How the festive holiday unfolds in my home...
My Christmas tree stands proudly in the corner of my apartment—tall but slightly lopsided, and decorated with a mix of ornaments and emotional growth. There is no partner to untangle the lights with or to debate whether “Gremlins” counts as a Christmas movie. (It does. End of discussion. Lol.) Just me, a festive mug of hot chocolate, and the realisation that I enjoy spending the festive holiday solo. I always have...
.jpg "Copyright Charley Jai")
When you’re single at Christmas, some people tend to treat you like you’ve come down with a mild case of the flu—lots of sympathy, a few awkward looks, and the occasional “You’ll find someone soon.” But here’s what they don’t realise: being single doesn’t mean being lonely. In fact, it is wonderfully peaceful and stress/pressure-free. No in-laws, no compulsory matching pyjamas, and no need to pretend to like your partner’s aunt’s raisin-infested fruitcake.
Instead, I set my own traditions. I watch whatever Christmas movies I want (sometimes all of them), might order a takeaway (or two) on Christmas Eve, and have fun opening presents. Mostly the ones to myself! There’s something deeply satisfying about buying yourself the gifts you actually want (well in advance so you have a chance to forget what you bought) and then being genuinely excited to open them.
Of course, there are moments when the absence of physical presence hits. When you scroll through endless couple/family photos (shared to Instagram) of them in matching sweaters and wonder if you’re missing something. But that’s when I remind myself: love isn’t seasonal; it isn’t limited to romance (and not everything we see online is an authentic representation of what is happening in real life). I’ve learned to pour that energy back into myself—long walks, spontaneous trips, solo dates, and cosy nights with no one to impress or 'perform' for. I maintain my standards and keep up appearances for myself not for anybody else.
This Christmas, I am reminded that independence can sparkle just as brightly as tinsel. Self-respect looks good under fairy lights and joy—real, grounded joy—comes from knowing that my happiness isn’t on layaway until someone else shows up. I choose to be happy daily (even on the heavy days).
So here’s to another Merry, Single Christmas. Not the kind filled with loneliness, but the kind filled with joy, special hot drinks, a little food indulgence, my favourite festive movies and the quiet confidence of a woman who has learned that she has always been enough.
Merry Christmas, and God bless.
Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk