This is the first year that I’ve really been single for Christmas.  Last year I had a boyfriend to celebrate with, and the year before that I celebrated with my ex-husband’s family despite the impending divorce. But this is the first year that I have no Christmas obligations, and I couldn’t be happier. I will wake up that morning with my little man and see what Santa brought to our house and then send him to his dad’s for more Santa fun (AKA-lots of stuff in both houses that we don’t really need). I will probably re-organize my closet to make room for all of the J.Crew dresses (which are completely fabulous, by the way. I know this because I pinned them on Pinterest and instantly had 83 repins. That’s like a record or something. Oh, and WHEN did I have that many people following my fashion board on Pinterest? It’s here in case you’re wondering.), sparkle pumps, and rain boots that I bought for myself Santa is bringing. I might have myself a movie marathon. Who knows? I might even finish off all of the peppermint bark (no, wait, J.Crew dresses to fit into…). But whatever I do, it will be stress free.

The holidays are supposed to be a time to enjoy our family and friends and celebrate the love we have for one another. However, it’s usually the case that we are so busy running from house to house and party to party that we lose sight of this. So I’m respectfully rebelling this year. Benefit #2357 of being single.

This time of year it’s easy to get down about your single status. Sure, it would be nice to have someone to hold me up while I attempt take me ice skating.  But then I remind myself how bad I am at ice skating (it’s like a baby deer learning to walk), and that I would be out of work if I broke a leg or a tailbone (contrary to popular belief, dancers do need their legs). I would also love to have a partner so that they would surprise me with wonderful Christmas presents. But then I remind myself that I know me better than anyone, and I can pick out my own lovely gifts (I can’t wait to see what I buy me for Valentine’s Day!). Plus, I would have to rack my brain to find the perfect gift for them and that is exhausting. It would also be nice to have someone to go look at Christmas lights with or go to holiday parties. But then I remind myself that Christmas lights are everywhere, and although holiday parties DO mean dressing up and dancing, they also mean mingling with people I either don’t know or don’t like, and iffy hors d’ourves.  I’ll take my chances with a day or two filled with pajama wearing and Vogue reading alone.

Single friends, let this holiday time be about celebrating YOU. Many of us have extra days off from work around the holidays. Use that time to do something you LOVE (even if that is just a Desperate Housewives marathon while wearing fuzzy socks). Use not having a significant other as an excuse to buy yourself something fabulous (and not feel guilty about it).  Cut yourself some slack on the holiday parties (it’s okay to go alone—or you don’t have to go at all). The holidays are about sharing love, and sometimes we forget to love ourselves.

That’s my motto for the New Year, just so you know. Love myself. After all, I’m pretty fantastic (even though I forget that sometimes). Being single doesn’t mean I’m unwanted. It means that there are guys who missed out on someone amazing, and some others who just haven’t met me yet. And while I’m waiting on Mr. Right to come along and shower me with love and attention, I have to give those things to myself in the meantime.

Because I deserve it–boyfriend or not.