The air is crisp, the halls are decked, and your TikTok for your page is flooded with perfectly paired couples sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire. While the season promises cheer, gifts, and endless family gatherings, for many single teenagers, it comes with an unexpected side effect: the thrilling, overwhelming feeling of being completely single.
Senior Zalayshia Velazquez states, “We’re doomed, and everyone’s just following trends.”
If you are currently scrolling through Instagram feeling like the only single person in the world, you’re not alone. We call it Holiday Singleness Syndrome (HSS). Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, playing the SNL episode where SZA sings Big Boy (which is too good to stay just a skit, please release it), the urge to delete all socials until January, and intense periods of overthinking.
Why does it start hitting harder in December? Well,l the holiday session is like a relationship performance review. “There are just so many high expectations,” Velazquez said. Every movie, commercial, and sappy pop song highlights the importance of togetherness. You’re navigating a social landscape that’s been historically and culturally “coupled up,” solo. “Christmas is all about bonding and getting together with family and friends.”
What can you do to combat your HSS? Romanticize your life. Turn on your holiday playlist (you don’t have to argue with anyone on the best Christmas song), make yourself that viral holiday cookie recipe (you get to lick the spoon AND the bowl), get yourself the cutest pajamas ever (no need to make it gender neutral!), and cozy up to your favorite christmas movie (you don’t have to lie and say “I don’t care, put on whatever”). Shift your mindset to find beauty and appreciation in everyday moments, and just remember to maintain the mindset a little more intensely during the holidays.
“Let the ball roll to you, stop shooting,” Velazquez said.
So, when the next slow song about love plays, or Aunt Carol asks if you’re seeing anyone, for the 5th year in a row, just flash your dazzling smile. You’re not “alone”. You’re independent, free, and ready to tackle and dominate the holidays. Embrace your HSS! It just means you have more hot chocolate and fewer obligations. Now go ahead, embrace and enjoy your solo yet thrilling holiday season.
