The Single Girl’s Guide To Making the Most of the Holiday Season

“Y el novio?” season is officially canceled! For those of you who don’t speak Spanish, “Y el novio?” translates to the nosy question your relatives ask every year when you see them for the holidays — “And your boyfriend?” Um, no thanks!

It’s a well known fact that people like to couple up around the holidays. It’s cold outside and everyone suddenly wants a cuddle buddy before break-up season (aka, Summer) comes around again. But for us single girls, the holidays don’t have to be a bummer just because we don’t have a cuddle buddy (besides our pets). In fact, one of the perks of being single is that you don’t have to agonize over a present for your partner or split up the holiday time between your family and theirs. You get to do your own thing! Here are some ideas for making the most of your holidays as a single gal:

1. Throw a sleepover! Volunteer your place to throw an old school slumber party with all of your best girls. Make sure you go all out with Christmas decor (hit up the Dollar Store or Target’s Dollar Spot for cheap but fun options) and make cute pajamas mandatory. While you’re at it, organize a gift exchange or a White Elephant game. And don’t forget that (preferably spiked) hot chocolate!
2. Organize a Secret Santa. Do it among your co-workers or your close friends or even your family. Make sure everyone provides a short wish list and that there’s a reasonable cap on prices to make it easier on everyone.
3. Take yourself out on a date. Who says you need to have a significant other to go on a date? Be your own significant other! Taking yourself out doesn’t mean you have to go out on date night and ask for a table for one at a candlelit restaurant surrounded by couples. Hard pass! Instead, get all dolled up in an outfit you feel fierce in, do your hair and make-up, and smile in the mirror because you’re doing this all for yourself! Take yourself to the movies, or to a coffee shop with your favorite book in hand, or shopping in a cute part of town that you don’t normally go to.
4. Decorate your space! Blast some Christmas music, make some hot chocolate, and decorate your space to get in the holiday mood. Get on Pinterest to pick a theme for your decorating style. There’s so much to choose from!
5. Bake something! Grab a friend or two and host a night of baking (and drinking) Christmas goodies! As someone who has zero experience baking, I think it would be fun to have a little baking adventure and figure things out as you go. It might be helpful to have at least one friend who knows what they’re doing though.
6. Host a breakfast for your friends. Bring on the mimosas and the waffles! Again, cute PJs should be mandatory!
7. Donate to Goodwill! The holidays are the perfect time to clean out your closet. Take out those old sweaters and jackets you haven’t used in years so someone else can get some good use out of them. Cleaning out your closet is also a super fun way to go through your clothes and put together holiday outfits you probably didn’t even know you had. Get creative!
8. Update your beauty routine. Jump on YouTube and check out new make-up artists to liven up that same ol’ routine, whether it’s make-up or skin care. There’s so much information out there, you’re bound to learn a new tip or trick. I also always find it fun to check out make-up artists’ holiday looks and practice them for Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Think lots of glitter and red lips.  
9. Spend some time being a homebody. Take a cozy candlelit bath. Watch Christmas movies all day. Drink coffee. Write in your journal. Reflect on all you’ve accomplished this year and set intentions for next year.
10. Spend more time with your pet. I think we can all spend a little more time walking our dogs or playing with our cats. If you don’t have a pet, now is a good time to consider visiting an animal shelter and adopting one!
11. Make Christmas cards for your friends or family members. Even if you can’t get gifts for everyone, a cute hand-decorated Christmas card is a thoughtful little present. And they’re so fun to make! 
12. Catch up with old friends. You know there are friends you haven’t seen in the longest time. Set up a coffee date or just shoot them a friendly text to let them know you’re thinking about them. Typically people have some down time during the holidays, so it’s a great time to set up a catch-up date.
13. Travel! Or be a tourist in your own city. Hit up a winery with your girlfriends for a day. Visit a part of town you aren’t familiar with. Or take a solo trip to a city you’ve never been to. For more ideas on solo trips, check out my post here.
14. Cook something to contribute! I am by no means an expert in the kitchen. Hell, I’m barely even a beginner. But last year I got the bright idea that I wanted to contribute something to my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. So, I learned how to make baked extra-cheesy mac and cheese. I practiced a few times before Thanksgiving so I could get it right on the night of. Like I said, I’m a TOTAL beginner. So if you’re more experienced, pick a dish you haven’t tried before and practice beforehand. It’s fun trying out a new recipe!
15. Grab your best girlfriend and splurge on a fancy dinner. I’m a huge fan of this one! It’s usually a rare occasion when I splurge on a fancy meal at an uppity restaurant, and typically this is done on a special romantic date BUT it’s so much more special when you go with your girlfriend(s). The fact that this isn’t a normal outing makes the whole experience more exciting. Plus, its fun to get all dressed up! Some restaurants have lunch specials that are a little cheaper, so there’s no excuse to not try this one out!