It’s Still a Wonderful Life

How to Enjoy the Holiday Season When You’re Single

Dear Santa: All I want for Christmas is… a significant other. A mate may be on your holiday wish list, but just because you don’t have that special someone to kiss under the mistletoe, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holidays when you’re single. The holidays are meant to be fun and festive, not a time to dwell on being single or a recent breakup. Going solo can sometimes be stressful and more difficult during the holidays; however, it’s not only possible to survive the holidays when you’re single, but you can be happy and start a new chapter in the process. We’ve made a list and checked it twice. Follow these helpful tips to navigate the holidays when you’re not romantically attached.

How to Have a Happy Holiday Season (Even Without a Plus One)

Put on your Party Hat

  • Accept invitations to parties and events; be open to meeting new people
  • Hang out with friends; don’t stay home and feel sorry for yourself
  • Always look your best; buy a new outfit or accessories; try a new hair style
  • Establish ground rules and limit time with family if necessary. Don’t let your overbearing (albeit well-meaning) relatives put a damper on your holidays

Volunteer & Help Someone Else

  • You’ll feel happier and fulfilled helping others
  • Despite your situation, remember to count your blessings and good fortune; focus on what you do have, not what you don’t, and realize that others are having a more difficult time
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen, local food bank, or community shelter
  • Sponsor a family in need, support a charity, or fundraising event
  • Getting involved will distract you from dwelling on your single status

Leave The Red Nose To Rudolph

  • Don’t drown your sorrows, you can’t drink your problems away; alcohol, especially in excess, can actually make you feel more depressed
  • Don’t drunk dial or text your ex; you’ll only regret it the next day
  • Have a social drink or two, just keep things in moderation

Keep Healthy From The Inside Out

  • Watch what you eat; don’t overload your body with unhealthy foods
  • Keep to your fitness routine; exercise releases endorphins and will make you feel alive, energized and happy
  • Manage your stress/anxiety; don’t sweat the small stuff; get plenty of sleep

It’s Okay To Cry

  • It can be an emotional time of year; if you feel like crying, don’t hold back your tears, but pick yourself up and keep going
  • Replace negative thoughts with positive ones, and remember, you won’t always be single for the holidays

Spend The Extra Money On Yourself Or A Great Friend

  • Save the money you’d spend on presents for a mate and plan a getaway with a best friend
  • Use the extra cash to indulge in entertainment; see a Christmas play, concert, improv comedy
  • Pamper yourself at the spa
  • Treat yourself to that special gift you’ve always wanted

Indulge Your Passions

  • Find your passion and just do it
  • Attend a wine tasting, mountain bike, paint, ski, ice skate, learn a new language (for that trip you’re taking), try new holiday recipes, take a dance lesson, sign up for a team league, start that hobby you’ve been putting off
  • When you’re feeling down, think about things that make you happy and engage in activities that interest you

The Holiday Season Is Fun

  • Enjoy the beauty of it all; change your scenery; if you’re a city dweller, enjoy some time in the mountains
  • Check out: Christmas light displays, tree lighting events, craft markets, carol ships, shopping centre carolers, roasted chestnuts from a street vendor
  • Start a new tradition

And remember, if you want to start a new relationship make sure you plan to do something proactive about it; get out of your comfort zone! ready to find someone? give us a call at matchmaker Calgary!