The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and loved ones. For many, it is a time of joy. But for others, the holiday season can be a time of stress, anxiety, and even sadness. The holiday season may be incredibly challenging if you are going through a divorce or have recently divorced. At Coates Frey & Hackett, AAL LLLC, we understand this holiday season may be difficult, so we want to provide some helpful tips for successfully navigating the holiday season after a divorce.
Successfully Navigating the Holiday Season After Divorce
Peaceful Compromise
The holidays are often a time when family tensions come to a head. Suppose you can have a civil relationship with your ex-spouse. In that case, trying to come to a peaceful compromise about how you will celebrate the holidays differently is essential. If you have children, trying to make the holiday season as enjoyable as possible for them is especially crucial.
Coming to an agreement that is in the best interest of your children is vital. Talk to your ex-spouse about any holiday plans involving the kids so they are aware and can plan accordingly. You’ll need to come to a co-parenting agreement about who gets them, on which days, and how transportation will work. It’s important to have this conversation as early as possible, so there are no surprises on Christmas Eve. Mediation may be helpful if you cannot agree on who gets the kids.
Create New Traditions
The holidays are often associated with tradition. Just because your family dynamic has changed doesn’t mean you cannot create new traditions. If you no longer celebrate Christmas with your extended family, start a new tradition of having Christmas dinner with close friends. Or, if you no longer live in the same town as your family, start a tradition of taking turns traveling to visit each other during the holidays. Creating new holiday practices can help ease the transition into post-divorce life and make the season more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Don’t Spend the Holidays Alone
It is essential to be around loved ones, especially on Christmas. Although you may not feel as jolly as years prior, it is vital to avoid the ghosts of Christmas past by leaving the house and being around loved ones. So, get out of the house and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
If you are considering filing for divorce, our Honolulu divorce attorneys at Coates Frey & Hackett, AAL LLLC are eager to guide you through the process. Contact us online or give us a call to schedule your free consultation. 808-524-4854