The ideology that it’s not okay to be single during the holiday season is COMPLETE garbage.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I’m here to tell you why it’s awesome to be single during the holidays. Last year was the first time I had been single during the holidays (Thanksgiving, Chanukah, etc.) after four years, and it honestly didn’t bother me. Maybe it was because I was used to being alone (hello, only child right here) or because I had spent 5.5 weeks galavanting across Australia and New Zealand. Either way, I was secure in myself of being alone and single AF.
While there are litany of tropes about being single during the holidays, especially about how our parents and family ask us about why we’re single and when we’re getting married, there are way more upside than downfalls. Your family is going to be invasive and intrusive no matter what time of year it is. I mean you only see Aunt Janice twice a year so she has to be a Nosy Nancy! Here are 4 reasons why you’ll love being solo’ this holiday.
You’re Not Forced To Spend Money On Presents
I can’t tell you how much money I had spent on my ex over the course of our relationship. While at the time I didn’t really blink twice, in hindsight, I think I was often too generous. When it comes to holiday time, the pressure for getting good gifts or splurging on vacations adds an additional pressure you don’t really need in your life. Forget about getting your own family gifts, if that’s something you do, but then you have to get your SO’s family something as well. There are also the additional holiday parties you probably have to get gifts for. All that money you’re spending on unnecessary gifts could go back into your interests and what you want. Being single is the true definition of #TreatYoSelf.
People Invite You To Free Meals More Often
Since I’ve been single I get invited to a lot more places. Whether it’s out of pity or because people enjoy my company (I’m more inclined to believe it’s the latter reason), it’s nice when you have a place to go and spend time with other human beings. Most of the time you’re well fed, and you get gifts you weren’t expecting. Plus, people put NO pressure on you about your life and questionable decisions.
No More Forced and Unwanted Social Interactions
This is a real big one! It got tiring having the same forced and tiresome conversations with people I couldn’t stand being in a room with. I’m far from anti-social, but around the holiday season, it’s as if people become a thousand times more annoying. You have to go to four Friendsgivings, 6 Tacky Sweater Parties, and your significant other’s work holiday party where you can’t take advantage of the open bar! Being single during the holiday season frees up your social calendar quite a bit when your life isn’t being programmed by someone else. You’re free to do what you please and go to events of your choosing. You don’t have to lie and find excuses why you don’t want to show up to Becky’s Tacky Sweater Chrismukkah Extravaganza. You simply are no longer required to go! The holidays, while usually celebrating the spirit of togetherness, is also a time to be a complete and utter hermit crab! Take advantage of your freedoms people!
Quality Entertainment
The holiday time is in my opinion, one of the best times of the year for movies. There is something for everyone. Whether a feel-good family movie, a witty comedy, an early Oscar contender, or something in between, going to the movies is both relaxing and a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of what holiday season can impose on a human being. If you’re not much of a movie person, the good thing is that if you get quality time off during the holiday season you can binge the latest shows on Netflix you keep saying you’ll watch eventually.
However you spend your holiday season, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to be single. Society’s psychotic obsession with being in a relationship and having a partner to fulfill our needs is well outdated. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed with those we want to spend time with. Also, to eat food and hope that the following year will treat us better than the last one. Being single is not a curse, or a Scarlet Letter of shame, but a badge of honor. If you can make it through the holiday season while being single, then you my friend are ready for anything!
Featured photo by Inna Lesky on Unsplash
