Ah, it's the most wonderful time of the year: The Holidays. Wreaths hang from your neighbor's door, Christmas trees glow from the living room windows, and FreeForm's 25 Days of Christmas plays constantly one everyone's TV (side note: I still say ABC Family and have no shame). But for the single ladies like me, the Holiday season can be another painful reminder of our non-existent relationship status with all the talk of mistletoe, New Year's parties, and your friends' cute couple Instagram posts. Look, I get it. Seeing all those holiday rom coms can make you wish that Mr. Right would walk through the door right now so you didn't have to go through the season alone. But as crazy as it sounds, being single during the Holidays can have its perks and can be more enjoyable than any boy's company. Here are twelve reasons why being single during the Holidays is actually the greatest gift of all:

1. You don't have to figure out what your boyfriends wants.

You're no mind reader, but when your s/o tells you "surprise me" or "I don't know," you definitely know better. Sure, they don't care what you get them, as long as it's something out of a long list of things they've been wanting. So if you don't understand his obsession with places like Bass Pro and Cabelas, you never can remember his favorite sports team, and he hates every shirt or hat you've bought him, then you're left freaking out and calling every guy you know for major retail guidance. But no boyfriend means that you don't have to play the dreaded guessing fame of what he'll want, and you'll have a little extra cash to splurge on your next Target run. Who doesn't want that?

2. You don't have to worry about hating his gift choice either.

Because unless you've shown a man what you want or he has a sister/friend with the exact same interests as you, there is no way he's going to know that you wanted that holiday edition Kylie Lip Kit or Naked Two palette. You don't have to sweat about your boyfriend buying you something you'll hate when you're single, nor do you have to go through the dilemma of "should I/should I not return it," because you'd either be hurting his feelings returning that ugly sweater or being forced to wear it out in public just so he knows that you actually "use" it.

3. Embrace your traditions without worrying he'll hate it

You want to watch "Charlie Brown Christmas" while making Christmas cookies in your 20s like you did when you were seven? Do it. You still enjoy wearing ugly Christmas sweaters while decorating the tree and your mom singing carols when she can't carry a tune? Go for it. When you don't have a boyfriend, you don't have to ask yourself whether or not he'll enjoy your sacred holiday traditions, nor should you really care. Being single means that you can take part in watching all the animated Christmas shows all day in your PJs without caring about if he'd rather watch something else, or that you can drive around seeing all the Christmas lights without listening to him complaining that he's missing the Thunder play.

4. You don't have to be a +1 for his office Christmas parties.

There is nothing more awkward than having to get all dolled up to meet a bunch of his co-workers that you'll have to spend the next few hours suffering through small-talk, especially if there's no alcohol to loosen people up. So thank your lucky stars that you don't have to shake hands with an office manager or boss who's only common ground for a conversation is discussing how great your boyfriend is.

5. But you could meet the one at your friends' holiday get-together.

Ok, maybe not the one, but remember your friend telling you about the cute single guy from her job or maybe a group of guys that has always been around your squad when you go out? If your girls ask you to swing by to meet these men, you have nothing holding you back. Go slip on that sexy dress you have in your closet and your cute pair of heels and show off how beautiful and fun you are with your confident personality! Who knows? Even if you don't walk away with a future date, you'll at least formed more friendships and had a good time.

6. You can relax at family gatherings because no one is meeting your relatives.

Your crazy uncle or set of distant cousins won't be able to embarrass you at any Christmas dinner because you won't have to bring anyone around! When you're single, you don't have to worry about your grandparents awkwardly asking when you're planning on getting married or your aunt pulling out embarrassing photos of you that make you wish you waited to bring him around just a little longer. Instead of answering questions about your love life, you can stuff yourself with that extra helping of mashed potatoes because that's what you really care about.

7. And you don't have to worry about being around his Mom.

Because let's face it, even if you two did get along you'd still be worried that deep down she can't stand you and if you did anything embarrassing around her or the rest of his family, she won't stop herself from judging you. Not having to hang out with some guy's mom means you can spend more quality time with your own, or at least with those you love. Plus you avoid the awkward moment when she asks you "So where do you think your relationship is going?" It's a win-win for everyone.

8. No unpredicted fights to ruin your Christmas cheer.

This time of year is all about joy, peace, and the Christmas spirit. The last thing you want to remember about this holiday season is a fight about something as stupid why you forgot to call him back last night when you hung at your friend's or the reason why you don't want to go to his family's place for Christmas Eve dinner. So who can pick a fight with you about your quirks or something you say if you have no one to fight with? That's right — no one's wiping that Christmas Cheer grin off of your face.

9. You can go out on New Year's Eve with your friends and do whatever you want.

You know those epic NYE parties where everyone just dances (and drinks) the night away? Being single means you can wear what you want, go wherever you want, and dance with who you want without feeling guilty that your boyfriend isn't around. Bonus if it's just a group of you and your girls because that only means one thing: free drinks. What more could you want?

10. Or you can just stay home in your Christmas PJs without shame.

No plans = no sweat! If you're a little more of the "laid-back" type, then forget the dreaded hours you'd have to spend getting all dolled up to go out because you know you'll have more fun just chilling in your sweats watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rocking Eve because those performances will be way better than any drunken small talk at your friends' place. Glass of Champagne for one, please.

11. No NYE Kiss = Perfect lipstick all. night. long.

'Nuff said. You're too proud of that Kylie lip color to ruin it by making out with some guy to ring in the new year. That "red-lip classic" look is too pretty (not to mention expensive) for all that.

12. "New Year, New You."

So maybe you don't have to use that cheesy motto, but with the end of the holidays comes a fresh start. You have a whole year filled with moments and experiences you have yet to go through, and the fact that you have no idea what those might bring is the best part of finding out more about the person who you were born to be. Adding the fact that you're single means just that: it's about you and only you. Make your goals focus on loving yourself and all your quirks that make you who you are without any added pressures of someone else's needs or goals. Take care of you and the rest will fall into place.

Bonus gift: Special times call for special people.

If, though, you're hurt that this is the first time you're single for the Holidays, or you're frustrated why you still have yet to share this season with someone, remember that this time of year is more than just a "cuffing season." The holidays are meant to spent with the ones you love because it's all about loving those who bring joy in our lives. Don't settle giving your time of love to those who don't appreciate or cherish it, and especially don't waste your season of happiness heartbroken that someone you once shared these memories with has moved on. Remember the gifts of health, family, and friendships that you do have. When you meet the right guy, he'll make sure to let you know that out of all the parties, family dinners, and Christmas presents that all he wants for Christmas is you.