Creative Christmas Traditions for the Single Woman

1. Create your own "holiday" and use it as an excuse to hold a fun party for family and close family friends (think "festivus" from Seinfeld). My family has had a "Night-Before the Night-Before" party for decades (yes, it is held on the 23rd of December). It started out as a tradition started by my Mom and my Aunts back when they used to travel to their Grandmother's house in Marshall, Michigan. It was the only time they had an opportunity to spend time with their friends who lived next store. The friends, now in their 50s, now travel to Standish for this one-of-a-kind party. We all look forward to it each and every year!

2. Hold a brunch the day after a big holiday party. This may seem a bit strange, but we've done this for years also. We all gather at my Aunt's house the morning after the Night Before the Night Before and then we split off to do last minute Christmas shopping or spend time with cousins. It is a great way to gather everyone together. It is also a great way to get rid of leftovers from the night before.

3. Go bowling, especially if you never bowl the rest of the year. This is yet another fine tradition in my family. On Christmas Eve day, my cousins and I go bowling. None of us bowl throughout the rest of the year, and as a result, it is always a surprise as to who does well. Unfortunately, that is never me - I've been know to have been teased once or twice. Afterwards, we normally go grab something to eat and finish up any very last minute shopping. Part of the fun is seeing if there will even be bowling alleys open on Christmas Eve day. We've also gone to arcades, movies, or simply shopped. The point is spending time together doing something fun!