, The Polar Express, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph. Basically stay away from Hallmark. Maybe, maybe indulge in The Holiday… it’s a guilty pleasure, okay?
9. Volunteer or donate
Trust me, buying a gift for a child in need or taking some time to help out at an animal shelter will really make you feel what the holidays are all about.
10. Send holiday cards out with friends
Holiday cards are always a kind gesture and they’re even better when you make them with your favorite people! With the cards, you can even make it a part of an Ugly Christmas sweater party and take some pics for options! (Dogs are also great options).Well look at that! Your holiday season was so busy you didn’t even notice you were single. Those cliches of needing a significant other to enjoy the holidays and fall in love by a wood burning fire and with a glass of champagne are overrated. Fall in love with you this holiday season!