Tips For Tackling Your First Holidays Post-Divorce
When it comes to facing the first few holidays after your divorce is finalized, it can be an emotionally taxing time. After spending holidays together and forming family traditions, you may feel more isolated and alone than before. If you have kids, it can be even more emotional, because they may be wondering what's ahead now that everything is different. Before you opt to ignore the holidays altogether or minimize your celebrations, here are some tips to help you tackle the process.
Discuss Visitation With Your Attorney
Holidays are often a struggle for divorced families, particularly when the kids aren't sure who they'll be seeing when. Talk with your attorney well before the holidays to iron out a specific visitation schedule that you and your ex can both sign. That way, you'll have a clear arrangement and you can ease any anxieties or uncertainties with your kids by telling them exactly what the schedule will be.
Throw a Party
Being the host to the holiday celebration is a great way to occupy your time and your emotions. You'll be surrounded by people who love and care about you, which is important when you're struggling with such an emotional time. With so many people around for moral support and guidance, you'll be sure to find someone to make you smile even when you're struggling.
Make New Holiday Traditions
When you completely change your approach to the holiday, it allows you to reclaim the celebrations in a way that makes the traditions uniquely yours. It also gives you some distance from any traditions you may have formed with your ex. If you've always slept in on Easter Sunday and then had an egg hunt in the back yard, plan on going to sunrise service or attending a neighborhood egg hunt in the park instead. Host a St. Patrick's Day party at your house instead of visiting the traditional bar or restaurant scenes you may have been familiar with.
You can also use these new traditions as an opportunity to teach your kids about giving back or to improve your own outlook by helping others. Consider volunteering at a local shelter or soup kitchen on the holidays to help those who are less fortunate or in a transitional environment. Not only does this help your kids to appreciate what they have and teach them to be good citizens, it may also help you to heal by working through your own emotions as you help others.
Don't let the holidays catch you unawares after your divorce. With the tips here, you can tackle the holiday celebrations no matter what time of year it is and start the process of healing. For more advice about the legal aspect of your holidays, including visitation and any out-of-state travel, talk with your divorce attorney. Contact a firm like McKissick & McKissick for more information.
