Single for the Holidays? Here's Your Guide!

Well, it’s that time of year again...

The holidays are quickly approaching, but there is one problem: you’re still single.

It is a season full of relatives inquiring about your relationship status, your friends sharing pictures of their sleigh rides, and family get-togethers where you aren’t sure if you are supposed to sit at the kids' table or with the married couples. All of this can contribute to your aching and longing to be in a relationship.

The next few months feel as if they are designed to remind you how single you really are. 

There aren’t many holiday activities designed for just one person, so you may feel easily left out. You might be feeling a lot of anger and sadness because of your relationship status. You are seeing friends on social media post their holiday-themed dates, family pictures, and updates on how thankful they are for their significant others. These posts can feel like a slap in the face or a reminder that you are alone.

But, here's what you have to remember during this season:

You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy the holidays.

Go find a Christmas tree with friends, drive around and look at Christmas lights by yourself, enjoy cooking while listening to classical Christmas music, or snuggle next to your pet and watch your favorite Christmas movie.

It’s time to let go of that anger and sadness. The holidays are not meant to be a time of despair and loneliness. This year you are going to make the best of the holiday season; no matter what your relationship status is.

It is hard to feel thankful for your singleness, especially when it seems like everyone around you is in a happy relationship. However, this season of being single is important and unique.

You have the opportunity to spend time working on yourself, and you can grow in trust and patience in your relationship with God. This is the perfect time of year to have a get-together with your close friends for a meal or to play games. Invest in the people who care about you and celebrate the holiday season with your friends and family.

Being single does not have to hold you back from enjoying the season.

Try and let go of anxieties and sadness and simply experience the joys of the holiday season.

A great way to get outside of yourself and focus less on your singlehood is to give back to your community and volunteer to help the less fortunate. You can try to make the holidays exciting and magical for others. Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or with a family you know who needs extra help.

Focus on being thankful for all you have been blessed with and work on cultivating generosity and a giving spirit. It's important to remember that the season of singleness does not last forever. And there may be aspects of singlehood you will miss if you enter into a relationship later on.

Keep in mind...you won't always find yourself with the opportunity to sit at the kids' table or to have an entertaining dinner with friends.

Give thanks to God, and remember that He always has something in mind for you and everything that happens is a part of His bigger plan.