Christmas can be a tricky time for singles, so most people assume. There is a new study that suggests a majority of single women and almost half of single men are happy with being single. And just, because you’re single, doesn’t mean that the most wonderful time of the year has to be less wonderful and magical.

It’s actually easy to understand why flying solo means you can have a festive season like no other. Let us list a few reasons why being single during the festive season is the best:

1- No gift Shopping

Some relationships, especially new ones, come with unrealistic gift expectations. Buying the wrong gift can set the tone for the holiday and months to come.

Then it’s nice to not have to fall into this gift -panic trap of the festive season – it’s good to be single. There’s no Christmas shopping stress, with all the uncertainty of “will they like this present?”. Singles can indulge in all their selfish shopping impulses. Buying Christmas gifts for yourself is fun and you will enjoy every single gift.

You can throw yourself into partying and comfort eating… it’s me and more me time. Being single during the festive season is indeed the best.

2- There are no run-ins with in-laws

Being single over Christmas means that there are no run-ins with in-laws. The stress to have to please your in-laws, to have everything ‘perfect’ around the house and to worry about getting the right gift and holding polite conversations. All can add unnecessary stress to this festive season. Sometimes, unfortunately, leading to fights that might ruin the holiday spirit. Being single you don’t have to worry about any of this.

3. Travel

The wonderful thing about being single during the festive season is that you needn’t stay around. You can instead plan to travel abroad. Travelling alone is the best thing you can do, you are free to go anywhere you like. Doing it alone will boost your confidence and will build lasting memories.

4. Party time

Christmas is the party season and as a single, you can take this to the full extent of the meaning -partying. The Christmas period is the best time for being single, there are a lot of parties full of people ordinarily you might not talk to.

During Christmas, the normal rules of dating do not apply. If you are in the mood of romance this is the season for it. Christmas is the ideal time to ask that hot guy for some after-work drinks (wink, wink).

So, get out there and enjoy Christmas while being single.

The Secret Admirer

There’s no better time than Valentine’s Day to share your desire for that cutie you’ve had your eye on. After all, the secret admirer is what Valentine’s Day used to be all about. Whether you’re giving or receiving, everyone loves a little mysticism in their life and it’s always flattering to know that someone has a crush on you even if the admirer is uglier than a skinhead Britney Spears (but hopefully a little less psycho).

What to give: Send a card in the post and if you’re too shy to reveal yourself sign it with ‘from your secret admirer’… very fifth grade but in an adorable kind of way.
Why it’s hot: It’s fun, is guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face and can give you an opening if you want to take things further.
What not to give: Don’t include something weird in the card, such as freshly torn out eye lashes… that’s just creepy.

The Casual Lover

You’re there for each other at the most important times… ok maybe not the most important but when you last contacted him/her, getting a little action was well and truly up there on your list of priorities. If you are going to have a little meet and greet on Valentine’s Day then a gift is definitely in order. But keep it simple and down play on the romance – the last thing you want to do is turn your booty call into more of an emotional roller coaster than a sappy Meg Ryan movie. What to give: A bottle of champagne, don’t blow the budget but try to buy something a little more classier than the $5 variety popular with university students and underage drinkers alike.

Why it’s hot: It’s classy and sexy, not overtly romantic while still sending the right message.
What not to give: Bunch after bunch of long stem red roses with a card saying ‘I have always loved you’.

The ‘Just Started Dating’ Couple
You know you’re into each other but it’s still early days – you may not be ready to declare true love but at least you have a date on the ‘most romantic day of the year’. If you want to take things to the next level then you’re going to have to do something special – but not too crazy that you scare someone away. Adding a personal touch to a gift is a good idea; it shows that you’ve been paying attention over the first few dates and that he hasn’t spent the whole time ogling her breasts or that she hasn’t spent the whole time trying to figure out his bank balance.
What to give: Organise dinner at a restaurant he mentioned he wanted to try or send the flowers she told you were her favourite. Have no idea what he or she likes and dislikes? Well start listening! Chances are he/she has dropped plenty of hints by now.

