Comfort and Joy!
The holiday season can be challenging for single people, especially over a certain age. With so many friends and colleagues wrapped up in family obligations or travel to holiday destinations, it can be unsettling to find yourself alone. Fortunately, there are ways to banish feelings of isolation and enjoy all the wonders of the season.
Here are four tips to make the most of the holidays as a single person:
- Throw a fabulous cocktail party! Although many people fill their social calendar months in advance, most events are held on the weekend. Consider having a weeknight cocktail party after work. What better excuse can you think of to wear your cutest outfit and look completely stunning midweek? Create a signature cocktail, serve heavy hors d’oeuvres from a local restaurant and be sure to have a terrific playlist of upbeat holiday favorites. Bonus points if you add a theme (like Taco Tuesdays!). Ask guests to bring along at least one new single friend that you should get to know. No need to worry about guests hanging out all night since many people will have to work the next day. On the other hand, most workplaces are more relaxed this time of year so remind everyone to live in the moment and enjoy the festivities!
- Prioritize one word: Yes! For the next month commit to saying yes to all the invitations you receive. Before you know it, your social calendar will be full and so will your heart. You will be amazed at how much fun you will have. If it sounds overwhelming, keep in mind you are not obligated to stay from the beginning to end for each event. Just popping in for a little while is enough. The key is to make an effort to truly enjoy each moment and to give yourself time and permission to relax. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Celebrate! And encourage those around you to appreciate the wonders of the season. You never know who will pick up some of that contagious energy at just the right time. You might be pleasantly surprised by who you might inspire and attract.
- Allow yourself to indulge! The holiday season is the perfect time to pamper yourself and others. The last few years have been tough for many people and the holidays can be a powerful trigger for many that have had hard times. If you are fortunate enough to have some special luxuries, why not make the most of it? Gather family and close friends together to celebrate the abundance. Embrace the comfort and joy! Focus on gratitude—it’s not just a cliché you talk about over Thanksgiving. Plan to take a mini vacation to completely unwind. Even if you don’t travel, having time to yourself to celebrate can be just as thrilling. If you enjoy rich foods, treat yourself to a fancy meal. If you are fanatical about fashion, buy yourself something beautiful to wear. Take a well-deserved nap, read a gossip magazine, call a friend you haven’t heard from in a while and enjoy a good belly-laugh. Whatever makes your soul smile should be on your to-do list. In addition to self-care, be sure to spread the positive vibes by doing something kind for others. Consider volunteering for a cause you believe in or donating to a charity that you feel good about supporting. Your generosity will have a ripple effect. Others will take notice and appreciate your kindness. If you believe in karma, you know that what goes around, comes around.
- Reflect on your progress. Although you likely will be very busy this holiday season, be sure to take time to look back over the year. Did everything in your love life go as you had expected? Did you take full advantage of all the opportunities you had to meet new friends? If not, there is no reason to be disappointed. The opportunities you passed up may not have been the right ones for you. Trust that there will be even more coming your way in the future. Remember, you are exactly where you are supposed to be. If you realize that things with your social life are not going the way you would like, recognize your ability to shift. Minor adjustments can make a huge difference in your reality. Vow to boost your social network and surround yourself with like-minded people. Set small goals to develop strong relationships and really put emphasis on making the most of your new (and old) connections. Be certain to schedule time regularly to assess how you’re doing. Most importantly, remember to have a spirit of optimism. You have chosen to focus on your personal life and with the right attitude it is almost certain you will create the results you desire.
The weather is chilly and there are festive lights shimmering everywhere you look. People are smiling more, and the spirit of fun is everywhere! There could not be a more amazing setting to explore your options as a single person. Let your enthusiasm and excitement shine through and guide you to celebrating with a spark!
