How to spend the silly season as a single person

Though movies like Love Actually centre around finding your perfect match just in time for December 25th, we know real life doesn’t always work out this way. Often singles are cast as sad, lonely people that couples take pity on, especially during the holiday season – while it may be a tough time for some singles out there, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom!

Christmas time can mean different things to different people, but it’s not uncommon that the festivities can bring on the blues for many of us. We often see advertisements of happy couples and families gathered around the tree, and for some of us it can be triggering if we don’t have those ‘special people’ to share the holidays with. On top of that, the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought to the holidays, let alone the whole year, can be unsettling and worrying for those in isolated states.

As a single, you don’t need to live up to these holiday expectations of being in a relationship but it’s easy to fall into a trap where you don’t feel like your life is complete without that person to share it with. What most people don’t know is that being single around this time of the year can be wonderful, it all depends on how you decide to spend it! We’ve come up with a few steps to get your head and heart into the Christmas spirit. 

Change your mindset 

Rather than looking for what you’re missing in life, think about all the things you can be grateful for. Whether you want to focus on the great people in your life like friends, family, co-workers and even your pets, or you can appreciate how far you’ve come this year in your career, personal life, or mental health, there’s always something to be thankful for. You’ve made it through 2021 and can’t wait to see the back of it, so why not use this time of the year to celebrate getting to the finish line?

Stay off social media

The loved-up couples and constant engagement posts are coming, so if you find this kind of content triggering, it might be a wise idea to steer clear of your Instagram feed for a while. Our feeds can be overflowing with couples gift-giving, going on holidays and posing in those God-awful matching PJ sets, no one will stop you from checking out of the digital world for a few days to focus on yourself. 

Besides, it’s good to remember that people only post the very best version of their lives online, so take comfort in the fact that while they post away, you might be more content with your life than they are.

Be thankful (you’re not in the wrong relationship)

One thing’s for certain, there are a lot of singles who will grab the first person they rub up against and make them their beau around this time of the year, just for the sake of having a boyfriend or girlfriend. What can be detrimental to your mental health is purely being with someone because of status – you don’t want to be in the wrong relationship during this time of the year (or ever).

There are plenty of couples who stay together around Christmas because of convenience, when they’re actually unhappy; you can be thankful that while you are single, the relationship you have with yourself is far healthier than some couples around you.

Say yes to the Christmas parties

Just because you don’t have the default plus one by your side doesn’t mean you can’t go to that Christmas party and totally rock the house! Flying solo at these things means you can make better connections with people, step out of your comfort zone, and let loose more than you would if you had the eyes of your partner burning in the back of your head. Even if you don’t know many people, it’s a great opportunity to expand your network and meet new friends along the way, while enjoying some delicious festive food and cocktails!

Indulge in yourself

Since you don’t have to think about getting your non-existent partner anything for Christmas, why not use that money to spend on yourself this year? It’s been a hard time for most of us in 2021, so there’s really no better time to splurge and get yourself that Air Fryer you’ve been eyeing off since March! Indulging in yourself doesn’t just mean gifts, it can also be an opportunity to take time out for yourself – turn off the notifications and do something for yourself you never get to do! 

You could go camping with friends, take a much-needed spa day, enjoy a movie with no interruptions, or do something as simple as having a bath and reading a good book. The world is your oyster and the holidays is your time to put yourself first!

Have friends over for KK

Bring your favourite people together and get the Kris Kringle spirit going! There’s nothing like having an excuse to catch up with friends over food and drinks while opening silly and sentimental presents. It’s a great way to take your mind off the never ending singledom questions that will come with opening gifts with family, and you can choose who you want to spend this silly season with.

Final thoughts…

This holiday season is about letting go and being content with your single style; you should feel like you can own it and not have to answer to anyone about your status. If you’re confident in your life and put it out to the world that you’re just doing you, no one will be able to bring you down!