Okay, so maybe the use of the word "perpetual"is a little dramatic, nevertheless, this will be the second year of celebrating the holidays as a proud and self-content single lady. I know many of you are thinking "So what? I've been single every holiday season since my seventh grade boyfriend." While I totally understand where you're coming from, us "relationship junkies" might need some help figuring out how to get through "the most wonderful time of the year" on our own. Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday full of family, friends and wonderful traditions. Last year was my first "boyfriend-less" Christmas in four years (quite a transition but hey, I saved tons of money!) and this year will be my first "separate sides of the family" Christmas, well, ever. Deciding who's house to wake up at or who to spend Christmas Eve with and Christmas day with can be absolutely exhausting and can completely take the joy out of (what I believe to be) the greatest birthday of all time. For those of you who are feeling extra lonely this holiday season, here are some suggestions that (may or may not) help ease the sting.
1. Create your own Traditions
-As we are all turning into big bad responsible adults maybe it's time to create something that's exclusively ours, and separate from the traditions of mom and dad. This doesn't mean you have to forget about your childhood years, just add some adult independence to it.
2. VOLUNTEER
-For me, nothing is more satisfying than giving back. There are so many children spending the holidays in a hospital, go spend a few hours playing games with them. Endless amounts of people are spending the holidays on the streets, go to a shelter and help serve them a warm holiday meal. Whatever you decide to do, do it with love and with respect.
3. Throw a Party
-Just because you're single doesn't mean you have to spend the holidays alone! Throw a Singles Party, an Ugly Sweater Party, a Girls Only Party, whatever it is, surround yourself with friends and people of absolute quality and I gurantee your lonely feelings will subside.
4. Make a List of All The Things You're Thankful For
-Sometimes we become so caught up in our daily routines we forget about what past actions got us here, who helped get us here and why we're here all together. Take the time to remember all of those things. Write them down, and tell the people you're thankful for, that you're thankful for them.
5. Spend Some Time Looking Through the Eyes of a Child
-No, don't steal anyone's kid, or even ask to borrow a kid but if you're lucky enough to have a child in your life, spend some time with them! Take them to see Christmas lights (you see decoration, they see magic), to visit Santa at the mall (you see a big guy in red, they see their dreams coming true), and ask them what Christmas means to them (their answers will amaze you!). Look into yourself and bring out that inner child! We could all use a lesson or two from the small people of the world.
If you're a Christian, remember what Christmas is about and celebrate Him! You're never alone! We were all given the greatest gift of all, let's remember WHY we're here and what it took to get us here.
The holidays are no time to be alone and no time to feel alone! Be the change you want in your own life, think positively, surround yourself with love, give out love, dance, laugh, and be merry! (Oh, and eat LOTS of food!)
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Rohatsu, Happy Ashura and any other holiday I've missed!
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