There is a common misconception that the festive season is better spent with a significant other. This is reinforced by all the Christmas carry on that places an emphasis on being in love (hello Love Actually and Mariah Carey!) But we’ve got five compelling reasons why being single during the Christmas and New Year period is the way to go.

1. Buying presents is expensive and stressful! Especially when it comes to buying presents for your S/O. You’re bound to be spending a bit of money on them and then you have to worry about what to get. Being single means a lot less stress and more money to spend on yourself! It’s a win-win all round.
2. Being single means avoiding the obligatory Christmas celebrations with your partner’s family. These events are notorious for awkward chit-chat or even worse, deeply personal, probing questions that leave you uncomfortable and questioning your life decisions. There’s also the worry about whether or not to buy your S/O’s family presents and then the embarrassment when you decide to not bother and they’ve gotten you something.
3. Christmas time is renowned for being a party period- it’s not called the silly season for nothing. This can mean awkward situations for people in relationships, when work functions roll around. They have to lug the ball and chain around to each of them, making small talk with various work colleagues that they couldn’t care less about getting to know. Additionally, when you’re single, this is the prime time to mingle and maybe get to know a nice co-worker a bit more (potentially under a mistletoe?!)
4. You can take time to really chill out. Yes you can chill out when you’re in a relationship, but I mean realllly chill out. The kind of chill out where you binge watch re-runs of Sex and the City and don’t emerge from bed for a week. When you’ve spent the year busy working or studying, this holiday period is a vital chance to unwind and get some ‘you’ time.
5. New Year’s Eve (and the NY period full stop) is the prime time to hook-up. Fact. The drinks are flowing and everyone’s on that excited buzz about the new year to come. This is the peak opportunity for a night of fun or maybe even a potential romance to take place…

HUD wishes everyone a safe and FUN festive season!