'Tis not the season to be single: 4-step guide to holiday dating

Why the holidays are the best time to start a new relationship.

Single and feeling blue about the holidays? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Thousands of singles dread showing up to a family celebration, company Christmas party or holiday event without a plus one, fearing nagging questions. If you’re panicking at the thought of having to explain why you’re still single, we’ve got great news for you.

According to an online dating service, holidays form the peak dating season with over 50 million messages being sent and one million dates taking place. So, if you’re looking to kick your dating life into high gear, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:


Stop hibernating
The holidays can be a depressing time for most singles and the cold certainly doesn’t help. But you don’t need to use either as an excuse to sit on the c ouch feeling sorry for yourself. Not only does it take a huge toll on your spirits but hibernating at home can actually make you seem less attractive to potential partners.

Instead of dreading the endless round of holiday parties, use them as an excuse to meet more people. Think of it as your own personal version of holiday-speed-dating. You get to meet someone new without the pressure of having to ask them out or think of creative first dates. With so many singles looking to connect with someone around the holidays, chances are you definitely won’t be the only single person connecting over a cup of eggnog.

Take leadership
Tired of feeling like the odd one out at a couples Christmas party? Host your own Christmas party instead. By preemptively inviting your friends over for a holiday dinner, you can be sure the guest list has a nice mix of couples, singles and significant others so that nobody’s stuck sitting at the ‘singles’ table alone.

Holidate
According to the urban dictionary, a ‘holidate’ refers to the person you take with you to mitigate the awkwardness of being single at large family events. A holidate doesn’t need to be romantic. It could be just about surviving the holiday together.

Dating apps are a great way to find a stress-free holidate. It’ll give you the chance to take that Tinder conversation you’ve been having offline and see how your ‘potential partner’ does in a social setting with your friends. Remember, if you’re going the ‘holidate’ route, be sure to get your stories straight beforehand. It’ll save you from unrealistic expectations or having to answer too many awkward questions later.

Dress Up
And if all else fails, wear red. Not only does it scream festive but it is one of the best ways to catch someone’s eye.

According to professional matchmakers, wearing red draws attention, boosts your confidence and is a colour people are naturally drawn to, especially during the holidays. So, go out, have fun and may the odds be ever in your favour.