Partner
The holidays are just around the corner and, let’s be honest, while they can be a time of great joy and celebration, they can also be stressful and emotional. This can be especially true if you have recently divorced and are approaching your first post-divorce holiday season. The truth of the matter is, however, that you can do more than just survive this holiday season. You can thrive. It will take some planning, flexibility, and an attitude knowing that you can do this! Let’s take a look at some tips for dealing with divorce during the holidays.
Dealing with Divorce During the Holidays
Sharing parenting time can be challenging under the best of circumstances, but throwing in the holidays season can put extra pressure on an otherwise logistical nightmare. It is likely that your co-parent will want time with the children this holiday season and the best thing you can do for each other and the whole family is to put specific, detailed plans in place for who will have the kids when and for how long, as well as who will pick them up, drop them off, and where these transfers will occur. It can also be helpful if you and your co-parent talk about what holiday activities you will be participating in and a gift-giving plan for the kids to avoid overlap, trying to outdo each other, and create other unhelpful situations for each other.
A detailed plan for parenting time over the holidays will help everyone, the kids especially, manage their expectations over the holidays. It will also help everyone prepare mentally for the road ahead. Setting expectations and having a clear picture of what the holiday season will look like can provide a sense of relief in what could otherwise be a time of uncertainty and anxiety.
Armed with a schedule for the holiday season, you can turn your attention to building memories and carrying on with traditions new and old. Post-divorce, you may not be able to carry on some of the traditions your family has established. Give yourself permission to let these go. Give yourself the opportunity to build new traditions with your kids and family members. While it may be natural to mourn the loss of a tradition, take the opportunity to build new ones together with loved ones.
Another tip for taking on the post-divorce holiday season is to remember to take care of yourself! It is far too easy to get lost in the bustle of the holidays. Take some time to pause and relax. Make getting enough sleep and exercise, as well as remembering to eat those healthy foods a priority! Feeling strong and healthy can be a key component of a successful holiday season.
Syracuse Divorce Attorneys
At CDH Law, our team of divorce attorneys is committed to helping you during some of the most difficult times of your life. We dedicate ourselves to protecting the best interests of our clients and working tirelessly to help ensure they have a successful post-divorce life. Divorce signals a new life chapter and we want it to be your best one yet! Contact us today.