Tips and tricks for thriving during the holidays . . . without a plus one!
“On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me. . .” Ohhh, wait.
Maybe you find yourself feeling forgotten by the holly jolly dude in the red suit. Or maybe you’re just in denial? Either way, get up and get dressed in your holiday best, darling . . . because we’re celebrating! Just because you’re not meeting someone under the mistletoe, doesn’t mean you have to hide under the covers.
Here’s a list of 12 tips to help you make the most out of the most wonderful time of the year!
1. Make plans – Bust out that day planner and get ready to RSVP! You don’t have to cram it all into your schedule (unless you want to!), but please don’t decline all of your invitations this season. Go to parties! Dress up! Yes, even if you’re skeptical as to whether you’ll have a good time. Being single does not mean being alone, especially at the holidays. And trust me, at least some of these events are going to have you saying “I’m so glad I did that!”
2. Host a party – The holidays are the perfect excuse to gather your favorites. Deck the halls and make some calls. . . to tell everyone you’re having a soiree! Before you panic, it doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair – all you need is some festive food and drink, and your people. Cook to your heart’s content, or just some charcuterie and wine will be fine. You can even make it a potluck. Just get your loved ones together and enjoy!
3. Treat yourself – All I want for Christmas is a mani/pedi and a Drybar trip. But really, don’t forget the self-care! Amongst your many celebrations, be sure to take some recharge time. Bonus points if it’s the kind that leaves you looking and feeling your best! And, if you really wanna get that holiday spirit flowin’ . . .tip a little extra! 😉
4. Decorate – For years I convinced myself that I didn’t need to decorate my apartment because I’m always home with my family for Christmas. But then I realized this isn’t just a day or two, it’s a season. Which means there’s no reason to hold off on trimming the tree (even if it’s only 3 feet tall LOL). After a quick trip through Target’s (online) clearance section, my surroundings are sprinkled with cheer!
5. Have a canned answer ready – Being ho-ho-home for the holidays inevitably means that those family members you don’t see for the rest of the year are bound to be around. And they might have a well-intentioned question or two LOL. So have a couple of answers in your back pocket that you can use to diffuse the situation. From “I guess I was on Santa’s naughty list” to “maybe next year will be slower, so Cupid can catch-up,” you can lighten the mood when they inquire about your single status. Then just smile, shrug, and ask them to pass the champagne.
6. Make a list – The extra nice one . . .of all your accomplishments! It’s the perfect time to recount everything you’ve done this year. And this isn’t the time to be modest, because I guarantee you’ve achieved a lot more than you even realize. You’ve come a long way since January, darling – celebrate that!
7. Bake and Take – …to your neighbors, that is! Or your coworkers, or your building staff, or anyone you want to appreciate or just bring a little holiday cheer to! Not a baker? That’s ok! You can do ready-bake cookies, assemble little bags of candy, or craft something cute to distribute. It doesn’t take much to spark a lot of joy, and there are no rules for this. Whatever fits your schedule, and your budget will be wonderful. And I can guarantee that the person on the receiving end will love it!
8. Volunteer – Roll up your sleeves and give the gift of community service! There are several organizations out there that could really use your help, so just pick a cause and go for it. It’ll be a good reminder of the real reason for the season. Plus, you never know who you’ll meet along the way! 😉
9. Practice gratitude – From sporting my fabulously festive red lipstick to that chestnut praline latte, nothing is too small to savor! A little gratitude goes a long way, and this time of year I find myself being a bit more thankful for everything, from Christmas cookies to snow. Taking time to appreciate what we have is a gift in and of itself, so don’t discount the magic of appreciation this season!
10. Hit the mute button – I’m a firm believer that this time is best spent offline, with the people you love. But, if you’re going to be on social media, I suggest muting anyone who might rain on your merry parade. You can be happy for that random acquaintance who got engaged last week, without having to see it all over Instagram. Wish them well and circle back next year . . . when you’re not so inclined to accidentally wish their shiny new diamond was a lump of coal 😉
11. Pour into your loved ones – So maybe you don’t have a significant other, but you have so many others in your life to celebrate! Use this occasion to show them how much you care. It can be spending time together or even a heartfelt note, but make a point to make your loved ones feel extra loved!
12. Enjoy getting to do it your way – Cheers to another year where you don’t have to worry about splitting time, buying gifts for people not on your list, or attending someone else’s work party. Your taken friends are probably booked-up with some extra stuff that maybe they’d rather not have to deal with (even if they don’t admit it). You have total control over your holiday plans . . . and spoiler: it likely won’t be this way forever! So, whether you’re attending all the fancy events, or soaking up a Hallmark holiday movie with some hot cocoa, relish in the fact that you get to pick and choose where you go and what you do this season.
Love this blog!!!! The more the merrier!!