Surviving Holiday Season During Divorce
The 2014 holiday season is upon us. Traditionally, the holidays are a time for bringing the family together to enjoy and celebrate the season. However, when families are going through, or have gone through, a divorce, these times can often feel much less festive. Surviving a divorce during the holidays can be a difficult task.
For those who are affected by divorce, the stress of the season can be very intense. Not only is there the juggling of schedules between parents but this could also be the first time a divorcing or newly divorced client has to spend the holidays without their children or even without their in-law family who they have called their own for many years. There may be increased tension between family members. It can be difficult to spread holiday cheer when you are struggling yourself.
Throughout the years, as a divorce lawyer in Chicago, I have collected many tips from my divorce clients and other divorce attorneys for dealing with the stresses of divorce during the holiday season. Below is my list of the top ten tips for surviving divorce during the holidays.
Top 10 Tips for Surviving the Holidays
- HANG OUT WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE – Surround yourself with positive people, and try to steer clear of negativity. Divorce takes a lot of mental and physical energy.
- LET YOUR CHILDREN KNOW THAT ALL IS OKAY – Some might say that the best gift the children can receive is to show them that both parents are doing okay and there is no hatred between the two. Make the holidays about peace and joy, not conflict and resentment.
- ACT “IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD” – Decide ahead of time how the holidays will be divided. Talk with your divorce lawyer to make sure the parenting plan works for you and your children. Keep the arrangements as simple as possible.
- BUY YOURSELF A GIFT – Buy yourself something really you have always wanted. The gift will be from you TO you!
- BE REALISTIC – Have realistic expectations about the holiday season, especially the first year.
- TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF – Try to get enough sleep and exercise. Eat healthy so you have the energy to cope. Do not overeat or drink too much.
- FIND DISTRACTIONS – Positive distractions are often extremely beneficial, such as getting a massage, going to the movies, or simply spending time with close friends.
- CREATE NEW TRADITIONS – The holidays, for one who is divorced, can provide an opportunity for creating new traditions for your family. Find some new or different holiday music, or perhaps try out a new activity in your community.
- DO NOT BASH YOUR SPOUSE – Don’t speak negatively about your spouse. This can negatively affect your children, no matter what their age.
- ONE DAY AT A TIME; ONE HOLIDAY AT A TIME – It will get easier!
A New Year is around the corner! For more information about divorce, divorce in Chicago or your rights during the holiday season, feel free to contact me.
