The Single Girl’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays

_{This is a sponsored editorial from Red Dress Boutique}

We know being single around the holidays can be a challenge. Changing your route home to avoid those pesky horse drawn carriages. Fielding concerns from grandma about how you’ll be attending the family holiday dinner solo – again (yes, you do know you’re not getting any younger). Not to mention those creepy Bumble dates that make you feel like you’re living the lyrics to ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’.

You don’t have to be part of a couple to have a jolly time around the holidays. Put finding Mr. Right on hold until next year and instead, bask in the glory of being a single lady. Check out our suggestions for some truly merry-making single girl fun to get the most cheer out of this holiday season.

Kisses Under the Mistletoe

Ok, yes, mistletoe could be the bane of a single girl’s existence during the holidays. Especially if your kissing partner is less than appealing (in which case, fake a cough). However, plan your mistletoe strategy well and you could be locking lips with a longtime crush before the night is through. Stand out from the pack at a holiday party and wear your favorite little black dress to catch that cutie’s eye as you “casually” admire the decked halls from beneath the mistletoe. With a look this inviting there’s no way he’s keeping his distance.

Warm Weather Getaways

Sure, you love the beauty of freshly fallen snow as much as the next girl but – after a few weeks of shoveling out your parking spot – you’ll do anything for a fun and flirty warm weather getaway. Gather your best single gal pals and take a spontaneous island vacation complete with sexy swimwear and breezy sundresses. And don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes because, when it comes to a girl’s weekend, you are the life of the party.

Hostess with the Mostest

One of the perks of being single is that nobody really expects you to host a ton of people for any of the holiday dinners. The down side to this freedom is that you’re waiting around for an invite to everyone else’s events. Instead of depending on someone else to throw that classy (but same old) cocktail party, take the reindeer by the horns and host a bell-jingling shindig yourself.

Don’t feel like you have to stick to tradition either. Include a costume element to your party (sexy ugly sweaters, anyone?) or hire a chef to cook your menu of choice so you can focus on planning that killer outfit instead. If you’re throwing a fancy soiree, wear your favorite special occasion dress with a bit of sparkle.

If casual is more your vibe then go for an edgy and fun look with a faux fur vest and some knee high boots. Whatever theme you set for your (soon to be) annual holiday bash, just make sure you don’t forget the mistletoe. Because this is your party and you’ll kiss anyone you want to.

Wearing Cozy Outfits

When you’re in a new relationship you always feel the need (pressure) to look your best. You spend Sundays binging Netflix in full makeup and your thoughts about your boyfriend meeting your favorite pair of sweats is something along the lines of ‘never the two shall meet.’ It’s kind of crazy to think any guy worth your time wouldn’t like how cute you look casual. Let go of dressing to impress and enjoy the freedom of dressing for yourself.

Focus on cute and cozy this winter and fill out your wardrobe with essential pieces like warm plaid scarves, comfy cardigans, soft vests, sexy sweaters and stylish high heel boots. With a look this good you’ll be back to Sunday morning binges with a special someone in no time (but we promise you’ll be a lot more comfortable).

Save Some Money – And Then Spend It

Being single over the holidays means you won’t be blowing your budget over a guy who probably didn’t deserve your well thought out gift anyway. Instead of breaking the bank with your generosity this season, save your hard earned bucks for something that’s worth it – YOU! Put what you would have spent on him towards a future vaycay with the girls or that oh-so-shiny necklace you can’t stop dreaming about. It’s ok to buy yourself a present over the holidays. After all, Santa can only do so much. And you are not a woman to wait around for a man to give her what she wants.

Start Your Own Traditions

When you’re part of a couple you sometimes have to compromise on your favorite holiday traditions to make time for what he wants to do. Enjoy the time to yourself this season to take in all of the festive sights you would have otherwise had to cajole (read: drag) him to attend. Have a snowball fight with the neighborhood kids while you go caroling door to door post town square tree lighting. Ok, that might be over kill but you are making up for lost time. Dress warm with your favorite earmuffs and jacket and then take to the streets for whatever holiday cheer makes your little heart content.

Give Back

Regardless of what you’ve been through this year (we know you’ve had your days), it’s important to keep your blessings in perspective. Get in touch with the charitable goddess within and give back to your community. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen to hand out meals. Sign up to be a mentor for a little-goddess-in-the-making. Help your elderly neighbor get to the mall to do her holiday shopping. You are a caring member of your community who isn’t afraid to set the example of how to be a better person. And that is a look that works for you regardless of the season.