Tips for Getting Through the Holidays After a Divorce

If this is your first holiday season and new year after a divorce, it can be an emotionally trying time as you try to move on from old traditions and celebrate with new groups of people.

Here are a few tips to help the process become a little easier for you.

• Have boundaries: Don’t feel like you have to go everywhere and see everyone. Only you know what you are emotionally capable of doing in this first difficult holiday season, so if you feel like you have to set boundaries, don’t be afraid to do so, and to enforce them. Sometimes saying “no” is the best gift you can give to yourself.
• Avoid isolation: That being said, you should avoid completely isolating yourself, as this only gives you more time to succumb to your depression and pain. Spend time with your children or with other close family members. Reach out to friends. Do what you need to do so you still have some human connection.
• Cut your spending: Don’t stress yourself out with gift giving. Cut down on your spending—your financial situation is likely going to be a bit precarious anyway. When you give gifts, make them small but meaningful. Enjoy the connections those gifts provide, and don’t feel like a good gift has to be an expensive one.
• Watch your habits: Never try to numb the pains with alcohol or other substances—this could quickly become problematic. Make sure you still do everything you can to get a good night’s sleep every night, and work out some of your emotions through exercise and meditation.
• Try new things: Create new traditions and try new things. This could include new holiday meals, exploring volunteering opportunities, and spending the holidays with new groups of people.

For more information about how you can make the holidays easier on yourself after divorce, contact an experienced lawyer at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia LLP.