How to be single AND happy during the holidays

The holidays can be a tough time for many people, especially if you’re single and surrounded by societal expectations about family and romance. But you don’t have to let that get you down!

Here are some strategies to help you navigate the holidays with a positive outlook, even if you’re not in a relationship:

1. Shift Your Focus

Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have (a partner), try to focus on what you do have: your health, your friendships, your hobbies, your sense of adventure, and your pet. The holidays can be a great time to invest in your own growth and well-being, rather than comparing your situation to others. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you focus on the good things in your life.

2. Practice Self-Care

Use the holiday season as a time to pamper yourself. Take a bubble bath, binge-watch your favorite shows, do a hobby you love, or get lost in a good book. You don’t have to be busy or social all the time; prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Treat yourself to something special, whether it’s a small gift, a day trip, or a relaxing ritual. It’s ok to be “lazy”.

3. Create Your Own Traditions

If the traditional holiday celebrations feel too much, why not create your own? Maybe you make a special holiday playlist that lifts your spirits, volunteer at a local shelter, or spend the day doing something that feels fun and fulfilling to you. You can build new traditions that are meaningful to you, rather than feeling obliged to follow someone else’s idea of the “perfect holiday.”

4. Surround Yourself with Positive People

You don’t need to have a romantic partner to feel supported and loved. Make sure you spend time with friends and family who lift you up. If you’re feeling particularly lonely, try reaching out to people who are also spending the holidays alone too. You can plan your own holiday gatherings with friends and bring others together.

5. Don’t Over-Emphasize Romance

Yes, there are a lot of “couple-y” vibes during the holidays, but you don’t need a significant other to enjoy the season. Focus on what you love about the holidays, whether it’s the food, the decorations, the music, or holiday movies. Try to disconnect from the idea that you have to be in a romantic relationship to enjoy this time of the year.

6. Give Back

Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding, especially during the holidays. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, participating in a toy drive, or just offering your time to someone in need, giving back can help shift the focus away from what you lack to what you can contribute to others’ lives. It can also help you feel more connected to your community.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Set Boundaries

The holidays can be full of questions about your relationship status, especially from family members. If you’re not feeling like discussing your singleness it’s okay to set boundaries and steer the conversation in a different direction. You don’t have to explain your love life to others.

8. Practice Gratitude

Taking time each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for can help keep your mindset positive. It could be simple things, like enjoying a cozy winter evening with a cup of tea, a walk in the snow or appreciating your good health. A gratitude practice can help you see the holiday season through a lens of abundance rather than scarcity.

9. Take the Pressure Off Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in “holiday perfection” — from the perfect gifts to the perfect celebrations. But you don’t need to do everything or have everything “just right.” Allow yourself to let go of unrealistic expectations and to remember that it’s okay to have a simpler or quieter holiday season if that’s what feels right for you.

10. Look Ahead with Hope

Remember that the holidays are just one chapter in the larger story of your life. It’s okay to acknowledge that this time of year might feel challenging, but also remind yourself that the new year offers fresh possibilities. Be open to what the future holds — whether that involves meeting new people, deepening friendships, or simply discovering more about what makes you happy.

The holidays are a time to celebrate what brings you joy, not just what’s missing. You can create a meaningful and fulfilling experience for yourself, whether or not you have a romantic partner. Stay connected to your own needs, enjoy the small moments, and take this time to nurture yourself as you head into the new year!

If you’d like to chat and find more ways to build happiness during the holidays please reach out to me: [email protected]