Thriving Solo This Christmas
Consider this your survival guide to coming out of the silly season feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and with a full cup for 2026.
Long festive days, twinkling lights and social gatherings. Christmas certainly has many upsides. But it can also feel isolating, especially when social media would have you believe everyone else around you is spending their Christmas in matching-family-pyjama bliss.
Consider this your survival guide to coming out of the silly season feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and with a full cup for 2026.
Equip yourself with some one-liners for love-life-related questions
Holiday gatherings can bring out a few well-meaning but awkward questions about your love life. Here are a few one-line responses you can keep up your sleeve if someone asks “So… any special someone this year?”
· “Nothing to report yet, but you’ll be the first to get the newsletter!”
· “Still solo, but stay tuned the storyline’s getting good”
Most people ask about relationships because they don’t know what else to say. After your response, redirect the conversation: ask about their holiday plans, a new hobby, their garden project, or the recipe for the dessert they brought. You’ll often see them relax instantly.
Set a goal for the holidays
Whether it’s a target step count to hit each day, a number of books you want to read, or a project you’ve been meaning to start (or finish), map out what achieving that goal would look like each day and tick it off as you go. This helps make the days of the holiday period feel full, meaningful and satisfying.
Do at least one thing you’ve “always wanted to do”
Is there a drive you’ve always wanted to do? A walk you’ve never been on? A café you’ve been meaning to try? Schedule in a day for doing that activity. Invite a friend, or simply bring a good book or queue up some podcasts you enjoy to accompany you on the journey.
Reflect
Take some time to sit down with a pen and a piece of paper or journal and reflect on the year that was. No matter your stage of life, reflection is a powerful way to feel grateful for what you have and how you’ve grown over the past year. Here are a few example questions to get you started: What went well? What could have been better? What got too much of your time and attention? What got too little? What’s something you’re most proud of? What would make next year absolutely awesome? What steps do you intend to take to get there?
Connect
Who haven’t you spoken to in a while? Life gets really busy during the year, so the quieter time over Christmas is a great opportunity to rekindle old friendships or reach out to family members you haven’t connected with in a while. Arrange a phone call, or book in a time to see them in person in the new year. A walk down memory lane can bring much joy.
Final Thoughts
Being single at Christmas doesn’t have to feel like you’re on the outside looking in. It can simply be a different way of experiencing the season, one with its own freedom, ease, and opportunities.
Use this time to do what feels good for you: rest, connect, explore, or keep things low-key. There’s no right or wrong way to move through the holidays, and your relationship status doesn’t dictate how meaningful your festive season can be.