While the upcoming holiday season is typically chock-full of abounding merriment, delectable treats, and well-ingrained family traditions, if you have gone through a recent divorce, the holiday routines you’ve grown to know and love will have to undergo big changes to mirror the transformations you’ve recently made. If this is your first year separated from your previous spouse — even if you feel that the divorce was 100 percent the correct choice — you will likely experience a little sadness or loneliness during the holidays. It just comes with the territory. But it is important to allow yourself to feel those emotions without getting lost in them. Once you are able to acknowledge your feelings and losses, you can start implementing other ideas into your family’s life in order to navigate the holidays post-divorce.
1. Plan to Plan
This year, you have a clean slate to form new holiday traditions. New traditions help create a sense of belonging after a big family transformation. If you have children, let them be involved in generating new customs. Once you and your children decide on ideas, be sure your ex-spouse knows of your plans and that you both have a solid holiday parenting plan in place.
2. Surround Yourself With People
In addition to making new traditions, be intentional about spending time with your extended family. Whether you celebrate with your children, siblings, parents, or even close friends, having a strong support system in place makes the holidays easier and more enjoyable. This is also an opportunity to volunteer at a local event or charity.
3. Pamper Yourself
Between braving the busy grocery stores, ridding your house of every dust speck, and prepping the plump turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, planning for the holidays is stressful and stirs up a lot of emotions. For this reason, our team here at Atlanta Divorce Law Group encourages you to take time for yourself. Buy yourself a pair of nice boots, schedule a massage, or go out for a nice meal. Everyone deserves a little pampering, and ensuring that you care for yourself this time of year will make the experience flow more smoothly for everyone.
