12 Reasons Why The Holidays Are Actually A Glorious Time For Introverts
Work parties. Secret Santas. Horrific shopping crowds. There's a lengthy list of things introverts hate about the holidays; but believe it or not, it's not all bad news. In fact, there are plenty of things introverts love about the holidays, the chilly weather, and the end of the year. This horrid untruth likely stems from the many misconceptions about introverts, namely that we hate people. Contrary to popular belief, introverts don't hate people. We're not introverts because we've decided we don't like anyone. We're introverts because we love being by ourselves. We love quiet time. We love alone time. Note: we're not lonely. Big difference.
And it's for this reason we love so many things about the holidays. It allows us to have more time for solitude, which is where we find our energy and pleasure — as opposed to big, busy crowds. During the holidays, we get to spend more time curled up with a good book or lounging in front of the TV with a hot drink or a grilled cheese sandwich or something else totally delicious and amazing. Don't feel sorry for us — we're having the time of our lives.
Here are some of the best parts of the holidays for us introverts.
1. "It's Too Cold To Leave The House" Is A Legitimate Reason For Avoiding Parties
This is especially true if you live in an area that gets freezing rain or deathly winds. This former midwesterner can confirm that under these conditions, you do not — repeat, do not — leave the house ever. You barricade yourself inside in your long underwear and pray for sunlight. It's an introvert's dream come true.
2. So Is, "I Caught That Bug Going Around"
"You know, that bug? That thing? That itchy throat, runny nose, flu-y, headache, nausea, crampy thing going around? Yeah! That thing. Whatever it is. I have that."
3. You Get Extra Couch Cuddling Time With Your Pet And Netflix
Introverts love nothing more than burying themselves under a mountain of blankets with their cat or dog or naked mole rat or whatever pet they have, and watching hours of glorious holiday movies. No talking. No socializing. Just good, old-fashioned couch potato time.
4. The Holiday Seasons Means Tons Of Good Movies To Watch — Alone
Better yet, you never run out of good TV. Thanks to Netflix and Hulu, there will always be some cheesy Christmas movie streaming this time of year.
5. Any Host With A Pet Automatically Saves The Day
If you do happen to attend a holiday party and discover the host has a dog, your day immediately brightens. First, you love dogs. Most of your friends are dogs. Second, it means you have an excuse not to talk to humans. Win!
6. Cuffing Season Means Everyone's Going To Leave You Alone
Because they're all too busy trying to find dates. Have fun, friends. Leave me alone with my hot chocolate and erotica novel.
7. It's The Perfect Time To Give Gifts... To Yourself
'Tis the season for being generous and giving back. To you. You deserve it. You're an amazing person and you've worked so hard this year. Santa would definitely say you've been a good human. So go ahead — buy that shower gel set from Bath & Body Works. Order that fancy schmancy purse you've been eyeing online. Grab that Stranger Things candle shaped like Eleven that bleeds out of the nose. Fa la la la la la la la la!
8. Vacations From Work And School Mean More Time To Read
Your Goodreads account is about to blow up with all the books you're going to get through over the holiday break. You're not sure where to start, so you dive into three books at once, because go big or go home.
9. You Might Meet A Fellow Introvert
Before you head out of the office for your vacation, you probably decide to make an appearance at the dreaded holiday party. It's there that you notice another gal hanging out by the cheese platter for an unusual amount of time. She doesn't love cheese that much; she's trying to avoid other people. Go stand next to her so you can avoid people together.
10. You Get To Disconnect From Technology
You're on vacation, man. Live it up. If your boss needs something, too bad! If your study buddy wants to go over some lessons, tell 'em to take a hike. The holidays are for recharging your battery, and everyone will have to wait. #SorryNotSorry
11. Mailing Cards Is So Much Fun
Oh, notes! You love writing notes. Sending holiday cards is fun because it's a way to communicate without having to really communicate. Plus, you love decorating them with sparkles and glitter and maybe even throwing confetti in there. Really, you do it more for yourself than for the recipient; but you know they're going to love it too.
12. You Can Avoid The Mall Crowds All Together
Online shopping, to the rescue! Make no mistake about it: you can still enjoy all those sweet, sweet holiday sales without ever stepping foot inside a mall. And as for camping out in front of stores overnight so you get the best picks of discounted goods? Hell. To. The. No.
