Oh heyyy, New Year's Eve… You Covid-Clad Bastard.
Well, another weird turn around the sun. If you read last year’s 2020 holiday post about falling into a pit of holiday despair, you can probably guess where I’m going with this. Whether you’re going through a breakup, isolating from family and friends to stay safe, or just feeling lonely, this might be a rough New Year’s Eve for you. And, believe me, I get it.
As a self-proclaimed Spinster, I’ve had my fair share of holiday blues. And, thanks to the surge in the Omicron variant, my NYE plans have shifted dramatically.
What was intended to be a glitzy, ritzy, Great Gatsby-themed night out with my best friends will now be a night alone on the couch with a bottle of wine.
And, still reeling from another love blunder (stay tuned), it would be very easy to cry and feel sorry for myself until the proverbial ball drops.
But! Never fear.
I am the quintessential breakup busy bee; I love to stay busy and purposeful. It keeps my mind active, my body moving, and helps to avoid that oh-so-fun pit of despair I mentioned earlier. Looking ahead and knowing my NYE could easily turn into a pity party, I am chock full of ways to stay busy, cozy, and grateful.
Let’s dive in.
SPINSTER TIPS
FOR SPENDING NYE ALONE
1. No Pity Parties
Depending on your circumstances, this can be easier said than done. I get it. If you’re feeling particularly love-spurned, the idea of sobbing to Bridget Jones’ Diary or Pride and Prejudice (again) might sound pretty tempting. But, trust me, hosting a pity party on your living room couch is NOT how you want to spend your Spinster NYE. There’s so much New Year’s fun to be had! Plus, rule of thumb: wallowing won’t bring you anything but - you guessed it - more wallowing. (If you’re feeling particularly blue, try the timer rule. Sit with your feelings for five minutes, then switch gears.)
Spinster Tip? Do something that makes you happy. That’s it.
Even if that’s watching Bridget Jones for the seventieth time. If it brings you joy - even if the joy is short term - do it. And, if you end up slipping into your own rabbit hole, ask yourself why you’re wallowing to begin with.
You’re AMAZING, remember?!
2. Fill Your Dance Card (yes, another list)
Do you ever have a mental list of all the things you need to grab from the store? But, when you get there, you end up getting totally distracted and completely forget your list? This happens to me ALL the time, readers. It’s infuriating. I go to the store to get cotton balls and end up leaving with 3 new lipsticks and gummy bears. It’s easy to get caught up in our circumstances, and if your circumstance feels a bit boring or - dare I say - lonely, it might be tempting to beecome complacent.
Spinster Tip? Stay busy! Fill your night with activities that bring you (and ONLY you) joy.
No flipping through photos of old flames and past relationships. No tinder scrolling. No listening to songs that will definitely make you cry. Instead, practice a foreign language with Duolingo. Cook an elaborate meal and have a sip of wine (or sparkling apple cider!). Host a painting night for one while you listen to your best feel-good music.
Embrace the positives and keep your spinster ass busy.
3. Wear Something That Makes You Happy
Listen to your inner spinster. If she wants sweatpants, give her sweatpants.
Last New Year’s Eve - Against my better judgement, I bought myself a lime green PJ set. I didn’t feel like splurging on myself (re: broke), but the color made me feel so bright and springy and happy. In the midst of being unemployed and recently single, I needed all the positivity I could get. I bought the set and rocked it on NYE with my favorite fuzzy socks. And guess what? On an otherwise low-energy NYE, I felt cute. And happy. And suddenly, spending NYE alone didn’t feel as dramatically awful as I’d imagined.
Spinster Tip? Don’t dress to impress, just wear something that brings you joy.
This year, my joy outfit will be my favorite sweatpants, sweater, and sparkly antlers. And I’m LOVING IT.
4. Try Something New!
Honestly, why TF not?? New Year, new opportunities to put yourself out there!
While I’m not a huge fan of resolutions, which can sometimes feel like societal pressure to ‘get things done’, I think creating a list of things you want to try or learn can be really motivating. Whether it’s your happiness project, bucket list, or just some things you’ve put off doing…write it all down and START ONE. I know. Gasp, right?
Spinster Tip? Trying something new is easier than you think it is.
I’ve always wanted to learn French, but somehow I never just…started. Last week, I joined DuoLingo and I absolutely love it. I feel French AF. And honestly, I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself.
5. Roll With It
No matter how NYE 2021 plays out, I want to go with the flow. Even with the best intentions, a fun night can feel lonely. On the flip side, an otherwise solitary night can feel fulfilling. It’s all about perspective and intention. I want my night to be full of joy. No matter how that looks - whether it’s a solo movie marathon or a Zoom happy hour with friends - I know I’m going to make the most of it.
Spinster Tip? Leave room to breathe. Enjoy the night and go with the New Year’s flow.
It’s the last night of the year, after all.
6. TREAT YO SELF
Yes, I use this rule a lot. Because it’s amazing. The world is crazy right now; it’s easy to fall into a routine of saving and hoarding your resources. With another NYC shutdown looming, I feel like a squirrel gathering my acorns for the long winter ahead. Looking back, it feels like last summer was all outdoor brunches and manicures. My winter is looking more and more like freezer soups and home haircuts. And hey, budgeting can be rewarding. Savings, blah blah blah.
But, the point of this tip, spinsters? You deserve to treat yourself. I love to treat myself with relaxing spa days at home; facial steam, clay mask, exfoliant, etc. Being pampered feels magical, even if I’m the one doing all the work.
Spinster Tip? TREAT YO SELF. You deserve it.
Nuff said.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hopefully this post gave you a few NYE ideas. (If you’re feeling snacky, this GothGirl Cookbook: Gluten-Gree Snacks list still hits the spot for me.) New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year. The cozy holiday lights and bubbly champagne makes me grateful for where I am, wherever I am. Even though this year, I’ll be on my couch watching Sleepless in Seattle, I’m really looking forward to it. I’m very settled into this socially-distant Spinster NYE, because I already know I have the tools I need to have an amazing night.
So, basically, I’m dating myself on NYE. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even get a kiss. Ha.
Happy New Year! Mask up and stay safe,
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