Celebrating the holidays alone can be tough at times.  Everyone is having the time of their life drinking Bailey’s & hot cocoa, hanging Christmas decorations, putting up their trees, and listening to holiday music while you’re just running out of wine faster than ever before.

If the universe is making you spend the holidays alone, taunting you with happy couples on Facebook and Instagram.  Oh, yeah, you know those couples who re wearing matching plaid pajamas, but don’t panic.  Being single for the holidays actually has many perks.  Today, New Jersey Singles reviews the benefits of spending the holidays alone.

1. Decorate Your Home

You’d be surprised how many single people don’t like to decorate a tree or their home.  Really, snap out of it!  It’s time to turn that Scrooge frown upside down!  As an added bonus, you get to pick whatever theme you want to go with this year.  If you want to hang non-traditional Christmas colors, you can—no one can stop you.  This year is all about celebrating the way you want to celebrate (and decorate).

2. Bake Something

It might seem a little cliché, but the holidays are a great excuse to overindulge in delicious food, as well as give delicious food to other people.  Just because you don’t have a partner doesn’t mean you can’t bake something delicious for friends, family, or coworkers.  Trust us, everyone will love your shortbread cookies.  And as a bonus, there won’t be any fighting over who gets to lick the cookie dough from the bowl, right?

3. Spoil Yourself

Aside from making yourself something delicious, another huge perk of being single for the holidays is the fact that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a partner.  So what do you do with the extra cash you have on hand?  Why not gift yourself something nice or save it for a vacation in the upcoming year?

4. Dress Up

Wearing a nice holiday outfit is an instant mood booster.  And there are no rules as to what to wear here.  You can wear whatever you want—sparkles, a ridiculous holiday sweater, or faux fur.  Have fun and embrace the holidays, and don’t be afraid to break out those ugly holiday sweaters.

5. Hang Out with Your Friends

There’s a ton of stuff to do around the holidays that doesn’t involve other couples.  Who says that you can’t go to a Christmas market or winter festival with your close friends?  Get dressed in your coziest outfit, take pictures, and create new memories with those you care about most in life.

6. Get Yourself New PJs

We don’t know why but new PJs are very therapeutic.  There’s something warming about new pajamas, and thankfully the holidays are a time when cozy PJs are everywhere.  You will love your new pajamas as you get comfy watching holiday movies.

7. Be Active

If you want to sulk around at home, that’s totally up to you.  But winter is a goldmine for fitness goals since the gym and fitness classes are less crowded around this chaotic time of year.  Winter blues and seasonal depression are very real, and unfortunately they’re both amplified during the romantic holiday season.

If the thought of spending yet another holiday alone has you down and out, take advantage of the local gym and fitness classes.  Trust us, it will make you feel better about indulging in those delicious holiday treats and boost your spirits in no time.

8. Hang Out with Your Family

Whether your family is blood related or a group of close friends, being with people who care about you is the best part of the holiday season.  We know that it’s crippling not to have someone beside you to spend the holidays with.  But you can create your new tradition.

The holidays don’t have to be a dreadful time when you’re single.  Just follow these tips from our New Jersey matchmakers and get into the holiday spirit in no time!

If you’re single and searching for love in NJ, contact our New Jersey matchmakers today.  Call 1 (888) 417-0020 to book your 100% FREE, in-depth matchmaking consultation today.