We've gotten through Halloween unscathed (for some). After Halloween come the other two big ones in the Holiday Triumvirate: Thanksgiving and Christmas. I, as a single person, have a love-hate relationship with the holiday seasons, and this is for all the single people out there drowning their temporary relationship blues in pumpkin pie and Eggnog.
First and foremost, being single during the holidays means that SO much pressure is taken off of you. I'm a fantastic gift giver, if I do say so myself. I'm the kind of individual that really pays attention to what my (at this point non-existant) significant other has told me and I really go the whole nine yards to get them "that gift." It could be as sentimental as something to do with our first movie that we watched as a couple, to as humorous as finding an inside joke on a t-shirt. Now, as a single person over the holidays, I can pay attention to the one partner that won't be ashamed of you after having a three hour cry-fest while watching "Love, Actually" for the forty-fourth time in a row: me. I can take care of myself during the holidays, which is always good. You know how I'm gonna spend my day after Thanksgiving? Nah, I'm not gonna shop on Black Friday. I'm gonna turn on a re-run of "Cutthroat Kitchen" and stay in bed all day and it's gonna be GLORIOUS!
Secondly, the holiday seasons is a meat eater's paradise, which is also wonderful. I've impressed parents during the holidays and tried to be on my best behavior, but now, as a single person during the holidays, all I can say is that I have no shame in taking a giant spoon into an entire bowl of mashed potatoes or eating an entire tin of Christmas cookies. Shame? What is that? Nah. I don't have to worry about the pressure of having to try random foods that my S.O's family would cook and feign excitement while eating turkey with the consistency of a shoe.
Thirdly, I can do all the things during the holidays that my S.O wouldn't want to do. I wanna do all those family things that make me love the holidays. Literally, getting lost riding shotgun in a car looking at random houses lights is one of the greatest and most liberating parts of the Christmas season. I can really get invested in what the true meaning of the holidays are: family. I love hanging out with Mama Tait and watching as many Christmas specials as I can comprehend (or until I pass out, take your pick). I enjoy that groggy pre-coffee feeling right before the Macy's Parade happens every Thanksgiving. It's the little things. Yeah, don't judge me, movie theatre audience as I get a large bucket of popcorn and wear an ugly Christmas sweater while watching the new holiday movie and probably cry halfway through; I'm a fantastic holiday movie date and my ugly Christmas sweater appreciates the outing!
So, single folk during these next two months, never fear. Take pride in your cocoa drinking, "The Holiday" watching, carol belting, turkey eating and copious amounts of holiday cheer! But, don't forget the people who really matter: it's the company you're with this holiday season. They're gonna be the ones that you'll remember in the Christmas card. Trust me.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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