Single Again at Holidays: If you are newly single for the holidays, have a holiday plan. Include other singles, family, or friends if possible. 

Single Again at Holidays: Being single again for holidays does not have to be lonely. Plan the holiday period in advance. Having a plan and working your plan will make holidays fun instead of lonely for you

Newly Single Again for the Holidays?
Have a plan!
By Pat McChristie

If this is your first holiday season since you have been single again, prior planning can make it more comfortable and less lonely.

I am going to use Thanksgiving as an example because it is usually a four-day holiday. Obviously, this plan can be used for other holidays or for shorter or longer durations.

If you have family in the area, find out the family schedule as far in advance as possible. This will allow you to plan other activities around  family celebrations.

If you belong to an organization, church, or singles' group, see what they have planned.

Ask around at work and see if anything is going on with your coworkers. Don't be shy about asking to be included.

Call a few friends to see what they are doing.

Find out if family members are coming in from far away places. Your cousin Joe might be here from Atlanta and be good company for you after the family events.

Now divide a piece of paper into five columns, beginning with Wednesday.

Start by blocking in all known events that you wish to attend.   Maybe there is a singles gathering on Wednesday night and friends are going to brunch on Sunday. Your family, coworkers, or neighbors are hosting one other event.

That still leaves a bit of time on your hands. So start digging. Here is what you might find:

• A rock group you enjoy will be in town on the  week-end.
• A movie you have wanted to see is playing.
• Volunteers are needed at local hospitals, nursing home, or children's events--anywhere that will allow you to be around other people.
• A new video or CD has been released that can be purchased or rented.

• A trip to the library or a book store should turn up at least one book that you will find entertaining.

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Asking friends or coworkers to accompany you to the movie or rock group would be ideal. Going alone might be acceptable to you, too.

If all else fails, and depending on the weather:

1. Take a long hike at one of your town's nature centers or parks.

2. Sit in the park with a book and people watch.

3, Sit in the mall and people watch.

4, Visit a local museum.

5. Take a long drive in the country.

6. Read a book at the library just to be around other people.

Remember: Doing something active will help ward off the blues from being single again at holiday time while staying home on the internet might not.