Only me October, No boyfriend November, Don’t date December, yeah, it’s going great.
If you clicked on this article, it’s very likely that, just like me, you’re single. And whether or not it’s by choice, being single during the holidays is difficult. I am incredibly lucky to have friends and family who love me, but I would be lying if I said I don’t get sad and lonely sometimes.
Sometimes I wish that my life could turn into a romantic and cheesy Hallmark movie. The one where the girl is single and thinks that she’s going to be alone forever, but then one day out of the blue, the man of her dreams steps into her life. And after their jobs or exes get in the way, the two part their separate ways, only to end up realizing that they were meant for each other all along. And happily ever after.
Boy, do I wish it were that easy.
I mean who wouldn’t want to kiss underneath the mistletoe or sing “All I Want For Christmas Is You” at the top of your lungs while pointing to your significant other on the “youuuuuu” part. Do you feel me?!?
While it’s easy to get caught up about having a “Blue Christmas” without a boyfriend or girlfriend, this year, I’ve decided that I’m going to turn that all around. How, do you ask? New traditions and a new mentality.
This year, remind yourself what the holiday season is for. It’s about spending time with the people you love and giving back to your community.
Some of my favorite ways to give back are paying for the person behind me at Starbucks, donating a gift to “Toys for Tots”, buying from businesses that give back, donating canned goods to a food drive, and leaving small gifts for the service members who pick up your trash or drop off your mail. These are all things you can do during a pandemic! And while these may seem like a small token of your time, your actions truly go a long way and ignite the holiday spirit.
Before heading back home, here are some ways you can celebrate the holidays with your housemates or roommates. Show your appreciation by throwing a Friendsgiving party, have a holiday movie marathon in your pajamas, build a gingerbread house, make some holiday treats, and have a Secret Santa, Secret Turkey, or White Elephant gift exchange.
Now you, just as much as anyone else, deserve to feel loved and appreciated. And this doesn’t just apply to the holiday season. So here are some ways that I like to treat myself. I love buying myself flowers because, yes, I know my worth. Bake some holiday treats and eat them all to yourself. My favorites are a homemade apple pie and the Pillsbury holiday-themed cookies. Buy yourself a Christmas gift. You know, that dress that you’ve had your eye on for months. Or have a self-care night. Light a candle, put on your sweats and face mask, and watch Elf for the third time this month.
This Thanksgiving, you should be proud to say that “I’m thankful to be single”. And yes, there is absolutely no shame in being alone. I would much rather be single than in poor company. But what I mean is that you get to spend this time learning more about yourself. And this Christmas, embrace being “single and ready to jingle”. Besides, you won’t have to spend any extra money on getting gifts for your significant other, and you can instead save it for your dream vacation to Croatia! Who’s with me?
While I may joke around about being single, I truly understand how hard this time of year can be. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but being single doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. You have to believe that you are the person someone out there is praying for. Because YOU ARE! One day, you will find your very own “Christmas Love”, and you will get that fairy tale ending. But for now, embrace the freedom you have, learn to love yourself, and find what truly makes you happy.