The Single’s Guide to the Holidays

The holiday season has a certain scent to it.

You can smell the decorative butter cookies, peppermint candy canes and schnitzel with noodles (btw- I Googled that and turns out its chicken fried steak and pasta. Who knew?) Let’s not forget the eggnog lattes at Starbucks, work holiday parties and neighborhood homes lit up with (tasteful or not-so-tasteful) holiday decorations.

It’s all a part of the magic leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day.

I simply love this time of year. But what I sometimes don’t love is being single this time of the year. Now, don’t get me wrong – it has some serious perks. But for all my single friends on the holiday struggle bus, I’ve created some tips to ensure your holiday season is light, bright and merry!

• RSVP “Yes” – sitting at home for the holidays is the last thing you should do. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to be alone. RSVP yes to those parties then be a person of your word and actually go. (At least go to get a free dinner or to wear those sequin pants hanging in your closet!) I’ve also heard of several stories where someone meets a new boo at a New Year’s Eve party. You never know . . .
• Read up on top news, culture, and sports – Why? Being in the know about all current events allows you to start or hold a conversation with just about anyone. Now that you’ve RSVP’d yes, go to your co-worker’s holiday party or to that interesting Meetup and have something interesting to talk about. Having some conversation starters allows you to confidently go to the event by yourself and not worry about having a built-in conversationalist (i.e. significant other). You can talk to anyone about anything and avoid those I’m-standing-here-by-myself-and-its-kind-of-awkward moments. Go to Twitter or IG and give yourself a crash course on today’s news then show off some impressive communicative skills.
• Manage Your Petty – we all have that person, be it a friend or family member, who makes a real slick comment about your relationship status or has the nerve to ask personal questions such as, “when are you going to have kids?” or “how long are you doing to do this single, independent thing?” I know you want to make a comeback and mention how your dates resemble their teeth- few and far between- but where is that going to leave you? Don’t say anything that you may have to go back and apologize for.
• Don’t Respond to that Text – that warm, cuddly feeling you think is evoked by holiday charm? Naw boo . . . that’s just gas. When that “wyd?” text comes through or you get hit with the “Merry Christmas” bait text, do yourself a favor and delete it. That person is still just as annoying, self-centered and rude as he/she was four months ago. Texting a holiday slogan doesn’t change that. Delete and possibly block that contact so you don’t do something to regret in the new year.
• Binge, Books and Brunch – if you’re a raging introvert and holiday parties make you want to peel your skin off with tweezers, take advantage of the downtime to recharge by yourself or catch up with those closest to you. Binge watch a popular show (avoid corny Hallmark movies, they’re like emotional porn), grab a new book (check out my YouTube for book reviews) or call up a pal and catch-up over brunch. You’ll come out of the holidays rested and caught up on Grown-ish seasons 1 and 2.

Whatever you do, remember that you are not alone. There are so many things to cherish and be grateful for this time of the year. December is a time to celebrate the true reason for the season and start the year off fresh. Sip on some eggnog, singe a yuletide carol and stay up past midnight for me. Falalalalala-lalalala!