10 Holiday Party Primers for Solo Seniors

Thanksgiving kicks-off the final countdown of the year reminding us that we have officially survived another 365 days of being single. First comes the turkey dinner surrounded by family members giving thanks to their significant others. Shortly after is the scene of kissing under the mistletoe and fireplaces burning for two. Then the hugs and embraces from lovers ringing in a New Year takes place as the clock tolls midnight. It's hard being alone when couple hood seems to be the prerequisite for the holiday season.

This year, prime yourself early to enjoy the season more fully. You don't need to be the Grinch who stole Christmas. Most people are in good spirits, giving you the best time of all to meet someone new.

1) Deck the Halls
Don't let being single keep you from decorating your home. Make it a festive event by inviting friends, family and while you're at it, that handsome single senior who just moved to your block. If you don't know your neighbors, there's no time better than the present.

2) Feliz Navidad
How about a Christmas vacation? We're not talking about National Lampoon's adventure, although that would be a good movie to throw in the DVD for a quick pick-me-up. We're talking about giving yourself a holiday gift by signing up for a trip. Search for a travel company or cruise line that offers vacation packages for single seniors. Ringing in the holidays with others in a similar situation will help you feel anything but alone.

3) Make a List, Check it Twice
Instead of feeling stressed out by the madness of traffic and crowds, shop online this year for the gifts and hit the stores to find your partner. Yes, that's right. During the holidays, you can find deep discounts and free shipping online and with extra time on your hands, you can browse the mall for eligible singles that need shopping help.

4) All I Want for Christmas...
When people ask you what you want for Christmas this year, tell them, you'd like their help in finding a date. There's no cost required, no shopping necessary and no long lines.

5) Home for the Holidays
Host a holiday party at your home and ask your friends to bring one or two people whom you've never met. To keep costs minimal, ask them to bring a bottle of wine, or a hot or cold food dish to eat. Opening your home to others at this time of the year gives you a new opportunity to meet people and if you're shy, it gives you an excellent excuse to be friendly and outgoing.

6) Rockin' around the Christmas Tree
Graciously accept as many party invitations as you can handle without feeling overloaded. If you're single, never attend with a date. Take the invitation as a potential way to meet someone new. Bringing clingy Carl to an event decreases your chance of finding Mr. or Mrs. Right.

7) Make it a Miracle for Others
This year has been economically hard for many families. If you're single and looking for a way to give back, donate your time to those who are less fortunate. You can help collect gifts for children at Toys for Tots, volunteer in a soup kitchen for the homeless, deliver food to the needy, or Christmas carol at a nursing home. It may not bring you closer to meeting someone directly but it will open your heart even further for when the right person does come along.

8) Give yourself a Gift
If you don't have the money or time to go away this year during the holidays, treat yourself to a vacation-like experience at home. Hire a housekeeper for a day, bring the laundry to the local press and fold, find a stylist to help you shop for a new outfit, spend the day at a spa, make a reservation or order pick-up at your favorite restaurant, or hire a chauffeur to drive you around town for the day. You don't need to travel to get the pleasure you deserve within close proximity of your home.

9) Homemade Holiday
Spend the season baking, or making something special for those who have helped you through the year. Bake your favorite holiday press cookies, roll up some powdered sugar snowballs, or hand paint Christmas ornaments. Give your homemade items to the people in your area who you appreciate such as the local hair salon, the dry cleaner, the auto repair shop, or your local church.

10) Bah humbug!
Most of all, don't despair; the year isn't over yet. Take it from someone who was single for more than five years before meeting the right man online. Interestingly, the relationship began in December at the height of Christmas tree decorating and shopping. The holiday season attracts happy spirits and warm thoughts, offering more opportunity for meeting someone special than any other time of the year.

Lori is a writer living in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently working on her memoir-in-progress, Single to Baby.

By Lori Bizzoco for OurTime.com