As the saying goes, 'tis the season to be jolly. But for some, being single during the holidays can be a real drag. Whether it's the idea of spending yet another Christmas without a significant other, being the only single person at all those family gatherings, or just feeling like another year has flown by without meeting that special someone, being single during the holidays can be overwhelming. But never fear, my fabulous friends. The key to having a fun and festive holiday season actually has nothing to do with having a significant other or not. In fact, the secret to the celebratory season lies in giving thanks for exactly where you are in life. And for the savvy single, that means celebrating the many joys of being single, especially during the holidays.

Finding love is hard enough. Finding in-laws you love is even harder. So this season, give thanks that there are no in-laws in your life right now. And that's a very good thing! No quarrels over whose house you're spending the holidays at. No guilt trips about when the wedding, baby, and/or big promotion will happen. And as much as your own family may drive you nuts, spend a little extra time appreciating your quirky relatives this holiday season. Next year, you may be dealing with your new significant other's family.

With no significant other to shop for this holiday season, your wallet may be feeling a little fat (even in these alleged cash-strapped times). You can lighten the load in a myriad of ways. From padding your savings account to splurging on the single friends in your life to doing something charitable for others in need, your hard-earned dollars will find their rightful home soon enough. And in the meantime, give thanks for being single and all the fabulous freedom it affords you this holiday season!

Sure, it would be nice to have someone special to kiss under the mistletoe at every holiday party this season, but Joy #3 of being single is that you never know who you'll meet under the mistletoe! You could kiss a couple cuties during the holidays this year. That's the fun of being single. Knowing that the possibilities are endless, and that your next great kisser may just around the corner, or under the mistletoe. So why not put on your best party dress (or suit) and flirt a little this holiday season?

And speaking of flirting, one of the best things about being single is that you have the freedom to flirt 24-7. Sure, when you're coupled up you can still engage in the occasional flirt fest. But while you find yourself free of a romantic entanglement at this time of year, live it up! Strike up a conversation with every cutie you meet this holiday season. Whether they smile, respond, and/or ask for your number is irrelevant. The point is to practice, practice, practice your flirting skills. You, my footloose and fancy free friend, have a free pass to flirt your booty off during the holidays. Go for it!

The holidays are the perfect time to take stock of your dating life as it is and to make any changes for the coming year. And the beauty of being single is that all of the choices are up to you so you get to be incredibly selfish! Really spend some time this holiday season thinking about what you want for your fabulous life. Looking to make a career change? Make it happen! Want to go back to school? Go for it! Serious about finding the love of your life? Enlist the help of friends, matchmakers, and dating experts and make 2009 the best year possible. You deserve it!

So there you have it -- the joys of being single during the holidays. May you learn it, live it, love it. Happy holidays!