Stealing oversized sweaters, Netflix-ing and chilling, and Instagram captions that talk about how their significant other is the best Christmas gift they could ask for. As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer, everyone around us seems to be cuffed or on their way to being cuffed. Christmas time sets the stage for a time of romance and love. The infamous kissing scene as snow falls from the sky haunts our thoughts and creates our desire to have that special someone to snuggle up next to by the fireplace.

But what about those who don’t have that special someone to kiss under a mistletoe? How does one survive cuffing season when they’re not cuffed? Whether you decided to be single this holiday season or you’ve had an unfortunate love history this year, here is a single’s guide to surviving cuffing season.

Buy a new sweater or blanket.

A huge contributing factor to the popularity of cuffing season is the need for someone to cuddle with during the year’s coldest months. Instead, buy a huge fluffy blanket from Target or purchase a gigantic, inexpensive sweater from Walmart.

Go on a friend date.

Instead of having to pay for someone else’s dinner and ticket to go ice skating at Hotel Del Coronado, invite your friends to go. Set up a friend date with some of your closest pals. This way, you’ll save money and get to laugh at them when they fall and not feel badly about doing so.

Treat yourself.

Although the holidays are a time for giving, it wouldn’t hurt to get yourself something nice. Treat yourself to face masks and pedicures or that camera you’ve been wanting. Reward yourself for all the accomplishments and hardships that have happened this year.

Treat others.

Like I said, the holidays are a time for giving. Stop focusing on how lonely and sad you are and realize how lucky you are to live the life you live. Take some time out of your busy schedule to help those who aren’t as fortunate. Volunteer at local soup kitchens, clean out your closet to donate clothes, or even go shopping and purchase something to donate to a local toy drive.

Be patient.

Most importantly, remember that this feeling of loneliness is temporary. It would be much more meaningful to meet someone and fall in love at the right time than to force yourself to believe that you need someone to survive the Christmas season. Your time to meet the right person will come. Love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.