Unattached this Christmas? You might be tempted to fret, but being single during the holiday season can be an incredibly enjoyable time in your life. By embracing your singledom, you just might end up learning more about yourself this Christmas.
I spent most of my 20s single and vowed to throw a Christmas party every year, just as my parents did. By embracing my favorite traditions solo, I realized just how much I love entertaining, and how special the holidays are, regardless of where I was are in my romantic life.
Here are a few tips to enthusiastically welcome the holidays as a single person and live your absolute best.
1. Less “Bah, Humbug,” and more jolly and joyous
Of course it’s easier to stay home, Netflix “Love Actually” and cry into a hot chocolate. Speaking of “Love Actually,” my single girlfriends and myself have gotten together every December to watch the movie, make mozzarella sticks and catch up. It’s something I look forward to every year. The holidays are all about love, and I find that the most through my best friends.
2. Get spiritual
If you’ve always wanted to start a journal or try meditating, the holiday season is a great time to get in touch with your spirituality. Headspace, an app for your phone or tablet, is a great option for those who are just starting to learn meditation.
3. Take a vacation
Grab all of your single friends and go out of town for a weekend. Sometimes a small change of scenery can make a huge difference. Airbnb is a great option for a quick weekend away and Groupon Getaways offers some great deals.
4. Do something you’ve always wanted to do
If you’ve always wanted to get a massage but keep putting it off, or hoped to finally take that class at the gym you’ve been interested in, being single over the holidays is a great time to try them. Take a break from the busyness of the season, get out of your comfort zone, and plan a little me time.
5. Catch up with family
A lot of times, returning to your roots helps you grow. Instead of wishing you had a significant other, direct your energy into catching up with your family. Grandparents aren’t around forever and sisters and brothers sometimes move away—use this time to reconnect and grow with them.
6. Relive your childhood
Volunteering at children-oriented places can reconnect you to the joy you felt as a kid, while simultaneously spreading the joy to others. Volunteer at your local hospital and distribute gifts to children. Get a part-time job as an elf at your local mall, helping children feel comfortable with Santa while reliving your own hilarious years getting photos taken with the jolly man in red. Also, companies like Shutterfly make it incredibly easy to make keepsakes like photo albums full of all your favorite childhood photos.
7. ‘Tis far better to give than receive
Sometimes it’s hard not to get caught up in the commercialism of the holidays. Instead of letting your parents and friends know what you want for Christmas, take some time to clean out your pantry and closet. Your local food bank and thrift store are always looking for donations. Giving to others, especially around the holidays, spreads cheer and goodwill.
Being single during the holiday season shouldn’t be about “getting through” Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and everything in between. By embracing all that you have and being grateful for what life has given you at the present time, chances are you’ll find yourself living more fully this holiday season.
Originally published on December 14, 2016.