Don’t Let Divorce Turn You Into The Grinch This Holiday Season

When you're going through a divorce, the last thing you want to think about is the holidays. Thinking of holidays past or potential separations from your children is enough to leave you feeling like the Grinch. However, before you allow your situation to turn you into a green Dr. Seuss character, take time to learn some coping mechanisms for the holidays. Yes, navigating the holidays will be a bit difficult with a pending divorce looming over your holiday cheer, but you can get your "cheermeister" on with just a few helpful tips.

Tip #1 – Have Some Patience

You have to learn to be patient with your family and with yourself. It's going to be tough on your kids. Be patient with the tears of your kids if they happen over the holidays. Be patient with your own tears. Allow yourself to deal with the pain of going through a divorce, and don't expect yourself to be fine overnight. Some patience, with yourself and others, will help you navigate the holidays.

Tip #2 – Try Some New Traditions

Sometimes it's tempting to try to replicate the old family traditions that you celebrated before the divorce. Instead of living in the past, try some new traditions this year. It's a great way to begin making some new memories and it will help keep your mind off past holidays. Great ideas for new traditions include having a holiday picnic dinner, serving meals at a homeless shelter, or having a holiday pajama day where you celebrate in your PJs all day.

Tip #3 – Focus on Friends and Family

Remember, the holiday season is really about joy, gratefulness, and sharing. Keep this in mind and focus on your friends and family members. Focus on doing something special for your kids. Invite a few friends over for a celebration. Help a family member in need. As you focus on others, you'll find that your generous heart does a lot for the way you feel too.

Tip #4 – Don't Miss Out On Today's Joy

When you're going through such a tough time, it's easy to postpone your joy. You probably think that things will be better next year, and maybe they will. However, as you try to survive the holidays, don't miss out on today's joy. You have many things to celebrate, so enjoy all the little joys that come your way during the holidays.

Tip #5 – Refuse to Spoil the Holidays with Conflict

You don't need conflict, and your kids don't need conflict. Refuse to allow conflict to spoil your holidays. Don't allow your ex or even your family members to create conflict. Save the conflict for your family lawyer and your counselor, and refuse to let it spoil this special time of year.

For more tips on getting through a divorce, contact a company like LaCroix & Hand PC.


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