Single During The Holidays

When the holidays arrive, we tend to focus on all of the wrong things. People worry about getting the perfect gift or get wrapped up in the chaos of the holiday, forgetting to enjoy the season and take in the small important moments. Another issue, many people deal with, includes being single during the holidays. I myself, tend to get down about being alone, during my favorite time of the year. 

I remember when I was younger, I went to visit my uncles in New York. I was there with my family and we were drinking hot chocolate, in front of the towns Christmas tree. It started to lightly snow and I looked over to see a husband and wife, walking hand in hand, with their daughter down a paved road. They were all smiling ear to ear and looked so happy. I remember thinking I wanted to be able to experience that type of joy one day. 

Although, I am okay with being single right now, I can’t help but feel a little lonely every time a holiday comes around. The holidays have a way of reminding you, you are single. I am surrounded by friends and family, who are all in relationships or married. It sometimes gets to me being the only single one but then I remember, I tend to feel this way because of the way society makes people feel. In my opinion, holidays are about getting to spend time with the people you love, all the people you love. Not just the romantic relationships we have but the important people who fill our lives with joy and happiness. 

I tend to feel alone because I am single but the truth is, I have my friends and family to celebrate with. You don’t need to be in a relationship to feel included. At the same time, around this time of year specifically, we should take the time to reflect on what is important. A year is ending and we should reflect on everything life has graced us with. I look back on this past year and although many challenges were presented, many blessings were had as well. 

I reflect on how much I have grown or the challenges I pushed myself through. I look at my growth and the capabilities I finally realized I had to change my life. I remind myself to be grateful to be alive, to have the ability to breathe air into my lungs another day. I try to remember what is truly important. 

So, it is okay I am single another Christmas or New Year’s Eve. I stop letting the way society views holidays, determine whether or not I enjoy them. Holidays are about spending time with your loved ones and celebrating another year of life, you have been given together. Another year, you have been given to work on yourself and grow into another version of who you are meant to be. 

Take this holiday to reflect on your life this past year and be proud of all you have accomplished; all you have overcome. Be grateful for another year spent with the people you love. Acknowledge all of the hard work you have put into strengthening your relationships, friendships, career or personal goals. Be proud of the hard decisions you have made, removing the toxic people or things from your life. 

We are lucky every day we wake up and have air fill our lungs. Every day we are given an opportunity to change or grow in all aspects of our lives. Don’t take your time on this earth for granted. Be mindful of the blessings you have in your life daily. Remember the small moments, we take for granted every day. Nothing is promised, so don’t forget to appreciate it while it is here.