20 Reasons Going Home Single for the Holidays Is Actually Great

Woman holding mini pine tree — Getty Images

We are definitely familiar with the fears and woes that come with being single, but we will also be the first to admit that it can be quite great, especially around the holidays. This is a time to celebrate what we do have, not what we don't. So instead of wishing you were part of a couple or feeling envious of your friends who have partners, try to take a step back and consider all of the wonderful things in your life. Trust us; you'll definitely perk up when you think of your friends, family, and pets (among other things!).

So if you're going home single for the holidays and aren't exactly thrilled about it, read on to discover 20 reasons why it's actually great.

01 of 20

No Holiday Sharing

You don’t have to split time between someone else’s family and yours. No more Thanksgiving with your family and Christmas with your partner's, or spending the better part of an entire holiday in a car commuting between meals and loved ones.

02 of 20

Be Yourself

You don’t have to worry about impressing a significant other’s family. That second piece of pumpkin pie? Unbutton your pants and eat it. A second (or third) holiday cocktail? Bottoms up!

03 of 20

No New Introductions

You won’t have to meet anyone’s parents. Or siblings. Or great-grandmothers. So you can just cross "small talk and feigning interest" off your list now.

04 of 20

Travel Solo

You can plan a solo trip. Feel like going to the beach in Uruguay instead of celebrating the holidays at home? You can do it!

Some destinations are actually cheaper around the holidays than others. Check out cool international cities like Phuket, Thailand, or Dubai. Or stay domestic, and book a trip to Sedona, Arizona, or Orlando, Florida.

05 of 20

No Gift Anxiety

There’s no stressing over what to get your other half (and their family members) as a gift. You can use the money that you saved to do something fabulous for yourself.

06 of 20

Celebrate How You Want

You won't have to pretend to be excited about frigid outdoor activities or early-morning plans your partner signed you up for. You can sleep in and do whatever you want while staying in the comfort of your own home.

07 of 20

Decorate to Your Heart's Content

You can decorate your house however you want—wreaths, garlands, disco balls, and all (or none). With no one else's taste to appease, you can absolutely hang up those festive llamas you purchased on your year abroad.

08 of 20

No Mistletoe Monogamy

Lots of single people are out and ready to mingle, so why not take advantage of the celebratory mood in the air? Mingle with other singles at the holiday parties, and don't forget: You can make out with anyone you want!

09 of 20

No Judgement

You can drink too much eggnog, sing holiday tunes at the top of your lungs, and pass out in your party dress. The next morning, there will be no one giving you dirty looks for your drunken holiday extravaganza.

10 of 20

Schedule Extra Family Time

You get to catch up with your siblings and favorite cousins. Those extended relationships that normally get the boot in favor of entertaining your partner will be happy to have you back.

Use this holiday season to start new traditions with your family members, like organizing a gift exchange or baking holiday sweets together.

11 of 20

Go on Festive First Dates

Being single for the season doesn't automatically mean you have to be MIA on the romance front. You can go on as many holiday-themed dates as you want. December is a great month for dating.

12 of 20

Focus on Family

You don’t have to worry about introducing your family members to a new significant other. Your family can breathe easy knowing there won't be some wild card added to the mix, and you can all enjoy a family holiday all to yourselves. Plus, no awkward family photos with your partner hanging off the side.

13 of 20

No Chick-Flick Shaming

You can watch Love Actually, Die Hard, The Holiday, and any other favorite holiday flick whenever you want. Those Lifetime made-for-TV holiday movies that are your guilty pleasure? Cozy up and indulge in a whole marathon of them.

14 of 20

No Awkward Holiday Cards

You don’t have to spend time and money on sending couples-themed holiday cards. More importantly, you don't have to go to a holiday-themed photo shoot.

15 of 20

Have a Party

You can host a spectacular holiday soirée and invite whomever you want. You can serve whatever you want. Heck, make it a holiday-themed party celebrating your singledom.

16 of 20

Redefine New Year's Eve

You can forget the whole idea of a New Year’s kiss by suggesting that all your friends eat grapes as the clock strikes midnight like they do in Spain. You can fully relish the concept of starting fresh in the new year by focusing on the most important person in your life: you.

17 of 20

Create Your Own Traditions

Set the tone for holidays to come by starting new traditions. Take yourself to see The Nutcracker and then go for oysters and Champagne afterward. Or schedule a pre-holiday spa day for y-o-u.

18 of 20

Sing Along

You can listen to the same holiday music on repeat as many times as you want. Scratch that, you can start listening to the same holiday music on repeat as early as you want.

19 of 20

Savor Going Home

You can go back to your hometown and simply enjoy it rather than playing host. Hit up all your favorite old haunts without having to explain them. Kick back with old friends and reminisce on the good old days without worrying that your partner feels left out.

20 of 20

No Expectations

You don’t have to worry about meeting anyone else’s expectations. You get to celebrate the season in every way that you've dreamed of. You get to do the things that make your heart sing, and in doing so, get to discover what the season truly means to you and how to make that a priority in future relationships.

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