The festive season is a time of joy, connection, and togetherness. Streets glow with sparkling lights, homes are filled with the comforting aroma of holiday meals, and people come together to celebrate traditions with loved ones. For many, it’s a magical time of year. However, if you’re single, the holidays can stir up mixed emotions. You may feel the pressure of societal expectations, a twinge of loneliness, or even frustration with questions about your relationship status.
But being single this year doesn’t mean you have to feel this way next year. Use this season to reflect, grow, and set goals for the future—especially if one of those goals is finding love. Whether it’s taking proactive steps on your own or working with a skilled matchmaker, you can set the foundation for meaningful relationships in the year ahead. In the meantime, the holidays offer plenty of opportunities to create joy and make the season memorable, regardless of your relationship status.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Holidays
The holidays amplify emotions, and for singles, this can take many forms:
- Loneliness: Not having a partner to share traditions or attend gatherings can make you feel isolated, especially when scrolling through social media filled with happy couples and families.
- Pressure: Family gatherings can bring uncomfortable questions like, “When are you settling down?” or “Why are you still single?” These well-meaning inquiries can feel judgmental or intrusive.
- Nostalgia: Memories of past relationships or shared traditions with an ex can resurface, stirring feelings of longing or sadness.
- Contentment: Not all singles feel negatively during the holidays. Some embrace their independence, enjoy the freedom to create their own traditions, and find fulfillment in connections with friends and family.
Acknowledging and validating these feelings is crucial. It’s okay to feel lonely, nostalgic, or even annoyed. These emotions don’t mean you’re failing—they simply mean you’re human.
Why the Festive Season Feels Harder for Singles
Certain aspects of the holidays can make being single feel more challenging:
- Cultural Expectations: Society tends to idealize romantic relationships during the holidays, with movies, advertisements, and traditions like kissing under the mistletoe emphasizing couplehood.
- Family Dynamics: Spending time with married siblings or relatives with children can highlight your single status, making family gatherings emotionally tricky.
- Limited Social Opportunities: Many friends are busy with their families or partners, leaving singles with fewer options for connection.
- Holiday Traditions: Activities like gift exchanges or attending parties can feel less enjoyable without a partner.
Recognizing these challenges helps you prepare and find ways to focus on the positives.
How to Make the Most of the Festive Season
Instead of seeing the holidays as a lonely time, approach them as an opportunity to nurture yourself and create meaningful experiences.
1. Reconnect with Your Goals and Passions
The holiday season is a great time to reflect on the year and set intentions for the future. If you want to change your relationship status next year, now is the time to act. Whether that means expanding your social circle, trying new dating opportunities, or hiring a matchmaker, you can set the foundation for a meaningful relationship.
What to Do:
- Revisit hobbies you’ve been neglecting or explore new ones. Whether it’s photography, writing, or learning an instrument, focusing on your passions keeps you energized and engaged.
- Invest in personal growth by reading books, taking courses, or setting new career or fitness goals.
- Reflect on your achievements and create a vision board for what you want next year to look like.
2. Strengthen Connections with Loved Ones
Being single doesn’t mean you’re alone. Focus on nurturing relationships that matter most.
- Plan a “Friendsmas” gathering or reach out to other single friends who might be feeling the same way.
- Spend quality time with family members, especially those who bring positivity and warmth.
- Volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about. Helping others can lift your spirits and remind you of the power of connection.
3. Create New Traditions
If traditional holiday activities feel too focused on couples or families, create your own unique traditions.
- Host a holiday-themed game night or a movie marathon.
- Take a solo trip to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit.
- Start a tradition of writing down your yearly accomplishments or journaling about your hopes for the future.
4. Invest in Self-Care
The holidays are a perfect time to prioritize your well-being.
- Treat yourself to a spa day, new experiences, or an indulgent meal.
- Stay active by going for walks, working out, or trying yoga to keep your mood lifted.
- Practice mindfulness or journaling to stay grounded and process your emotions.
For Single Parents: Cherish the Moments
If you’re a single parent, the holidays are a precious opportunity to create lasting memories with your children. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, embrace the joy of building traditions that center on them. Bake cookies together, decorate the house, or have a holiday movie night filled with laughter and love.
Children grow up quickly, and the festive season offers a chance to strengthen your bond and create cherished moments they’ll remember for years to come. By focusing on the joy they bring to your life, you’ll find that the holidays can be deeply fulfilling, even without a partner by your side.
What the Festive Season Can Teach You
While being single during the holidays may bring challenges, it also offers valuable lessons:
- Resilience: Facing the season alone builds emotional strength and independence.
- Clarity: The reflective nature of the holidays can help you identify what you truly want in a partner and relationship.
- Gratitude: This is a time to appreciate the relationships you already have—with family, friends, and yourself.
- Self-Love: The season reminds you that happiness and fulfillment come from within, not solely from a romantic partner.
Looking Ahead: Make Next Year Different
If being single during the holidays has been difficult, let this motivate you to take action in the new year.
- Commit to meeting new people. Attend events, join hobby groups, or try new activities that expand your social network.
- Consider working with a professional matchmaker to meet someone aligned with your values and goals.
- Focus on personal growth. Whether it’s improving your health, pursuing a career milestone, or building confidence, becoming the best version of yourself will attract the right kind of partner.
Remember, being single now doesn’t mean you’ll always be single. By setting clear goals and taking proactive steps, you can create a future filled with love and connection.
The festive season can be an emotional time for singles, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. By shifting your perspective, focusing on personal growth, and nurturing meaningful relationships, you can make the holidays a season of joy, reflection, and preparation for the future.
Whether you’re spending the season with family, creating new traditions with friends, or dedicating time to self-improvement, remember that this is just one chapter of your journey. The future holds endless possibilities, and with the right mindset and actions, next year’s festive season could be entirely different—one filled with love, connection, and the companionship you desire.
Florent Raimy – International Matchmaker and Founder