Tip for the SMPs: Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko
Here in the Philippines, we have people that we call SMPs. It is short for Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko which roughly translates to an association of single people during Christmas. This has become famous but its origin may be unknown. However, it sure does offer a sense of unity for those with a chilly Christmas season.
Although it may get lonely since it’s been your nth Christmas without a special someone, it doesn’t really have to be that way. Plus, you don’t need to have a romantic partner just to have a good Christmas… or a good life, for that matter. There’s a lot of fun stuff for single people to do this season.
So, as a member of the Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko, here are a few things you can do to make this season merrier!
Spending time with friends and family
Warmth isn’t only found in the arms of a special someone. Spend time with family and friends when the night gets too chilly. Most of these people will offer you infinite warmth. Rather than daydreaming about finding someone this Christmas, SMPs should divert their attention to the people that are already with them.
It’s not to say that wishing to have someone to call yours is wrong, rather, before doing so, make sure to appreciate the people around you first. Remember that you won’t be the person you are today without the support of your family and/or friends. Spend more time with them.
An act of kindness
If you feel that you have too much love to give but don’t have someone to pour all of it into, just do an act of kindness. Give away your love for free and without expecting anything in return. You might have too much time on your hands if you’re looking for someone special. Use that time to help others.
Volunteer work perhaps? Like a community planting, or helping in your local orphanage. Be charitable and share your blessings as much as you can. Buy gifts for children wishing for warmth. Give homeless people a reason to smile with a simple act of kindness. The feeling of making others happy is enough to provide comfort to a lonely and longing heart.
Investing in yourself
Being part of SMPs is actually beneficial if you think about it. You don’t have a special other that demand your time and attention. You don’t have a person you need to satisfy every now and then. And another thing, your money is all yours since you don’t have someone to give gifts to every occasion.
Instead of mopping around, invest in yourself. Buy yourself what you want. Shower yourself with gifts. It doesn’t necessarily have to be spending money. Take time to learn a new hobby, or language, or develop new skills. Make your time worth it by spending it for your own purpose.
Going solo
I don’t like how others automatically assume that being alone is lonely. Eating alone in a restaurant and getting photographed labeling you as lonely is apparently a trend nowadays. But for SMPs, going solo can be your way of further connecting with yourself.
If you’re getting adventurous, plan trips for yourself. Go to a place where you can satisfy yourself. A hot spring is a good place to visit. Eat in expensive restaurants once in a while. Just simply forget the world and immerse yourself in the purpose of knowing yourself. However, stay safe always!
Embrace being single
For SMPs out there, the greatest tip I can leave is that you embrace being single. There’s nothing wrong with not having a special someone. One way or another, your chance will come. But before that happen, just love yourself with any additional baggage. Christmas alone shouldn’t be as lonely as we portray it to be. If you know your worth, then know that God is taking time to groom your special someone into a person that will provide you home within their arms.
For this Christmas season, SMPs have so many reasons to feel happy. Appreciate the value of what you already have and appreciate yourself in your best moments.
