The holly jolly spirit of the holiday season can quickly turn sour if you are alone. Everywhere you look, happy couples cuddled up enjoying the spirit of the season. It’s sickening, to say the least. But no need to turn into the Grinch, here are 5 things you can do this season to put some jingle in your jangle.
Mozart’s Light Show
Cozy up on the deck at Mozarts and witness over a million lights twinkling to some holiday tunes. Warm up your cold heart with one of their many, many hot chocolate options; no seriously, they have a whole hot chocolate menu. I recommend the Mexican Hot Chocolate. And, you can bring your furry friend as your plus one to hide the fact you are alone.
Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”
This one is definitely on my to-do list for this year- and it should be on yours, too. Choose one of their 15 performances from Dec. 3 to Dec. 23 and enjoy some time in the theater. Dress up a little- or a lot if you prefer- and see if you spot any celebrity appearances as Mother Ginger.
Austin Trail of Lights
Make your Yuletide (which I have finally discovered means Christmas time) gay and see this spectacular display of lights. The 58th annual event in Zilker runs from Dec. 8-23 and features over 2 million lights. Use your scarf as a blindfold if you see any happy couples.
Hallmark movie marathon
We all make fun of the cheesiest of cheesy holiday movies, but even I must admit Hallmark Christmas movies are addicting. I recently saw a TikTok that claimed every conflict in a Hallmark Christmas movie happens at exactly 1 hour 35 minutes (with commercials). So, don your comfiest sweats, fa-la-la your way into some spiked hot chocolate, and discover if they really do cancel the Christmas Festival (at exactly 1 hour and 35 minutes).
Operation Blue Santa, The Junior League of Austin: Coats for Kids, foster Austin Animal Center
Perhaps the most important way to Dance-r and Prance-r over those lonely vibes is to donate some time to those in need. The holiday season is difficult for so many people for many reasons. Here are a few different Austin holiday volunteer opportunities that will truly grow your heart three times as big. Operation Blue Santa is run by the Austin Police Department and has supplied families in need with the entire holiday experience (meals and presents) since 1972. They accept gift and food donations year-round. The Junior League of Austin: Coats for Kids accepts coat donations at Jack Brown Cleaners through the first week of December to help families stay warm this year. Lastly, Austin Animal Center and Austin Pets Alive are always looking for donations, but also fosters to give the animals a warm place to stay during the colder months.
The holidays can be tough for many, and I hope at least one of these events will send your troubles miles away.