Singles often feel left out of holiday activities when they aren’t in a relationship. But it doesn’t have to be a lonely time.

If the holidays have you down, take heart. With a simple change in attitude, the festival season can bring you peace of mind and a desire to pass your blessings along to someone else. If you find yourself alone this holiday season, here are a few tips to help you change your viewpoint to a much happier place.

Pamper Yourself

Rather than dreading the thought of another holiday alone, use the time to pamper yourself instead. Book a manicure or massage at the local spa, spend an entire day eating ice cream and watching television, or finally crack open that book you’ve been meaning to read by haven’t had time. However you choose to spend your day, make sure it’s about you and no one else.

Stop Comparing Your Situation to Someone Else’s

It’s easy to look at couples and families during the holidays and feel as if you are “behind” the curve of life. But no two lives are the same. Just because someone else has a family now doesn’t mean they are “ahead” of you. It only means their life took a different direction.

Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s. Instead, trust that you will fulfill your desires for a partner at the exact right time you are meant to. Focus on making your life all it can be now rather than wasting time worrying about the things you don’t have. Your life is your own, and there is no wrong time to meet your partner.

Volunteer

The holidays are a great time to be thankful. Count your blessings today: good health, career, safe environment, great friends, or anything else that brings you joy. Let the good things you have in your life inspire you to do some great for someone else. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, offer to wrap presents, or go caroling at nursing homes. Countless volunteer opportunities exist during the holidays. Do some investigating to find the one that’s right for you.

Take Charge of Your Dating Life

There’s nothing worse than feeling helpless about your dating life during the holidays. Instead of complaining, do something about it. Jump online, book a lunch date, or attend a speed dating event. Even if you don’t find the love of your life, just getting out and meeting new people will make you feel better. Who knows, you may even find an expected date for New Year’s.

Marriage Doesn’t Necessarily Equal Happiness

When you’re single at holiday time, you may envy those folks who are married. But think about this: No life is perfect. Even the married people around you may be going through times of struggle and unhappiness. Marriage doesn’t make you happy. You have to be happy first in order to find a true partner who will love you for who you are.

Don’t let the holidays get you down. Being single doesn’t have to mean you are alone and lonely. Fill up your holiday time with gratitude for the blessings you have. Trust that when the time is right, you will meet the person meant to be with you. Until then, you have a lot of living to do right now.

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