The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and family togetherness, but for newly divorced individuals, December can be uniquely painful. The excitement of the holiday season may be replaced with a sense of emptiness and reluctance to attend events aimed at couples and families. Keep the following suggestions in mind as you navigate the next few weeks:
1. Remember That Past Holidays Weren’t Perfect
The grass is always greener—or the snow whiter—particularly when you’re freshly divorced. It’s easy to look at past holiday seasons with rose-colored glasses in the absence of holiday cheer. Before giving in to despair, remember the arguments, stress, and anxiety you may have felt the last time you spent the holidays as a couple. Loneliness exists within marriages, too, and your divorced status does not preclude you from future happiness.
2. Turn to Family and Friends
Complicated custody and visitation agreements can make the holiday season challenging, but your kids aren’t the only loved ones you can embrace during this difficult time. Lean on your parents, siblings, cousins, friends, and others for comfort. Holiday parties can be worth attending, even without a plus one. And if you’re not up for traditional holiday events right now, that’s okay too—there’s nothing wrong with inviting a close friend over for a Netflix marathon.
3. Create New Traditions
The absence of former traditions can be painful during the first few years after divorce, but this is an opportunity to create new traditions. If certain activities or places are too painful, replace them with something fresh and exciting. Is there something you always wanted to try but couldn’t because your ex wasn’t interested? Now is the time to embrace those things you may have avoided while married.
4. Help Those In Need
Volunteering can be incredibly therapeutic, especially if you’re grappling with post-divorce loneliness. From soup kitchens to animal shelters, there are many causes that could use your helping hand. Volunteering will leave you feeling good about yourself and grateful for your life, divorce and all.
Find Legal Support for Post-Divorce Issues
During the holiday season, the last thing you need on top of the emotional burden of a recent divorce is a messy legal battle. Resolve your legal issues with help from DiPietro Family Law Group.
