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Give Yourself a Jolly Season
The holidays are a time when families come together to celebrate. But what do you do if you're not part of a traditional family anymore? How do you handle the holidays after a divorce? It can be tough, but it's definitely possible to work through the negative feelings and have a happy holiday season. Keep reading to learn some tips for navigating the holidays after divorce.
Take Some Time for Yourself
The holidays can be tough after a divorce. You may feel like you have to put on a brave face for your kids or family. But it’s okay to take some time for yourself. This is a big transition, and it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or lonely.
Just because you’re going through a divorce, doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. Talk to a counselor or a therapist if you’re struggling. You can also reach out to family and friends for additional support.
Set Some Ground Rules
If you have joint custody of your kids, talk to your ex about how you’re going to handle the holidays. If you can’t agree, don’t be afraid to set some ground rules. For example, you might decide that each parent gets the kids on alternating years. Or maybe you’ll alternate which holidays you celebrate with them.
When you don’t have joint custody, try to make the most of the time you do have with your kids. And if you can’t be with them on a holiday, reach out to them in other ways. Give them a call. Let them know they’re always on your mind, even when you can’t be together in person.
Create New Traditions
The holidays may be different after your divorce, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be special. If you don’t have your kids with you on a holiday, use the time to create new traditions. Maybe you can start a new tradition with your friends or extended family. Or maybe there are some things you always wanted to do during the holidays but never had the chance. This is your chance to start fresh and make the holidays your own.
Focus on What Matters Most
At the end of the day, what matters most is that you have people in your life who love and support you. Whether that’s friends, family, or a therapist, make sure you have people you can rely on. And try to focus on the positive things in your life.
Yes, divorce is hard. But it doesn’t have to ruin your holidays. With a little effort, you can make this holiday season special, despite everything that’s going on.
If you need help with divorce over the holidays or are preparing to start the process, turn to the team at Blood Law, PLLC. We can help you work through all facets of the divorce process. Learn more or schedule a consultation by calling (704) 286-0570 or by visiting our website.