Holiday season is well under wraps.
This festive time of year is marked by constant reminders of the season. The holidays also remind me of family dinners, cozy activities, and advertisements that constantly suggest you buy the perfect gift for your significant other (thanks!). Look, we get it. Being constantly reminded that there’s no one to stand under the mistletoe with can be a harsh reality for many during the winter festivities. However, being single during the holidays actually makes for a stellar time! Keep reading to gain insight and a few ways to truly embrace yourself this season.
The Family Dinner
This one can be a little tricky. You walk into a family gathering, with gifts or a lovely dish in hand. Forget your career path, time at university, or even the recent American election; all anyone can focus on is your relationship status. Meanwhile, you want to keep your love life on the DL.
“You haven’t brought anyone home in a while”
“I haven’t, hmm thanks for reminding me. Maybe it’s because I’ve been trying to survive all my papers, finals, course enrollment, co-op searching, and figure out my life, that I didn’t have time to pick up a hot date on the way to dinner!”
It’s important to avoid rage-filled responses like that. Just remember, your family wants to see you happy, and a gentle “I’ve been focusing on my studies” or “Don’t worry grandma, when a keeper comes around, you’ll be first to know” will do just as well.
Find time to Flirt!
Guess what? Holiday parties or winter socials just got a lot more fun! Why? Because you can scan the surroundings for potential suitors. Being single during the holidays doesn’t mean you must be solo the whole time. Go on dates, be spontaneous. Get together a group of friends and hit the city. Downtown Vancouver has so much to offer. Take advantage of the time off you have from school and just have some fun.
Gift Giving Gets Easier.
With one less person to have to impress, your holiday gift list just decreased! No need to splurge on some fancy electronics, clothes or any other item to celebrate your first (or fifth) Christmas with someone. Wave ba-bye to the stress over hoping that your significant other will not only like your present, but use it.
Now that you’ve saved yourself some extra money, why not spend it on yourself! You know what you love and why not splurge and get yourself a little something special. Hey- you can even wrap it, and stick it under the tree…if that’s your thing.
No need to Divide Time
With a party of one, you can dictate the direction of your plans. Family time can be hard to come by, so take advantage of being able to soak up your family tradition. You can avoid worrying about fitting your SO into your schedule. It can be hard trying to impress a partner’s family members, so take this time to enjoy binge watching your favourite T.V series, start a book, or just bake up some holiday treats. Either way, it’s all up to YOU!
Refocus Your Energy
If you feel as though you are missing out on the compassion that comes with having a companion, there are other ways to fulfill those needs. Try giving back to your community. There are several different organization, food drives, or random acts of kindness that can provide valuable experiences. Even something as simple as paying for the persons drink behind you in the line at Starbucks or Tim Hortons can render a good feeling. You never know who you will inspire, or the lives you’ll touch by lending a helpful hand.
Mistletoe Madness
This cheeky holiday tradition is one that you single ladies need to take advantage of. If you’re feeling a little bold, why not drag a handsome man or lovely lady under that green piece of decoration. If someone catches your eye at a holiday party, you have the option of kissing whoever you please.
New Year, New People
There’s nothing better than ringing in the new year with a close set of friends. Don’t let this stop you from going out, having a great time, and meeting someone you can share your midnight kiss with. Not the party type? Don’t worry. Try sipping fine wines while watching reruns of your favorite holiday or T.V series is a great place to start.
You’re Worth More Than Your Relationship Status.
Don’t let your relationship status define you. There’s no need to stress or feel bad. You’re not missing out on the season just because you’re not in a steady relationship. Who knows, some of your friends with SO’s may be wishing they were in your position. Pitying yourself only gives an excuse for other people to pity you. While I think it’s important to acknowledge your emotions and address any dissatisfaction that may exist, don’t let the absence of an SO affect your mood too much. If your friends love to constantly point it out, explain to them that it’s insensitive, or that you genuinely want to be single! Embrace it!
And just remember, if Buddy the Elf can find a soulmate, you can too!