It’s holiday season! Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day are one right after the other. It always seems like as soon as Halloween is over, the year shifts into fifth gear and the days speed by. One minute you are picking at left over candy corn and the next, you are trimming your Christmas tree.

The holidays aren’t always a joyful time for everyone, especially for some of my single cohorts. I have been doing this single walk for years now and have learned to make the most of the holiday season by creating awesome memories and experiences with the amazing people God has placed in my life. I want to pass along some of the tips and tricks that have helped me stay joyful during this time of year. Hopefully, these will make your holidays enjoyable, not just tolerable.

1. Volunteer/Get Involved in your Community – Get yourself off of your mind by channeling your efforts into making someone else’s season more memorable.

• • Go to your local church, shelter or community center and find out about how you can volunteer to distribute Thanksgiving or Christmas meals to those in need. You can also visit retirement centers or nursing homes and spend time with those who may not have family in the area. A conversation and a smile can go a long way.
  • You could also volunteer at a pet shelter. Our furry friends need love and affection this time of the year too. You’ll benefit just as much as they will from soft belly rubs and cuddles.
  • If you can’t physically be present, make a monetary donation to a non-profit of your choice.

2. Host your own holiday gathering – if you can’t leave for the holidays, bring them to you. There is always at least one other person who needs plans this time of the year. Join together and host your own event!

• • Christmas Brunch is always a good idea. Why not host a brunch with your closest peeps? Make it a potluck and ask people to bring their favorite brunch dish. They could also bring their favorite holiday tale or most memorable holiday moment and share it with the group.
  • Old School Game Night- who doesn’t love playing games and laughter? There is sure to be plenty of both when you bring out the Monopoly, Checkers board, Spades or Uno. If those sound ancient to you, you could also play some modern games like Mafia or Heads Up!

3. Invite yourself to the party – if your close friends have family coming in town, ask if you can join them. Your friends may not realize that you don’t have plans. They may also assume that you wouldn’t want to be around somebody else’s wacky family. Show them the opposite!

• • Don’t arrive empty-handed. Take a dessert (if you can cook) or a bottle of something (if cooking is not your strength). Just ask if they are drinkers or not (Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider is the church-version of popping bottles).
  • Wear stretchy pants- Often times, being one of the non-family members at the party means you get treated extra special. You may even get an extra helping of Aunt Joann’s famous peach cobbler. (Don’t be surprised if someone wants to play match maker too.)

4. Enjoy the Arts – you may have extra time on your hands. Why not make the most of it by enriching your mind and catching up with culture?

• You can finally read that book that has been sitting on your bedside table.
• Visit that museum that you have heard so much about. (Check the open hours online before you go.)
• Binge watch every show you’ve heard about but were too busy working to catch during the season.

5. Create a Vision Board – what do you want to accomplish for 2018? Break out the arts and crafts and visually speak your dreams into existence for the upcoming year. This may also help you realize what you value and what remains of importance in your life.

Whatever you decide to do, do it with an expectant and joyful heart. You never know what could come out of you stepping outside of your comfort zone. It may be a networking opportunity or a moment to bless others.

I pray you have a rich and enjoyable holiday season!