The winter season is one of the most enjoyable times for many people. With the celebrations of multiple holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and later Valentine’s Day, many seek the comfort and presence of a partner with whom to participate. Especially when we hear Christmas, we immediately think of watching Christmas movies snuggled in cozy blankets on the couch with our boyfriend or girlfriend while the Christmas tree and mantel lights glimmer across the room. Or, we imagine ourselves stressing over the perfect holiday gift for the one we love to seek their approval and feel the perfect amount of appreciation. Even though it may be viewed as cheesy, we all picture ourselves kissing the perfect person as the clock strikes twelve o’clock on New Year’s Eve, as it symbolizes the start of the new year with the one you love. Although this may sound sappy and heartfelt, getting through this year’s holiday season will be easy, whether you are single or dating, if you take the advice included below. Keep reading! 

  As most of us high schoolers are maturing and realizing that being in a longer, more meaningful relationship provides more warmth and love in our lives, we long for the perfect person to spend our time with and put forth all of our efforts towards. Spending time with family this holiday season is where we find most of our comfort; however, we long for that extra attention from a relationship with someone who we enjoy spending time with. If you are single this time of the year, there are multiple ways for you to find this warmth and comfort despite not being in a relationship with someone. Although this may sound cliche, spending time with your closest friends and participating in activities where you become closer will allow you to enjoy this holiday season in the same light as is you were dating someone. 

  Another piece of advice is to not drown in the sad thoughts of being alone, but find comfort and peace in the idea that your time to enjoy life with a partner will come, and it will be everything you deserve and have dreamed of. Using this train of thought will allow you to live this holiday season with full happiness instead of living in regret later on that you did not live up every single moment. 

  This beautiful time of year is meant to be celebrated with joy and the coming together of family and friends, where we realize how fortunate we are as humans. Senior Devon Rodriguez stated that being single this holiday season has made him realize that “as seniors, our time together is limited, and it has given me more time to hang out with the guys and really cherish the time we have left together.” Instead of drowning in sadness and feeling empty because you do not have that special someone to make cookies or watch Hallmark movies or go see Christmas lights with, focus on getting closer with your family and friends because they want to see you happy as much as you do, and they will be with you much longer than a fling relationship. Be patient, and wait for the right person instead of jumping into a meaningless relationship during this cuffing season just to satisfy your yearning heart.