Getting Through the Holidays With Divorce

Divorce is an emotionally difficult process for many people. As you approach the holiday season, the pain and flux of divorce is often magnified exponentially. The following are some tips for separated or divorcing individuals to get through the holiday season and still enjoy this time of year.

Make New Traditions

Holidays are often about long-lasting rituals and traditions. However, with the substantial changes you are facing in your life and family, it is unrealistic to expect that the holidays will continue to be exactly the same. Think about what new traditions may fit the new form of your family and do not be afraid to make some changes.

Talk With Your Children

The holidays are a very important time for your children, as well, and they may be confused and even scared about how things will change if their parents are separated or divorcing. Make arrangements for time-sharing as simple as possible so your children do not become overly exhausted or stressed out traveling back and forth. Accept that there will be times that your children are with the other parent, and assure them that you will be fine while they spend time with their other parent. Explain to them that even though some things may be different, the holidays will still be celebrated. At all times, you and your spouse should consider whether the best interests of your child are at the forefront of your mind.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Holidays are already stressful without the strain of divorce, so it is no wonder that individuals going through a divorce can feel easily rundown during this time of year. Make sure you are eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax. While you may have to put on a brave face at times during holiday events, do not ignore your well-being if you are struggling. Ask for help from family or friends if you are feeling particularly depressed or lonely. Have a support system in place and try not to isolate yourself during this potentially difficult time.

Have Realistic Expectations

Too many of us expectations that all holidays will be picture-perfect. This is a challenge even when everything else is going smoothly in our lives and is certainly difficult to achieve if you are in the middle of a painful divorce. Tell yourself that it is okay if everything is not perfect throughout the holiday season. Take some pressure off of yourself by letting others host the celebrations or by sharing responsibilities. Remind yourself that the holidays are not about being perfect and take this season one day at a time.

Contact an Experienced Boca Raton Divorce Attorney for Help Today

Having an experienced divorce attorney handling your case can give you reassurance that everything is being properly taken care of on the legal side of things. This can give you more time to spend enjoying the holidays and building new traditions with your family. Alan R. Burton is committed to helping individuals in Boca Raton get through a divorce as efficiently as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact our office today for help.