Holiday Thriving: Finding Joy in Your Single Era this Season
The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration… but for some singles, it’s a time that can feel a bit lonely. With the constant barrage of couple-centric imagery, “engagement season” messaging and pressure from your family to find "the one," it's easy to feel lonely or discouraged. But don't despair! This holiday season, let's flip the script and embrace the freedom and unique opportunities that come with being single for the holidays so you can enter 2025 feeling fabulous and ready to mingle.
Tips for Surviving THRIVING during the Holidays as a Single:
Embrace the "Me Time": Go beyond basic self care to really indulge yourself this season. Book a massage and enjoy some spa time, make yourself a spectacular dinner of your favorite meal, use your best dinnerware and really savor it. Make a list of every.single.thing. you want to do to celebrate the season…and then actually book that time! No shade on your friends who are coupled up - but being partnered this time of year can bring with it a ton of obligations and time constraints that you don’t have to worry about. So enjoy this time of year and this season of life knowing you can do what you want on your own time.
Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends and family! Sure, everyone is busy this time of year, so we often assume our cherished friends and family might not have time for us. But a quick surprise phone call with your bestie in a different city, or bringing your grandparents or favorite aunt some cookies (bake them or buy them - it’s the gesture that counts) can be great for the soul.
Volunteer Your Time: Giving back to our community can be incredibly rewarding. There are plenty of places who need volunteers this season (and all year round). A few of our favorites that are easy to sign up for include the Northeast Regional Food Bank (we volunteer there once a month!) or the Schenectady City Mission (serving even one meal here will change your life for the better).
Plan Solo Adventures: If you have some PTO to burn by the end of the year, use it to explore a new city, visit a museum, or even just take a day off and go to a movie or try a new restaurant for lunch (I’m a big fan of dining solo). Embrace the freedom of solo activities and discover new passions. I’d recommend a visit to MASS MoCA and maybe an overnight at the Tourists hotel & riverside retreat in North Adams, MA.
Create New Traditions: Start your own holiday traditions! Gather addresses and send Christmas cards to your besties, learn a cookie recipe that you’ll bake each year for friends and family, host a gift exchange party - having things you do for you each year means you always have something to look forward to! Bonus? It will be a super fun thing to incorporate your boo when you have one next holiday season!
Decorate Your Home: One tradition that deserves its own category is holiday decor! Go all out with your holiday decorations and make them WHATEVER YOU WANT! Create a festive atmosphere that brings you joy. I love the smell of a live Christmas tree and the glow of twinkle lights (I often leave the lights up through January!). Remember - you may someday have to compromise or combine decorating styles - so embrace the fact that you can do whatever you want this season!
Take a Break from Dating: Everyone is busy this season - so it’s OK to pause your profiles, sit back and enjoy the season. Don’t pressure yourself to keep on top of those messages if you are feeling like you could use a break. You can’t miss what is meant for you, and that cute Hinge profile will likely still be there in a couple of weeks!
…Or get a head start on your 2025 Dating Goals: What kind of dating coach and matchmaker would I be if I didn’t plug our amazing singles events and services! We have a calendar chock full of events all ready for next year, including TWO happy hours, a coffee hour and volunteer event in January alone!
Remember, the holidays are what you make them. By embracing and enjoying your singledom and focusing on self-care, connection, and creating memories and traditions on your own terms, you can find joy and fulfillment this holiday season.