Holiday dating tips: Find your love

"Long gone are the days of carefree spring evenings, mingling with charming men at bars and aimlessly swiping on dating apps. Now, we find ourselves with rain-soaked hairstyles and legs hairier than any winter critter. It’s understandable to think that finding love during December could feel daunting.

Yet, it is achievable, and it can lead to enduring, passionate relationships that are more focused on building a future together than on how many men dressed as Santa you can kiss in a single evening.

This time last year, I was at my dating peak. After a summer filled with disappointments—men who dragged me to pubs to watch football and one who showed up dressed as a Blues Brother—I refused to let winter weddings or ski trips defeat me. I resolved to embrace the opportunities that the holiday season might bring.

By taking the initiative and not dismissing this time of year as a couples-only affair, it's entirely possible to find your match.

According to a National Rail study, one in five people found love through work. Holiday parties can be an excellent way to connect with coworkers you typically don’t interact with, especially if you’re part of a large organization.

So say 'yes' to those after-work drinks for the third night in a row, say 'yes' to organizing the Secret Santa, and definitely go chat with that intriguing new hire in marketing.

Letting go of the clichés of holiday party smooches and awkwardness will help you feel more open and approachable this festive season, and that attitude is half the battle.

Consider signing up for a dating site you’d never typically try.

Now, I’m not suggesting a complete makeover of your personality, but why not use the increased downtime the holidays provide to branch out a bit? Whether you've wanted to try a site dedicated to facial hair enthusiasts (yes, it really exists) or you've never stepped outside the realm of casual swiping, use the break to explore new options.

Sticking to familiar dating apps is unlikely to break the cycle of boring dates and mundane conversations. Just as we need to diversify our news consumption, we should also challenge our dating habits by opening ourselves up to fresh perspectives and experiences.

The holiday season offers plenty of free time, especially during those hours spent waiting in airport lounges or for trains. Last year, on a three-hour train ride back to my parents' house, I joined a dating site, paid £9.99 for a week’s membership (because I’m thrifty), and set my life on a whole new path.

Bored on the train, I grabbed my phone and impulsively signed up for a site recommended by a friend. Spotting a badger enthusiast with a witty vibe and a great beard (seriously, I should have tried Bristlr sooner) who also had a penchant for Proust, we exchanged messages. By the end of the ride, we had traded numbers and dog selfies. Almost a year later, we’re living together and celebrating our first Christmas in our home.

The festive season is indeed a wonderful time to reflect on yourself and what you truly desire in love. It doesn’t always have to mean endless swiping; it can also be a time to strategize for next year or eliminate those unwanted "Iain Tinder" and "Harry CH" contacts cluttering your phone.

People tend to be more relaxed and cheerful during this time, making them more receptive to finding that long-term partner or clarifying what they do and don’t want.

However, the holiday rush can make it challenging to dedicate time to finding a date. 

So if you can't pursue them, let them come to you. Even from the comfort of your home, you can nurture and explore potential connections using dating websites and apps.

These platforms have vast user bases, so it’s quite improbable that you won’t find someone who piques your interest among the thousands or millions of users.

It’s not too late to secure a date this Christmas. Discover