Why the festive season is merrier when you're single

It's a common misconception that the festive season is better spent with a significant other. This is reinforced by all the Christmas carry-on that places an emphasis on being in love (shut up, Love Actually and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You"). But we’ve got five compelling reasons why being single during the Christmas and New Year period is the way to go.

1. Buying presents is expensive and stressful!

Especially when it comes to buying presents for your SO (significant other). You’re bound to be spending a bit of money on them and then you have to worry about what to get. Being single means a lot less stress and more money to spend on yourself! It’s a win-win all round.

2. Being single means avoiding the obligatory Christmas celebrations with your partner’s family.

These events are notorious for awkward chit-chat or, even worse, deeply personal, probing questions that leave you uncomfortable and questioning your life decisions. There’s also the worry about whether or not to buy your SO’s family presents and then, the embarrassment when you decide to not bother and they’ve gotten you something.

3. It’s not called the silly season for nothing.

Christmas time is renowned for being a party season. This can mean awkward situations for people in relationships when work functions roll around. They have to lug the ol' ball and chain around to each of them, making small talk with various work colleagues that they couldn’t care less about getting to know. Additionally, when you’re single, this is the prime time to mingle and maybe get to know a nice co-worker a bit more (potentially under the mistletoe?!).

4. You can take time to really chill out.

Yes, you can chill out when you’re in a relationship, but I mean realllly chill out. The kind of chill out where you binge-watch reruns of Sex and the City and don’t emerge from bed for a week. When you’ve spent the year busy working or studying, this holiday period is a vital chance to unwind and get some "me" time.

5. New Year’s Eve (and the NY period full stop) is the prime time to hook up.

Fact. The drinks are flowing and everyone’s on that excited buzz about the new year to come. This is the peak opportunity for a night of fun, or maybe even a potential romance to take place.

So if you're single this holiday season, don't look at it as a depressing fact, look at it as an opportunity. You do you, boo, and enjoy yourself while you're at it!