This Is the Absolute Best Time to Online Date

Is Buddy the Elf your honorary holiday boyfriend? The Will Ferrell holiday helper is adorable, but maybe it's time to trade in fictional company for the real deal next year. In order to shortcut the dating system, simply mark your calendar for 8:52 p.m. EST on Sunday, Jan. 4, which is apparently the best time all year for online dating. According to Match.com, "peak season" runs from Dec. 24 to Feb. 14. The site sees a 38 percent increase in new sign-ups. And within that peak season, the exact minute with the highest number of singles is 8:52 p.m. EST the Sunday after New Year's. So as you get ready to go back to work after holiday fun, you might want to jump on a dating site.