Enjoying the Holidays as a Single 

The snow is falling, houses are all a glow with Holiday decorations, carolers are singing holiday songs and the excitement of the coming holiday is in the air. Stores are full of gift ideas and people are discussing their upcoming holiday plans with anticipation and excitement. There is no better time of year than the holiday season, right? Not if you’re single – at least that is what many think. Being single during the holiday’s can be the greatest experience ever – as long as you plan for it.

The key to successfully surviving and even thriving during the holiday season is all in the planning. If you know you will be alone plan for it. This is even more important if you are recently divorced and this is the first holiday season alone. You probably have all kinds of visions in your head of past holidays, traditions that you believe are now broken and the holidays will never be the same.  This could not be truer, but it is not a reason to mourn it is a reason to celebrate. Were those traditions truly a representation of you or are they things that you felt you should do or had to do because that is how it has always been? Now is the time to break free from those strict conventional beliefs and begin developing holiday traditions that are a reflection of your true self.

So I challenge you to begin dreaming of your perfect day – is it being surrounded by people who lift you up, or maybe it is a day of solitude where you truly honor yourself, or maybe it is a day of pampering with bubble baths, soft music and candle light. Romance yourself and celebrate on your own terms – no one said that you had to make turkey or put up a tree or whatever it is that represents your past holiday traditions. Find your own way - starting today.

Let me share with you an example. This example is not about the Holiday season but it was a holiday nonetheless – my first birthday separated from my husband. I was turning thirty-six and I was determined not to spend my birthday alone, as in the past it was always spent with my husband and daughter. So I decided the only way I could ensure I wasn’t going to be alone is to throw my own birthday party. That’s right ladies - I threw myself a birthday party. I would have to say this was the most terrifying experience of my life – but it was the best birthday I ever had.

How will you take control of your holiday season to ensure that it is a success? Begin your planning today so you will not only survive but thrive as a single during the holidays. Celebrate your freedom! Too afraid to go it alone – then ask for support and encouragement by hiring a coach.