Are you feeling down about your single status this time of year?
With the holiday season in full swing, it is no surprise that everyone around you seems wrapped up in their family or couple plans. As a Catholic single, this time of year understandably brings a mix of emotions. It might be tempting to skip attending the holiday parties and other festive events, for fear of being the only single person there.
But rather than dwelling on your single status—or dare I say, letting it be an excuse—this season is the perfect time to embrace being single!
Here are eight ways to live up the holiday season as only a single person can! Take it from a wife and busy mother of four kids, the holidays are the perfect time to be single…and not miss all the beautiful things this season has to offer!
1. Host (or attend) a Friendsgiving Dinner
Embrace the best parts of the Thanksgiving holiday over and over! What’s better than enjoying the traditional fare, gathering around the table with friends and loved ones, and growing in gratitude… over and over again? Invite a group of friends to a Friendsgiving dinner sometime before or after the actual day of Thanksgiving. Have everyone pick a classic dish to bring, get dressed up, and make lots of fun memories!
This either works well with a close group of friends (think: coworkers, neighbors, parishioners, etc) who know each other well…or make it double as a mixer and invite a couple people from every social circle you’re in! Plus, a bonus for having it after Thanksgiving day: all those discounted turkeys!
2. Go on a First Date (or several!)
As long as you don’t approach this time of year as a “cuffer”, the holidays are actually a magically romantic time for that first date. Holiday parades and twinkling light displays, or warm hot chocolate after some fun in the snow, there are countless backdrops to get to know a new person. Send some messages to new matches and see where it leads! People also tend to have more time during the holiday season to join an online dating site and beef up their profile, so take the time to notice new members!
3. Plan a Christmas-Themed Singles Mixer
Everyone loves a good ugly sweater party, White Elephant, or holiday cookie exchange. Get your single friends together—from all corners of your life—and embrace the traditions of the season. While I cannot guarantee you will meet your future spouse whilst donning that light-up Christmas sweater, I am sure you’ll make some great memories with good company!
4. Delve Into Decorating
Who says decorating a Christmas tree while single is a waste of time? There is nothing more magical than curling up with a book in the warm glow of a Christmas tree on a wintry night. This is also a great time to build up your Christmas-decoration cache! Go thrifting to see what you can score, and decorate your space with a little holiday cheer. Not only will it keep you merry and bright all season long, but you will bring joy to others too.
5. Up Your Prayer Time
We have such a beautiful opportunity as Catholics to ease into the holiday season with the spiritual preparations of Advent. Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas through all four weeks of Advent by picking up some spiritual reading. Attend Mass a couple times during the week in addition to Sunday, if your schedule allows. Visit your local Adoration chapel and maybe even sign up for a regular weekly hour. Remember that this life is a preparation for our true home in Heaven, and Advent is a preparation of our hearts to receive that home. If you keep focused on the real meaning of Christmas, your relationship status won’t matter.
6. Give to Others
Be generous with your time, talent, and treasure! There are countless opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus during this time of year. Volunteer at your local warming shelter, buy gifts for impoverished kids, shovel your elderly neighbor’s driveway… the list goes on! Don’t miss the opportunity to accomplish the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during this holy time of year. As a single, your time and availability is one of the greatest gifts you can offer!
7. Try Something New
Take that ski trip you’ve always dreamed about, try your hand at ice fishing, or bake a new dessert! Grab a friend or two and seize the opportunities the season offers you. Attend a holiday symphony concert, join the Christmas choir at your parish, or invest in some snowshoes and explore the beauty around you. Think outside the box and keep yourself busy with holy leisure. What a gift to be single during such a fun and festive time!
8. Visit Elderly Relatives or Babysit Little Ones
The holidays can be especially lonely for the aging and infirm. If you have elderly relatives, friends, or neighbors, go out of your way to visit them. They often aren’t able to get out this time of year—especially in a colder climate—and they do cherish any type of human interaction. Too far away to visit? Take the time to call them on the phone, or send a care package!
On the other end of the spectrum, if you have friends or family with young children, offer your babysitting services for free. Parents will enjoy some time away to reconnect as spouses or to go Christmas shopping for the littles. And you’ll enjoy seeing the holidays through a child’s eyes once again!
This time of year is one of the best times to be single! Embrace the joy of the season, and soak in all it has to offer.
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