Tips for Surviving the Holidays After a Divorce

The first holiday season after a divorce can be an emotionally turbulent time, especially if that divorce was just finalized in the last few months. Many of your favorite traditions may no longer be possible, and you might find yourself feeling like you’re going into another period of mourning.

While it’s easier said than done, there are some strategies you can implement to help you actually enjoy the holidays, rather than hiding from them. Here are a few tips.

• Begin your planning early: Make sure you have plans far in advance for a schedule for the children, so you don’t have any last-minute arguments over details. Give yourself something to look forward to by having a plan far in advance. Even if it’s not your traditional means of celebrating, it still is something you can enjoy and plan for. Having that anticipation of something new rather than an ever-present feeling of dread can make a big difference.
• Change up gift giving: A common source of stress during the holidays is the expectations that come with gift giving. If you let go of the pressure and commercialism surrounding the holiday and instead give gifts with more sentimental value than monetary value, you will find it a much more rewarding experience. Give your child a family heirloom, or make something for a loved one.
• Eat what you want: Many people after their divorces begin regular exercise and new diets, but don’t feel like you need to guilt yourself into following those rigid routines over the holidays. Enjoy the holiday, eat what you want without guilt, and let it be a day of indulgence if that’s what you want it to be.
• Try new things: In addition to creating new traditions, you can try some new things over the holidays, including volunteering, helping neighbors or setting up new decorations.

For more tips about getting through the holidays after your divorce, contact an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.