Alone at Christmas? Single Bells Rock: Ten Reasons to Celebrate Being Unattached
51% of single people say they 'dread Christmas' because it makes them feel lonely - but there are many ways to approach the season with positivity and optimism.
It’s no surprise: Christmas can feel especially tough when you're single. Everything from festive films to Christmas party invitations with that eye-rolling 'plus one' addition - everyone seems to be telling us that Christmas is the season for love.
So, who is most at risk of feeling down about being alone at Christmas? Interestingly, Men worry about being single at Christmas more than women, due to increasing pressure to 'settle down', with just under half of men saying that this pressure came from the need to keep up with friends, while 39% said they wanted to be a relationship in order to start a family.
Now, headlines everywhere will give you advice on ‘surviving’ the festivities when you’re single, as though not being in a relationship can increase your levels of mortality. And we've already explored in our previous REDDI blog, Cuffing Season? No Thanks. We're Looking for a (Happily) Cuffed Life, the idea of not having a partner at this time of year is apparently so depressing that there’s even a dating trend in order to combat it.
But we beg to differ. You can still have a truly sensational festive season while owning your single status and remaining open to any opportunities for romance that come your way. Here are ten reasons why the season is still yours for the taking.
1. It's all about... you!
You can enjoy quality time with your family and friends without having to juggle another person’s schedule, too. Your time is all your own! Take excessively long lie-ins, hour-long baths and days on the sofa if you want to - you simply have no one to answer to.
2. You can swerve present politics
Finding the perfect presents for your partner is a minefield in itself, but when your other half lumbers you with the task of finding a gift for his or her Mum, Grandma, Sister and Great Aunt Rose (who you've only met once in passing...), Christmas shopping can really begin to lose its appeal. Plus, instead of being bought random unwanted gifts and having to feign your joy… you can buy precisely what you want - for yourself!