For some singles, the holiday season can be a reminder of what’s missing. Living in a major city like Chicago, populated with millions of people, feelings of loneliness and isolation can be amplified during this time of year.
There are some in Chicago, however, who embrace being single during the holiday season. The TRiiBE spoke with two women who are finding bliss in celebrating the season in their own ways; the men who were contacted for this story did not want to be included.
For Ivana Jarmon, a 36-year-old photographer living in the Beverly neighborhood, it’s about being grounded in the comfort of self. She said that she’s grown content with being single, finding peace and fulfillment in her own company. She’s among nearly half of American singles who enjoy being single, according to a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center.
Jarmon stated that the holiday season shouldn’t be defined by relationship status. Instead, it can represent a time for transformation—a change to shift one’s perspective, accept personal growth, and even make a positive impact on the world at large.
“Celebrating the holidays means celebrating life. It means holding the ones that are near and dear to you. It means resolution and another chance at creating meaning within our lives,” Jarmon said.
Mara Collins, a 33-year-old screenwriter living in Chatham, isn’t letting loneliness faze her during the holidays. Collins doesn’t shy away from her independence, finding bliss in enjoying the season the way she wants to.
“I personally don’t mind being single during the holidays. I can rest easy knowing that I am happily single, as opposed to being stressed because my boyfriend or significant other is acting up or not getting me gifts,” Collins said with a laugh. “Plus, if you don’t have a significant other to buy gifts for, that is just more money to spend on yourself. That sounds very empowering to me.”
In Chicago, the holiday season offers many ways to connect with others and celebrate solo. Events like the Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier (which runs through Jan. 5) create festive environments where you can enjoy the holiday spirit without needing to have a plus-one.
Collins takes in some of her favorite holiday performances during the December holiday season.
“One of my favorite traditions is going to the Goodman Theater every year with my family to see A Christmas Carol! I also am looking forward to beginning a new tradition to see the Nutcracker with the Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House,” Collins said.
She also spends December shifting her mindset in preparation for the new year.
“For the past three years around the holidays, I have completed Year Compass,” she said. This free online booklet helps people design and plan the upcoming years by looking at the past year’s goals, mistakes and achievements. . “I find that it helps me have a better look on the year that I’ve had and gets me excited for what is to come,” said Collins.
Jarmon shared the importance of having friends. Every few years, for example, she and her friends gather around the holidays. They play games, eat good food, get loud, drink, and dance if the vibe is right. It’s a relaxed gathering requiring only food and themselves.
While navigating the loneliness that can accompany the changing seasons, Jarmon only allows herself to feel her feelings for a short period of time. Then, she uses that to renew her perspective.
“I take in my feelings of loneliness and I only give it 10-15 mins of my time. I try to look at things in a new perspective. All I can do is focus on myself, do what makes me happy,” Jarmon said. “Sometimes that means eating chicken pot pie with a good book, or taking myself out to see Wicked for the 3rd time. I believe navigating these moments are simply about putting one foot in front of the other.”
As the year winds down, Jarmon and Collins encourage us all to take a step back and give ourselves permission to celebrate in ways that make us feel good.
Whether you’re flying solo or surrounded by loved ones, the holiday season can be an opportunity for personal growth and new beginnings, on your own terms.
The post Some Chicago singles find joy in celebrating the holidays their way appeared first on The TRiiBE.
