Breakups suck, no matter what. But when you split with someone right before the holidays (aka “the most magical time of the year”), it can add an extra layer of sting to an already uncomfortable situation.
Just because breakups are a bummer, doesn’t mean your holiday season has to be.
While it’s natural to feel a bit lonely during the holiday season – especially if you’re recently single – there’s actually lots of advantages of being single during the holidays. Without any obligations toward a partner and their family, you can focus all of your attention on making the holiday season magical for you. You can hang out with whoever you want, do nice things for yourself and eat as much pie as possible with zero regrets (hopefully you’re already doing these things for yourself anyways, but sometimes we need a reminder!)
So if you’re single, don’t stress. Here are some tips on how to not only survive, but thrive as a recently single person this holiday season.
1. Pamper yourself.
If your date ghosted on you before the holidays, use the money you had stashed for their gift to do something nice for yourself. Regardless of the time of year, I’ve always found that one of the best things you can do after a breakup is get a hair-cut. There’s something about “shedding of the old” to look and feel my best that always gives me an extra pep in my step. So, book that hair appointment, schedule that massage and go in for that pedicure. Not into pampering? Buy yourself a gift — something no one else would buy for you. Heck, do it all! You deserve it.
2. Hang out with other single folks.
Power in numbers, my friends. Instead of merely trying to avoid the inherent couple-vibe of the holidays, seek out fellow comrades. Some of them might be in the exact same boat as you. Now is the perfect time to reach out to them. Plan an epic night out with your best buds. Invite your single friends over for a cozy evening with mulled wine, goofy holiday sweaters and all the cheese. At the end of the day, it’s all about surrounding yourself with people you care about and creating new memories together.
3. Spend time with your friends with kids.
Looking to get reacquainted with the magic of the holiday season? Spend time with children and enjoy this time of year through their eyes. If you’ve got friends with kids, make a plan to hang out with them and do something holiday-themed. Bake some gingerbread or go check out your local Santa Parade or a tree display.
Better yet — offer to babysit so that your coupled friends can have a much needed date night to themselves. It’s nearly impossible to feel bummed out about your relationship status when you’re hanging out with tiny humans that still believe in Santa. (Bonus: when their sugar crashes hit, you get to leave them with their parents and go back to your cozy single person apartment.)
4. Do something nice for someone else.
One of the easiest ways to feel good this holiday season is by doing something nice for someone else. Whether it’s inviting a friend who is far away from their family to spend the holidays with you or volunteering your time for a worthy cause (toy drives and soup kitchens always need extra help), find some ways to give back this holiday season. You may even meet some other single people this way.
5. Be quiet and do things that feed your soul.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the hubbub of the holiday season, make sure you take some time to focus on yourself –outside of pampering yourself and filling your time with fun distractions. Slow down. Take a yoga class. Spend an evening meditating or journaling your feelings. It probably sounds a bit “woo-woo” but setting aside some quiet time for yourself is crucial – especially if you’re just coming out of a break-up.
6. Stay open.
Just because you’re single right now, doesn’t mean you’ll always be. If you fill your holiday season with awesome people and things that make you feel good, you’re that much more likely to attract someone who has done the same. They may even be wielding a ladle at your local soup kitchen as we speak.
