Un-cuffed for the Holidays?
“It’s a yum-yummy world made for sweethearts.”
(“It’s a Marshmallow World”)
Holiday season can be very difficult for single adults. Apparently there’s a thing now called “cuffing season,” beginning in October, which refers to single folks’ desire to “cuff” themselves to a partner so they won’t have to go through the holidays alone.
As the quote above notes, most human societies are a “yum-yummy world” for couples. Singles have always been ostracized one way or another, unless they were celibate for religious reasons.
I cannot really relate, because I was practically born married (I’ve actually never lived alone). But I’d like to be much more inclusive of relatives and friends who, for one reason or another, are not “cuffed” this season.
Who in your family festivities over the next few weeks will come without a “plus one”? How can you make adjustments to assist them feeling included? (One suggestion—don’t always sit next to your spouse when gathering around the table, or gift-opening circles).
At the same time, how can you allow those single folks to follow their own paths this year? Perhaps this is a year to allow people to come and go as they please, without pressure to participate in anything they don’t want to.
Come to think of it, that sounds like a good thought for everyone, sweethearts or not.
Here are the three best versions of “It’s a Marshmallow World” (without Dean Martin’s—he sounds way too drunk):
1. Ella Fitzgerald & Bing Crosby
3. Brenda Lee
Peace begins with pause,
