Tips for Getting Through the Holidays After a Divorce

The holiday season is officially here. If this is your first holiday season after a recent divorce, it’s understandable to feel a little extra stress this year. After all, some of your traditions are likely to be upended. You may have to spend some of the season away from your kids. This might also be the first time you’ve seen or interacted with some of your friends or family since the divorce happened, which can always be a bit of an awkward experience.

With this in mind, here are some tips to help you make it through the holidays and come out emotionally sound.

• Don’t be shy about needing alone time: There are going to be plenty of holiday gatherings for you to attend, but if you need to spend some time alone as well, don’t be afraid to tell your friends and family. They will understand.
• Make new plans: That being said, don’t feel like you need to spend the entire holiday season in solitude. Find ways to make some new plans and start new traditions. If you get out the word that you’re in need of a holiday home, you’ll likely receive plenty of invitations from other family and friends.
• Treat yourself: Make foods you love, binge-watch a new show, and indulge in some old favorite traditions even if you’re going to be enjoying them alone. Just because some of your traditions have changed does not mean you have to eradicate them from your life entirely.
• Keep the magic for your kids: If you have children, do whatever you can to make sure the holiday season is still as magical and special for them as it’s always been. They’re going to be hurting, too, so find ways that you can all spend quality time together and enjoy yourselves even in what might otherwise be a difficult time.

For more tips to help you through your first holiday after your divorce, talk to a divorce lawyer in Long Island at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.