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The holidays can provide daunting situations for those of us who are single whether by choice or by circumstance, and while many blockbuster romantic comedies portray both single men and women longing to find someone to snuggle up with next to a crackling fire or schmooch with under the mistletoe, the truth of the matter is, being single during a time of year with such high expectations can actually be something to celebrate and revel in.
While the grass always tends to appear greener to singletons, believe it or not, the same often holds true on the other side of the fence as well at times. Therein lies the lesson. Why can’t we enjoy our situation no matter what our relationship status? Believe it or not, there are many things to enjoy and take advantage of when you are single during the festive and gregarious time of year. Here are just a few:
1. Travel Opportunities
Being single opens up an entirely new realm of possibilities when it comes to where and how the holidays are spent. Tired of the traditional Christmas Eve parties and New Year’s festivities? Plan ahead and purchase a ticket to some place warm and devoid of traditional holiday cheer. Instead dive into the warm Mediterranean or bask in the sunshine in Australia.
2. Freedom at Parties
Which parties are attended and for how long one stays becomes a bit more difficult when two people are involved. The freedom as someone who is single is that you can come and go as you please depending up on your mood and your no doubt overly booked schedule. Be sure to thank the hostess before leaving and be on your merry way whenever the mood strikes.
3. No In-Laws to Appease
While you may choose your significant other, you can’t necessarily choose your in-laws, and not everyone is lucky enough to strike the gold mine twice. Not having to worry about spending time with those who don’t appreciate you or understand you is a blessing. Enjoy it while you can.
4. Go Where You Want
Not being in a couple provides the freedom to choose where and with whom you want to spend the holidays with. Prefer your mother’s Christmas Day crème brûlée, but want to drive home Christmas night to sleep in your own bed, go for it. It’s your life. You’re an adult, and you can plan your life accordingly. Just be sure to thank you mother profusely and let your know how much you appreciate her.
5. Save money
While there are many aspects to enjoy while being in a relationship, a wallet flush with cash isn’t usually one of them during the holidays season. And while the money is usually spent willingly, is still drains the budget.
6. Buy Yourself a Christmas Present
Since money is being saved, why not spend a little on yourself. There will be endless after Christmas sales with drastically reduced prices. Take a day and hit a favorite boutique and purchase that dress/coat/pair of heels you’ve had your eye for months. You’re more than worth it.
7. Celebrate Your Life Decisions
The most important relationship you have in your life is the one you have with yourself. Even if other family members or friends don’t understand why you are single, continue to remind yourself that you are choosing to live by your own rules and create your own happiness that isn’t dictated by the outside world. After all, if you’re not looking out for your best interest, no one else will either.
Thank you Shannon for this beautiful post.
I am single now and have wondered for a while now what to do with myself especially in times when I would normally have been reliant on the other party. But perhaps it is time for me to take the reins and be my own woman.
Thank you again
Barbara
http://barbsiesmusings.blogspot.com/
Hi there! Love your post, and really love the illustration you feature here. I couldn’t find any credits – who is it by? Thanks!
It’s lovely isn’t it? I’m still searching, but if I find out, I will let you know. 🙂
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How true, Shannon! Whilst the celebration of Christmas for many is about family and friends it also provides a season for the single individuals to take off and delight in a impromptu destination or to simply… relax and enjoy a few days off the normal routine! Thanks for sharing! xx
Oh yes, it’s hot in Australia. I’m in Melbourne and its 35 degrees C. Come and enjoy a long hot summer. Gaby
Thanks for these reminders. I would say that the holidays make the feeling of being single much more acute, I’m much more aware of it. I AM doing something different this year though which I’m very excited about – heading back to Paris on Dec 27th (with my mom, who also happens to be single right now). I’ve never gone away during the holidays before but both of my siblings are in serious relationships and always spend time with their significant others’ families. I definitely tend to feel sad that I’m not able to do the same. I’ve also gone to the same large new year’s party for the past 4 years. I really needed a change this year, so very spontaneously my mom and I booked this trip! It made me realize that instead of feeling sad about not having extended family to share the holidays with (my own family is very small and I rarely see any relatives), I’m going to use it as an opportunity to do something fabulous. I’m doubly excited to go on this trip and take in the Eiffel tower and magic of the city on New Year’s this year instead of going to the same tired party that I feel I’ve outgrown. I think in my heart of hearts, I’d always prefer to be spending the holidays with the person I love, that would always be my ideal scenario. But I know people who would love to do what I’m doing and for the moment, I’m just appreciating how much I’m looking forward to it and it makes the holidays something for me to celebrate this year. The freedom to do these types of things will not always be there, but if I am single again next year then I’ll plan another cool trip:)
Stephanie,
Thank you sharing so much of your experience and upcoming trip. I can’t imagine a better place to welcome the new year and I am inspired by your decision to something different. I think you will be amazed at the empowerment and inspiration you discover. Have a lovely time.
Shannon, the dress in the second picture. Who maked it? It is the pretiest dress I have ever seen.
I am single and living a-continent-away from my family, and I was just traveling to Mexico very recently…so my best bet is to buy a christmas gift for myself I guess. But, It is sad to be alone. 🙁
Thank you for the post Shannon, this really makes me remember just how great being single was…. To all the single ladies out there… Happy Holidays and ENJOY!
I agree, but I’d like to see this being done regardless of a woman’s relationship status. That being said, this article is empowering for single women.
Thank you for this post Shannon.
It’s now 7 years I am single and I need to say I never been so happy as I am now.
I do feel very privileged to have the life I do have being single.
I have a wonderful and lovely family & friends that support me, I am professionaly independant, I do have an amazing professional life (I built a great company all by myself), a luxury loft (that I decorated all by myself) and a lovely cat.
Everyday I live with passion, I learned to be positive, to believe and love myself, to be proud of myself and of what I accomplished and everyday I am closer to my dreams.
I am 38 and never felt so happy as I am now. I don’t know for others but for me I just learned that when you really love yourself you don’t really need a man.
I am very proud to be my own strong and independant woman.