Why it’s hot: It shows that you care enough about the things that excite them and that you’re willing to put in some effort.
What not to give: Nothing, zilch, nada. If you want to keep this woman or man around then you better step up and acknowledge that Valentine’s Day is super important for some people. If you’re not willing to get into the spirit of things then don’t be surprised if you’re dropped faster than an Australian Idol reject.

The Love is all Around Couple
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, you have spring in your step and your counting down the minutes until you can see each other again… awww isn’t love grand! For you Valentine’s Day is all about romance, romance, and more romance.
What to give: Effort is the key and making the gift extra personal will make it one to remember. Seeing as you know your partner better than I do, I’ll leave it to you to decide but just make sure it’s big and most importantly, thoughtful.

Why it’s hot: It shows that you listen and that you care enough to make a special effort for that person.
What not to give: Anything cheap and easy… this will look especially bad if your other half has really gone out their way and had “I LOVE YOU” written in the sky and all you’ve coughed up is a $10 bunch of flowers you picked up from the service station that have already begun to wilt.

What are you hoping to get for Valentine’s Day? Tell us all about it!

Christmas is about giving and nothing is better than seeing the look of satisfaction and appreciation on your partner’s face when you know you purchased the right gift.
So we have looked into some of the worst gifts and some of the best gifts you can give out this Christmas.

As a general rule, do not buy females kitchen appliances. It’s very unsexy and unless you plan to be single in the New Year it is advisable to not purchase any such household items. No sireee. Just put down that Harvey Norman catalogue right now.

Also no linen, naff ornaments or any recycled gifts you no longer want. Yes, we all have a pile of unwanted presents in the cupboard from our crazy aunts. The aunt who thought a Garfield jigsaw puzzle was exactly what you needed for Christmas. Save these gems to give to the people in the office when ‘Secret Santa’ is enforced.

And ladies: do not buy your partner any clothing unless he has requested for you to do so. That’s the mother or crazy aunt’s job. There are so many other things out there to rev your partner’s engine so let’s get down to the good stuff.

It’s always a recommendation to purchase something you can use together. Yes this includes that brand new, rotating, buzzing, cooks-dinner-for-you-and-washes-up-afterwards vibrator your missus has had her eye on. Or the anal beads you have always thought your man would like. Perhaps even a gift voucher for the naughty store of your choice and the promise of a fun shopping spree on a day off together. That way you can pick something out you’ll both love.

If money is a factor but you still want to give something special, a homemade gift voucher booklet never goes astray. You can also get quite creative with this one and personalise it to suit your tastes. Anything from ‘IOU one massage’, to ‘IOU a one hour oral sex session with your choice of topping: chocolate sauce, honey or whipped cream’. (Non-refundable and not valid on Sundays).

For the truly brave a his/hers waxing could be on the cards. Nothing can be more erotic than a little pain before pleasure, and smooth, hair-free bits and pieces wrapped in some new lingerie will certainly ignite some fires. (Just keep it indoors since it is bushfire season…)

The even braver could venture into some permanent ink a la Pamela and Tommy Lee. Or should that be Kid Rock? Perhaps just your partner’s initials tattooed onto one another could be a present with an edge. Something less permanent? Piercings can heighten sexual pleasure and could be an interesting gift option. You can both gain from a piercing in a strategic position.

Have you always wanted some nice shots of your partner? Ones where they don’t have their eyes half shut and clasping onto an alcoholic beverage? A great idea could be a professional studio photography session. You can book the both of you in or just stand back while they make your partner into model material. Tastefully done nude shots are something you can both enjoy, or something even naughtier if you so desire.

Finally, the tried and true treat is the dirty weekend away or the naughty overnight stay in a nice boutique hotel. With so many packages on offer this time of year, you simply choose a destination, book it, pack the new toys and enjoy.

We all know it’s the thought that counts so put some consideration into it and see what other ideas you can come up with!