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Date & Relate
by Sara Hodon

Celebrate Being Single This Holiday Season

As the song goes,

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

Or something.

Sure, it’s easy to dwell on everything you’re choosing not to do because you’re flying solo this holiday season, but the truth is, there’s no reason to miss out on some of the festivities because you’re unattached. In fact, in many ways single folks have an advantage over those who have an Other Half.

I know it’s very easy to obsess about not having someone to curl up with in front of a roaring fire, sipping hot chocolate and doing all of that adorable couples stuff.

But there are plenty of ways you can—and should—celebrate your singlehood this season.

Below are just a few things to keep in mind if you start feeling a bit down:

Reasons to celebrate being single this holiday season and things you can do:

> One less person on your shopping list.

> You can splurge a bit more on a few things for yourself.

> You don’t have to worry about buying gifts for your significant other’s family (no clothing sizes, toy preferences, or gift cards from favorite stores to get just right)

> You can spend way too much on yourself or your family and friends without justifying the credit card bills to anyone else

> You can spend all day at the mall with your mom/sister/best friend and not have to “check in” at home

> Your family is the only one you need to visit with this year

> No pop quizzes on the names of relatives you haven’t even met yet

> You can veg with your older relatives or help the younger ones figure out their new toys and enjoy every minute of it. Oh, and you can do all of this in your pajamas if you’d like.

> No stress of having to meet his family for the first time.

> Make your grandma’s day and take her to a local holiday concert or play.

> Make plenty of dinner plans with the friends who’ll be in town so you can catch up. Better yet, attend friends’ Christmas parties. Hopefully they’ll invite some other singles—someone might just catch your eye.

> Plan a Christmas movie marathon with your girlfriends. Make plenty of popcorn, hot chocolate (a splash of peppermint Schnapps always helps, too), and of course, Christmas cookies!

> Definitely make plans for New Year’s Eve, whether it’s a quiet game night at your place with a small group of pals, or a big night out on the town with the girls.

> Schedule a “girls only” night to the theater or a holiday concert. There’s nothing like stirring seasonal music to get you in the holiday spirit, single or not.

> Try your hand at making a gingerbread house, even if you’ve never made one before. Invite your little nieces or nephews over to help.

> Two words—Christmas cookies.

> Go on a holiday house tour in your local community. Even in my small-ish, urban area, there are some beautiful Victorian homes nearby and they are always decked out beautifully for the holidays. It always gives me a nice Christmas-y feeling.

> You can flirt openly with the hottie in accounting at the office holiday party.

> Decorating your domain (home, apartment, what have you) is strictly at your discretion. Go classy, go tacky, or don’t go at all—it’s all up to you.

> Start thinking about your New Year’s Love Resolution—make next year the year you find The One!

> Watch the life-affirming film It’s a Wonderful Life and remind yourself that it truly is. You may be single, but at least you’re not stuck in a dead-end relationship.

> Explore your crafty side and make some holiday mementos for friends and family. “Crafty” can mean a lot of things—scrapbooking, assembling a photo collage, knitting hats, scarves, or sweaters, or putting together a sentimental gift for those most special to you.

> Volunteer just once with an organization that works with those less fortunate. You’ll view your own life much differently.

Keep in mind what the holiday is all about—being with friends and family and enjoying the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the season.

Date & Relate is published every Thursday by Online Dating Magazine columnist Sara Hodon. She can be reached at sarhodon@yahoo.com.

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