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Finding love after 50. The website for middle aged singles and senior singles, providing information and dating advice for middle age dating and senior dating. This column's topic: Singles need to plan ahead to enjoy the holidays and to avoid loneliness.
Singles need to start planning now to
perk up their holidays
Many singles dread spending the holidays alone, viewing them as something to tolerate and get through. But the holiday blues can be avoided with a
little planning and imagination.
Here are 10 suggestions for singles to put on their holiday "to do" list.
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"Have a holiday party for single friends," says Sherry, of Corona del Mar, "I prepared a full meal and invited everyone I knew that didn't have a place to go,
and told them to bring anyone they wanted who needed a home. It was one of the best Thanksgivings ever, and everyone was so appreciative."
"Accept invitations that come your way, even if it means going solo. You might just have a good time and won't know unless you go," said Mary,
Lake Forest
"Get tickets to holiday events--now. Take a friend or go alone," says Janet, of Dallas, "It'll get you in the holiday mood."
Volunteer. "Do something outside yourself--something for someone else. You'll realize how lucky you are to be alive and how precious life is,"
says Becky Cook, Lake Forest. This holiday season, more so than in many years-due to the war and fires-there is a great need to help others less fortunate
Pat, Orange, says, "The holiday time is a great time to give of ourselves to others. There are abundant opportunities to get involved in various community
charities doing holiday cheer for the homeless, poor, etc., and you meet a great group of people who believe in giving of themselves."
Invite families of service men and women into your home-especially those alone and with loved ones away on foreign soil. Camp Pendleton is
just down the road and many Marines will be alone
Reach out to natural disaster victims. With all of the natural disasters that have happened lately, there will be hundreds of families who would
appreciate being invited to share a holiday meal with you. Pat of Oceanside is opening her home as a temporary residence for people displaced by the fires. Contact the
Red Cross-- they'll know where help is needed
Visit the elderly in nursing and rest homes, especially people with nobody coming to see them. You'll lift their hearts and spirits and yours as
well. Take small gifts; plants work well. Have a single friend join you.
"Start a new tradition, something that befits your new single life," suggested Corona resident, HR Huzzy, who spoke of a friend who became
suddenly single prior to the holidays. "She went to Jamaica and had a great time. There is never any profit in longing for what once was, but rather much joy in exploring what
is."
Watch the Register for holiday events listings. Many are free and the atmosphere festive.. "Churches that have lots of activities for singles are always
good to check into, like Mariners, Saddleback, Calvary and St. Andrews," said Cheryl, of Newport Beach.
Take in the boat parades in Dana Point and Newport
Beach, or the Rose Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena.
"Making a plan of action always helps me feel I'm the one who directs my own destiny. Don't wait for someone else to make you happy," added Mary.
The key is early preparation. If singles implement a couple of these suggestions now into their plans, they could have the best holiday in years.
Rebecca, San Clemente, "I've been single for about a year. People shouldn't take this dating thing so seriously. Go out and just make friends.
I had never had male friends before. Now I have so many male friends
that if I ever need someone to accompany me I can pick up the phone and say, 'Wanna come along?'"
Unsure about Internet dating, Christine Stieber of Fullerton teaches Internet dating classes for women and men. Contact her at 714 792-0115
or visit her website at
www.The-Perfect-Day.com
Tommie Rae, Aliso Viejo, "I can hardly imagine anything more boring than a man who lays all his cards on the table on a first date-or a woman for
that matter."
Note from Tom: I'm spending tomorrow with my Mom in Santa Rosa. It's both of our birthdays. She turns 93 and continues to read this column
and critique it.
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