“Mary Margaret and Guest” is how all of the wedding invitations in my mailbox are addressed. Oh, Guest, where are you?! I’d love to take you to my work Christmas party, the Christmas concert at church, home for Christmas with my family, and be my date on New Year’s Eve. It seems like this time of year, I’m hyper-aware of the fact that I’m single. Ugh.
I love my job, I travel all the time, and I’ve got fantastic friends, but it’s hard to be single during the holidays. I wish I could explain why, but it’s just harder than the rest of the year for some reason, and I don’t think I’m alone in that. On Thanksgiving I tweeted, “Another thing I’m thankful for… No one today has said, ‘I just don’t understand why you’re still single.’” Good grief, this is a terrible thing to say, and I wish I could say that it has never been said to me, but I can’t.
My dad has always been good to invite people to our home for a holiday meal who didn’t have somewhere else to go. Have you asked the single people in your life if they’ve got plans yet? It’s easy to assume that everyone spends time with their families, but many single people end up picking up extra shifts, or can’t afford to go home. I’m so thankful for my friends who make me feel like I’m part of their families. It’s a huge blessing, and I don’t take it for granted. I’ve got little friends who call me Auntie M, and I love it.
Some of you may be surrounded by people, but feel alone. I get it. This feeling isn’t just for those who are single, either. We were created for community, and the holidays are a great time to make sure that we’re aware of those in our lives who may be having a hard time.
I wish I could give you a prescription on what you or your church could do, but I think I would boil it all down and say this: don’t forget us.
It’s easy to gear things towards couples, families, and kids, but it’s hard to know how to include the single people in your life for whatever reason. We’re inundated with Christmas movies about finding love and our mailboxes are stuffed with cute cards with everyone’s families on them, and I’m like, “do I need to get a puppy and mail out a picture with him?!”
I just don’t want to be the only one who’s alone. Can I get an amen?
As you’re making plans and keeping busy, just don’t forget us. Whatever you do to reach out to the single people in your life, rest assured that it will mean something to them. Invite them over to watch a movie and drink hot chocolate with your family, or ask them to sit with you at church on Sunday. Little things go a long way. This Christmas, ask God to give you eyes to see the people in your life the way He does. It will go a long way, and can make a huge impact.
When Mary Margaret isn’t coordinating leadership events for women or hosting the {MARKED} podcast, you can find her watching Florida Gator football, cooking with friends, or reading a good book. She loves teaching God’s Word, Mexican food, a good pair of jeans, and calling Nashville home. Follow her on Twitter: @marymargaretc.