Christmas is a time where families come together, so it probably isn’t surprising that those who are getting a divorce feel torn over how to feel this Christmas season. The holidays can be more stress than they’re worth for some, and others may be tired of talking about a drawn out divorce or sore new realization that divorce is happening in their lives.
One of the things that you may miss includes the old traditions you shared with your spouse. If you have kids, this can be particularly difficult, since they may not be spending Christmas with you. Getting through the holidays without those traditions can be frustrating or make you sad, but there are some ways to deal with that. Focusing on making new traditions, taking time away or even spending the day watching TV or a movie can help.
Another thing you can do if you don’t necessarily want to make plans with others is to make plans for how to avoid or bow out of get-togethers. That doesn’t mean you have to say no when you’re invited, but you may want to have a second activity going on or a backup plan if you’re going somewhere you may not be comfortable. For example, if you decide to see your in-laws despite the divorce, it’s okay to step away and leave early if you feel uncomfortable. The same is true if you find yourself not having fun or just not wanting to mingle; you need time to heal, and focusing on yourself is part of that healing.
The holidays don’t last forever, and you will get through them. Once you take time for yourself and survive the holidays, you can come back to your divorce with renewed focus.
Source: The Huffington Post, “3 Steps to Surviving Christmas for the Newly Separated or Divorced,” accessed Dec. 09, 2016
