Ah, the holidays— that magical time of year filled with twinkling lights, festive parties, and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of emotional baggage. If you’re single this holiday season, you may find yourself feeling a little out of sync with the joy and cheer around you. Whether you’re dealing with recent heartbreak, lingering feelings from a past relationship, or simply the single pressure from watching all those damn holiday rom-coms, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your feelings.

So today, I want you to grab a cozy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa (or a cheeky glass of wine), and let’s chat about some strategies to help you navigate the holiday season while embracing your single status…

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

First things first: it’s okay to feel a little down during the holidays. Acknowledging your feelings is the first step toward coping. Allow yourself to feel sad, frustrated, or even a little wistful about what could have been. After all, it’s deeply human to yearn for connection, especially when the world around you is full of couples sharing sweet moments.

2. Embrace Your Support Network

Surround yourself with friends and family who lift you up. This is a great time to strengthen those bonds and remind yourself of the love that exists in various forms. Plan fun outings with friends, organize a game night, or throw a festive potluck. After all, who needs a plus one when you’ve got a whole squad ready to celebrate with you?

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Let’s be real— social media can be a trap during the holidays. Everyone seems to be having the time of their lives, and that can amplify feelings of loneliness. Set realistic expectations for yourself. It’s perfectly okay to skip that big holiday party if you’re not feeling it. Instead, carve out time for self-care or do something that genuinely brings you joy, even if that means binge-watching your favorite reality show in your PJs.

4. Get Creative with Your Emotions

Channel those holiday feelings into creativity. Write down your thoughts, start a holiday-themed art project, or even get crafty with DIY decorations. Use your emotions as fuel for creativity. Who knows? You might end up with a beautiful piece of art or a heartfelt letter to your future self.

5. Create Your Own Traditions

Why not flip the script on holiday traditions? Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, create new ones that celebrate your independence and joy. Sabrina Zohar, one of our resident dating experts, offers this advice: “Make a solo tradition just for you! It could be anything from a holiday movie night at home with your favorite takeout to exploring a new spot in town. The key is to celebrate yourself, doing exactly what makes you feel good. Because guess what? You don’t need a partner to make the holidays meaningful. Showing up for yourself is one of the best gifts you can give." Whether it’s a solo movie marathon of your favorite holiday flicks, a day of pampering at the spa, or hosting a gathering for your fellow singles, make it a time to honor yourself and the joys of being unattached.

6. Focus on the Positive

Try to shift your mindset from what you’re missing to what you’re grateful for. Reflect on the things you love about being single— the freedom to travel on a whim, the ability to spend your time as you wish, or simply enjoying your own company. Write down a list of things you appreciate about your life right now, and when the holiday blues hit, revisit that list.

7. Volunteer or Give Back

One of the most fulfilling ways to cope with heartbreak is to help others. Look for opportunities to volunteer at local shelters, food banks, or community events. Not only will you be spreading joy, but you’ll also be reminded of the positive impact you can have on others’ lives. Plus, you might just meet some likeminded, altruistic people along the way!

8. Be Open to New Connections

While self-care and reflection are essential during the holidays, it’s equally important not to close yourself off from the possibility of new relationships. The festive season is bursting with opportunities to meet new people, whether through mutual friends at holiday parties,  local events, or on your new favourite dating app. At FROM, we believe that the magic of connection is best experienced in person. With our app's unique approach, you can seamlessly transition from online interactions to real-life dates, allowing you to make meaningful connections during this vibrant time of year. Keep an open heart and mind; you never know when you might find a spark with someone special while sipping hot cocoa at a holiday market or sharing laughter at a New Year’s Eve celebration.

9. Plan for the Future

Use this time to reflect on what you want for yourself moving forward. Set personal goals for the upcoming year, whether they’re related to your career, hobbies, or dating. Having something to look forward to can help ease the sting of heartbreak and make you excited about what lies ahead.

10. Treat Yourself with Kindness

Above all, be kind to yourself during this season. The perceived challenges of being single, especially around the holidays, can feel overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that these moments are a natural part of life that many people go through. It’s okay to feel the weight of those emotions—allow yourself to experience what you’re feeling, but don't let it define you. Wrap yourself up in cozy blankets, watch your favorite holiday movies, and immerse yourself in the warmth of the season. Even in the absence of a partner, you can still embrace the beauty of this time. Celebrate your strength, your growth, and your independence. Remember, this season is about love in all its forms, and self-love should always be at the top of the list.

So, dear reader, take a moment to pause and appreciate where you are, and how far you’ve come. Yes, the season can stir up complex emotions, but it’s also a beautiful reminder that love isn’t just about being in a relationship—it’s about how you love yourself, your life, and those around you. By creating new traditions, focusing on the positives, and giving yourself the grace and kindness you deserve, you’ll not only survive the holiday season, but thrive in it. Until next time x