Tips For Singles On Surviving (And
Enjoying) The Holidays
By Toni Coleman
Here you are, facing
the holiday season alone. Have you been thinking about?
how alone and lonely you feel
excuses you can give family members as to why you can’t come this year what
friends may be available to spend those long days with how another year has
passed and you are (still) single how unfair it is that everyone else seems so
happy and connected how you will handle the office holiday party- single, take
a friend, not attend going to a far away (tropical?) place to escape it all
hiding out, alone, in your own home
If these thoughts sound familiar it is probably time to reflect on your
feelings regarding this holiday season. If your goal is to hide out and endure
it alone, you won’t need to do too much planning. However, if you wish to
experience at least a measure of the “peace and joy” associated with this time
of year, you need to make and follow through with plans that allow you to
participate in ways that are meaningful to YOU. Remember, your senses are
bombarded from October to December with music, images and Hallmark verses
depicting the “right” experiences and expressions for the season. Remind
yourself, every day if necessary, that there’s nothing wrong with being
single. You have the same need and right to enjoy this season as any couple or
family does. How you choose to do this is up to you. After you have done some
serious reflection, consider the following list of holiday tips designed
especially for singles.
Don’t make plans out of a sense of obligation. This is also your holiday
season. Set limits, make good choices and enjoy. You may ask yourself; “do I
really want to go out”? If so, make your next question something like; “does
it sound like something I would enjoy or be interested in?” Or, “will I have
the opportunity to meet and mix with other singles?”
Avoid unrealistic expectations from others, from yourself and from the
holidays themselves. Relax, enjoy and don’t expect so much that you will feel
hurt or disappointed when things don’t turn out just as you had imagined. This
will defeat all the positive feelings and experiences that you may have
already gained.
Make sure you
give thanks for all the blessings you do have in your life. Focusing on
what you don’t have only encourages negative thoughts. Add a prayer of
hope for the things you would like to work for in the coming year.
Don’t overbook OR overstay a good amount of time with relatives/friends.
Sometimes a shorter stay works best and leaves you energy and space to
get back to your own home and decompress.
Look for ways to give to or do for others. Feeling useful and
appreciated will provide a great boost to your holiday spirits. Check
into volunteer opportunities at local shelters and nursing homes or
through any local church or non-profit group.
Don’t plan to spend the entire holiday season with married /coupled
family and friends. Seek out other singles and singles groups/
activities where you can feel relaxed and able to share with folks you
have more in common with at this time. Better yet, plan a get together
with other singles for one of the holidays. A festive potluck meal, tree
trimming party or other holiday event would probably be much
appreciated.
Do avoid using food, alcohol or drugs to cope with holiday stress.
Nothing is worse than the feelings that follow the use (or wrong use) of
these things. This way of coping leads to depression, low self-esteem
and a greater sense of isolation and despair.
Do decorate your home with any and all things that make it feel more
festive and fun for YOU. Tune into all those wonderful traditions you
grew up with. It does not have to be very costly or time consuming to
begin your own traditions in your own place. Don’t put off or deny
yourself those happy holiday expressions, as you wait for your
significant other. Make your life all it can be right now.
Consider emphasizing the more spiritual aspects of the holiday. Go to a
concert featuring religious holiday music or attend a church (or other)
service, (even better with a friend).
Finally, going away to an exotic place may be just what you do need.
Look into tour or vacation packages for singles. This may provide plenty
of rest and relaxation and help you meet new friends and develop new
interests.
Whatever you decide to do for your holidays, have fun and enjoy them.
Focus on taking care of yourself and doing what is right for you. This
way you will also be giving your best to those around you. Happy
Holidays!
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