Almost as soon as Halloween comes to an end, we are bombarded by a sea of Thanksgiving and Christmas ads. The holiday season is hectic for most people and even more challenging for divorced parents to field their way through, regardless if it is their first or seventh time decking the halls after their split. The wounds might have healed, but the holiday season has a way of reopening them.
However, this does not have to be a time of dread for you. Whether the children are spending any of these special holiday events with you or not, you can look forward to a Thanksgiving feast, wrapping up presents, and ringing in the New Year.
Embracing the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Most parents alternate who spends holidays the children, which means there are some years when you might spend some of these special days on your own. Although it is difficult to resist the urge to wallow in loneliness and melancholy, doing so will be a disservice to your children. Your kids do not want you to feel sad when they are not around and will likely be able to sense when you are down, leading to feelings of guilt for spending time with their other parent. You certainly do not want them to feel guilty. If you are alone this holiday season, find a way to thrive, even in their absence.
Here are some tips to help you navigate the holiday season after a divorce:
- Be good to yourself: Self-care is a pretty major concept these days and more and more people are understanding its importance. If you find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands this holiday season, do what makes you happy. Partake in your favorite hobbies, go out with your friends, or arrange a fun get-together at your home. If you would rather take this time to recharge, read a book or learn how to meditate. Spending the holidays alone does not have to be a downer.
- Enjoy the time you have with your children: If you cannot spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday your family celebrates with the children, enjoy the time you are able to share with them. It is just as precious as any other holiday. You can even take this as an opportunity to create new traditions with them. Thanksgiving does not have to be on a specific day. Cook a feast on any other day in November and make it your own Thanksgiving. The date on the calendar does not matter as much as the memories you create.
- Double-check and coordinate: Take a look at your court order to make sure you are not unclear about any dates, schedules, or times. A lot happens during the divorce process and we are all human with fallible memories, so it would be immensely beneficial if both parents reviewed their custody schedule and discussed anything they believe no longer works.
Discuss Your Case with a Compassionate Family Law Attorney
At Galmiche Law Firm, P.C., we understand the challenges the holiday season often presents to divorced parents and know that not every issue can be resolved without the interference of the court. Our attorney will assist you and ensure you achieve the results that are best for you and your children.
Contact us today at (636) 552-4841 to schedule a consultation.