10 Things You’ll Call Your “Boyfriend” This Holiday Season

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1. Peppermint Mocha’s at Starbucks

Because there’s nothing quite like sipping a peppermint flavored beverage with chocolate
undertones, mixed with all the good vibes of caffeine. It keeps you motivated all day long and feeling warm. What could be better? And those layers! Delicious.

2. Holiday Gifts

No matter what you’re celebrating, receiving gifts from loved ones, or even non­material words of joy, is like the birth of the holiday spirit all over again. You feel renewed each time you engage in this exchange and are happy to hold it in your arms and experience it’s good intentions. No harm or misleading messages, just happy go ­lucky holiday vibes.

3. Fireplaces

While some of your friends may be snuggling up next to their significant other on a sofa impressed by the scent of pine and eggnog, you take pride sitting next to a fireplace that you can dismiss or linger with for whatever amount of time you please. No strings attached. The easiest, most fiery relationship of your life. (Sorry, had to!)

4. Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

Because when you can’t afford to spend time with boyfriend #1, hot chocolate with marshmallows is always available and you love it for that. Nothing’s quite as sweet or accessible. Hot chocolate with marshmallows is your ultimate comfort bae, and you know it’s quite happy to be. This mutual understanding is your ultimate bliss. It’s like mistletoe is always dangling above your cloud of chocolatey, marshmallow­goo love. Cue the googly ­eyes.

5. Holiday Sweet Treats

Your mom hand­picked them at the grocery store, so you know they’re already parent approved. Perfection! Though you aren’t necessarily able to enjoy them in great amounts throughout the year, your relationship is strengthened, because each time you are able to enjoy them it’s like falling in love all over again. It’s your ultimate long­ distance relationship you’re happy you get to savor during the holiday season.

6. Winter Accessories

Your matching scarf, hat and mitten set would otherwise be thought of as lame or weird, but this relationship accepts you for your weird matchy-­matchy, control freak quirk. You’re in a very understanding place and are enthralled by the lack of complication your relationship has. Plus, let’s talk about that protection from frostbite. Such a thoughtful relationship.

7. Michael Buble

Unfortunately, Buble’s ‘boyfriend’ title has already been claimed in matrimony by the beautiful Luisana Lopilato. Let’s be real though, that still won’t stop you from calling him your boyfriend every time you turn your holiday playlist on, on Spotify. No one sings “Baby It’s Cold Outside” like Buble does. Chills. That voice is “so delightful” with all of his modern Frank Sinatra seduction.

8. After­ Holiday Sales

Because nothing spoils you quite as rotten as BOGO’s, 90% off clearances, “Everything Must Go”‘s and the indisputable re­stocking that accompanies tearing down what merchants call ‘old,’ but you’ll love to call new in 2015. This is the relationship that just keeps on giving. You’re always in awe.

9. Netflix

Let’s face it, you practically already have a song together (“I’ll Be There” by Jackson 5). You know it’ll always be there for you and that you both love popcorn. What more do you need? This relationship is your simplest and most loyal. Netflix is always up for anything too and you love it’s go­-to attitude.

10. Your Actual Boyfriend

Not everyone has the same privilege you do and you know it. That’s why you feel so lucky to be in love around the holidays and that you get to spend it with someone who matters so much…but, for those without a significant other, the joy of being surrounded by friends and family is just as uplifting and affirming.

The holidays truly are ‘happy’ after all, whether you’re spending them with a bag of holiday Oreos, caressing your new wool sweater or are hugging an actual human being. Take joy in the little things and seek humor in your happenstances. Remember, there’s no present greater than time.