Wow it has been a year since I have been on this here blog.

And quick update: still single.

But still so content and even more in love with Jesus. Which says nothing about me and everything about Him.

But, I’m not going to lie: the Hallmark movies are rolling, that brisk, Christmas love and joy is in the air and man oh man is my contentment in my singleness being chipped at bit my bit by this winter wonderland we call the holiday season.

And I figured, even though it’s been a year since I’ve written on here, I could stop in and say just a few words to my gal pals and very highly eligible bachelors that may run across this little corner of cyberspace.

1.  You are not alone in that weird aching feeling to have someone special by your side as you take your second or third helping of green bean casserole. Or someone to roll your eyes at while attending those awkward family reunions.
2. You are not alone in that secret frustration that the holidays only elevate your want for your person. Or the way society seems to shout that you can’t be thankful on Thanksgiving or joyful during the 12 Days of Christmas because you don’t have a ring on your finger or a baby on the way.

You are not alone.

Because yes, singleness in the holiday season is tough, tougher than normal, and that’s okay.

It’s okay to be frustrated at the cheesy commercials and all those dang Hallmark movies that pull at the heartstrings. Every. Single. Time.

It’s okay.

But also remember:

Everyone has their own story. And Instagram and Facebook are ways we share that story. Whether the good or bad, we share it.

And while some people are sharing their baby announcement and some are sharing how thankful they are for the guy/gal in their life, some are secretly wishing and praying for a miracle baby. Some are praying for their husband to stay or their son to come back home.

Yes, singleness sucks sometimes, and yes, we need to sit in the frustration that the holidays highlight families and couples, but you are not alone even more than just the simple fact that both you and I are single and very ready to mingle-

You are not alone in the simple fact that everyone around you has a story too.

Everyone around you may be missing something too.

And the holiday season isn’t just hard for us single girls or guys- it’s even harder for that newly married girl that you work with whose mom just passed away. It’s even harder for that “dream Instagram couple” who is struggling to get pregnant and all they wanted was a Christmas miracle.

Guys we have to remember: we are not alone in more ways than one. And instead of sitting in the frustration that the holiday season may bring, we need to step out and love and celebrate the people around us.

We are not alone because we all have a story.

Yours may be: 26, Depressed and the Holidays.

Or his may be: 32, Just Diagnosed with Cancer and the Holidays.

Or hers could be: 23, Newly Married Struggling to See Jesus in the Mess and the Holidays.

Whatever your story, whatever your struggle, your hurt, your “24, Single and the Holidays,” know that you are not alone.

Just don’t sit in it.

Step out and love deeply. Give while holding nothing back. And celebrate like it’s the last party you’ll ever have.

Because I’m not just 24 and single during the holidays. I’m 24, a freaking amazing teacher to 11 incredible kiddos, all while living in Orange County, California, with blessings upon blessings to have a budget for coffee and a roundtrip home for Christmas.

And you are too (well, maybe not exactly but you get the point).

Speak truth over yourself and celebrate every little blessing you have.

Sit in the mess, the frustration, miss what you truly desire, and then head on full force into celebrating what you have and what He promises. 

But make sure to leave room for two heaping helpings of pumpkin pie.

See you soon,

Stephanie Lynn