Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had so many singles openly discuss how hard the holidays can be for the unattached. Watching couples and families enjoying the holidays can be challenging and, for some, even painful. And, because it can leave many singles mourning the relationship they desire, it can also intensifying the fact that they feel alone.

So, I shared that instead of dreading the holidays, they should get out and embrace them. Christmas is such a fun festive time of the year and one of the best times to fill your social calendar and have some fun.

Related: How to enjoy the holidays when you’re single

Rather than dread the holidays, it might be time to deliver some fun filled uppercuts of epic proportions!  Here are the 5 ways I suggest you can overcome loneliness and enjoy the holiday season, no matter what your relationship status.

Party time

Hang out with your friends. Before everyone jets off for Christmas, go out and have a good time. Attend various Christmas parties; throw one of your own; create a fun environment where you are too busy having a good time to realize who or what is missing from your life.

Plan a trip

Instead of waiting for Christmas cheer to come to you, create your own. Grab a friend and explore. Choose a fun destination! From the beach to the snow slopes, the choice is yours. Plan one of your bucket list trips and have a blast.

 Make time for a little TLC

The end of the year can be hectic. With fourth quarter deadlines, reports due before the Christmas holidays, extra work to cover co-workers’ vacation time, the office time crunch can be stressful.

Spend the holiday’s recouping, taking care of Y.O.U. Plan a spa get-a-way or create a mini spa retreat in the comfort of your own home.

• Hire a masseuse
• Try a body wrap
• Get a new facial

The options are endless.

Volunteer

There is no greater feeling than helping others and putting their needs before your own. Volunteering helps you put your challenges in proper perspective.

Do something new

Plan an adventure during the holidays. Get out and discover your city, state, or neighboring state. Create a list of venues, restaurants, events, etc. that you’ve never visited. Grab a friend and go.

The holidays are a great time to get out of your comfort zone and have a good time. There always seems to be a party, an event, a concert, or something happening during the holidays.

Instead of going home and moping around grieving about what you don’t have, why not get out and celebrate what you do have- life, health and strength, to name a few. As you are out celebrating and enjoying your life you might meet a few new friends along the way.

Related: How to date multiple men at once without looking like a “slut”

Don’t miss out on the fun because you don’t have a significant other. Enjoy yourself and celebrate YOU- single and all. If you don’t celebrate you, why would you expect someone else to?

The choice is yours. You can either choose to be happy or sad, lonely or loved. There are so many people around you who do love you. Don’t negate or overlook what you have because you don’t have a “special someone.” Appreciate and love the special people in your life.

Life is happening, choose to participate in it.  You never know – while you are out having a good time, you just might meet someone new.

BMWK, how else can singles overcome the holiday blues?