‘Tis the season for making new memories and you were initially looking forward to planting a smooch on a loved one’s lip under the mistletoe as part of an ancient yet well-loved holiday tradition, but suddenly find yourself dramatically alone and single. Oh, joy..
Yeap, the festive season can become painfully awkward and sometimes lonely when you’re flying solo, but it’s no reason to throw yourself a pity party and mope about it. Use this time to your advantage as it could be fun and full of opportunities, not just to meet someone new, but to do anything really.
Here are ways to survive the holiday season merrily while single:
1. Don’t reminisce – You may have had the best time ever with an ex-lover the previous year, but creating expectations based on past holidays and bittersweet traditions is a good recipe for utter disappointment. Insist on looking forward and think of new visions for the coming year. Daydream as you have the luxury of exploring the world of the unknown.
2. Focus on what the holidays mean – Christmas shouldn’t be defined by your relationship status. Instead, fixate your mind on what really matters. It could be togetherness with family and friends who carry a significance in your life, or thankfulness for the good things that have happened. There’s always something to be thankful for, after all.
3. Look for a challenge – Rather than being down about being alone, emphasise on how motivated or strong you are by giving yourself a new challenge to accomplish during the holiday season. It could be a fear you’d like to overcome, a fitness goal you’ve put off the entire year, or a new DIY project. It could be surprisingly inspirational.
4. Host a party – It’s always a great idea to be surrounded by people you love, and even new people you haven’t fully gotten to know. Regardless of the scale of your gathering, decorate, prepare yummy food and cocktails, sing carols, exchange presents and don ugly Christmas sweaters. Go all out and take lots of photographs to commemorate the excitement.
5. Travel – There’s a reason why so many people travel during the holidays. It could be expensive, but scoring a last minute deal that will get you out of town is not impossible. Not up for vacationing solo? Gather a friend or two who are also itching to get away and you may just end up having the best time. Think a quiet beachside cabin, or vibrant big city.
6. Self-care is imperative – We know how tempting it is to curl up in bed in sadness, but stop being miserable and ensure to take care of yourself. Eat well, rest sufficiently, splurge on yourself, work out, and for once, put yourself first. All these little things will add up and eventually, you’ll feel like you; the happy you.
7. Do something good – Kindness will transform you from the inside, so find time to give back to the community by volunteering. Being inspired and feeling grateful aren’t the only two things you’ll experience as it also promotes mental health and motivation to simply live.
8. Begin new traditions – There’s a first time for everything and you should totally take the opportunity to write new stories for future holiday seasons by thinking up a new tradition with your loved ones. It could be a book advent, wearing matching jumpers, considering the Elf on the Shelf, involving the whole family in cooking, or whatever your heart desires.
