The holiday season is officially upon us, and let’s be real — it can come with a whole lot of Mariah, cozy vibes, and the constant reminder that everyone seems to be coupled up. Ever seen the Netflix movie, Holidate, with Emma Roberts? The whole plot is her finding a date so she doesn’t get bombarded with the annoying question (seriously––why are people so interested in others’ dating lives?) of “Are you still single?” at every family or friend gathering. Being single during the holidays can feel ostracizing.
Whether it’s the Christmas card photos filled with happy couples or those **perfect** Instagram shots of twinkling lights and romantic dinners, it can sometimes feel like the holidays are designed for people in relationships. (Hallmark releases about a hundred new Christmas romance movies a year.) But guess what? Being single during the holidays isn’t a curse. It’s actually not a bad thing at all.
Here’s six reasons why being single during the holiday season can be way more fun than you think:
1. More “Me” Time
Instead of rushing around buying gifts for your partner or trying to coordinate schedules with all the holiday activities, you can give yourself the gift of your “own zone.” Light a few candles, grab that plush blanket, and queue up your favorite holiday movies — yes, all of them, from cheesy rom-coms to feel-good classics. Bonus points if you make a hot chocolate bar and spend the evening binging holiday episodes of The Office. The world is your oyster when you’re single!
2. You Get to Make Up Your Own Holiday Traditions!
No need to compromise on which holiday activity you want to do. You can buy whatever tree you want, listen to your favorite Christmas songs on repeat, and decorate your space exactly how you like. Who needs to split the last slice of pie or agree on whether to watch Elf or Love Actually? Not you, girl. Your cookie designs, up to you. Your ugly sweater, up to you. The way you prefer your eggnog (spike it, baby!), up to you. You can follow or invent your own holiday traditions, and even better, you have the power over who gets to share them with you!
3. Spend Your Christmas Bonus on You (Or Whoever Deserves It!)
Okay, so maybe you’re not buying a gift for a significant other this year (we all know how much pressure that is), but that just means you get to spoil yourself! It also means you can save some money. Sure, there will be gifts to buy for your family, close friends, and maybe if you’re generous, your boss and coworkers. But you don’t have to “share” gifts with a partner when you’re gifting a mutual loved one or friend. You won’t have to disagree on who’s getting “big” gifts or “stocking stuffers.” And you can buy the things you’ve had on your own wishlist. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, being single during the holidays means being your own Santa. So, buy the cute pair of boots you’ve been eyeing or treat yourself to the skincare set you’ve had in your cart forever (no judgment there).
4. No Stressful ‘Meet the Family’ Dinners
For many of us, the holidays mean spending time with family — and if you’re in a new relationship, that often means the first holiday with your partner’s family. Awkward and uncomfortable, especially if you haven’t met any of them yet. But as a single woman, you get to avoid that pressure entirely! You can show up to all the holiday parties without worrying about impressing anyone else. And if Aunt Karen starts asking why you’re still single? Well, you can just smile and say, “I’m too busy being a badass.” Kidding. Keep it polite, but really, you don’t have to explain your singleness to anyone. It’s very empowering to simply say, “I’m focusing on my career goals” or “Because the right one hasn’t shown up!”
5. Your New Year’s Eve Plans? 100% Up to You
The pressure of having the perfect New Year’s Eve with your significant other can be a bit much. Factor in figuring out what to wear that says “sexy cute, but I’m not trying that hard.” As a single lady, you get to decide exactly what you want to do. Whether it’s a chill night in with your girls, a fun night out on the town, or even a solo self-love evening (bubble bath + champagne, anyone?), there’s no “right” way to ring in the new year when it’s all about you! Plus, you don’t have to worry about the countdown when every NYE movie you’ve seen makes it seem like you just **have** to kiss someone at the stroke of midnight. That’s so early 2000s.
6. Embracing the Girl Squad
Let’s not forget the real magic of the holidays: the friendships and connections you get to nurture! Your besties are the ones who make everything more fun and memorable, from tackling Black Friday sales to wearing matching pajamas for Christmas morning selfies. The holidays are a perfect time to appreciate those who love you, and those you really love — whether they’re single or taken. Female friendships can be so fulfilling, so make this holiday season all about sisterhood!
So, let’s throw out the idea that being single during the holidays is something to be sad about. Instead, let’s celebrate all the fabulous things that come with it — more me time, zero relationship drama, and endless opportunities to make this holiday season uniquely yours. After all, who needs mistletoe when you’ve got the best of friends and a heart full of holiday cheer?
Happy Holidays, gorgeous!
