How to Cope with the Holiday Season after Divorce

The holiday season can be tough and emotional following a breakup, especially as we tend to think of it as a time of love and coming together. As that time of the year approaches, it is important to think of ways to cope if you have just been through a divorce as no doubt it will be an adjustment.

This guide on coping with the holiday season after divorce provides a few tips on what you can do to ensure that you make the most out of this time of the year.

 

Thanksgiving after divorce

Thanksgiving marks the start of what we consider to be the holiday season. With Christmas, Hannukah and New Years’ still ahead of us, it is just the beginning of the festivities. If you have just been through a separation, you can still enjoy Thanksgiving this year. One important part of Thanksgiving is the act of giving thanks and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. In order to really appreciate these things, make a list of everything you are thankful for. It can be small things such as a good book and other simple pleasures but it can be bigger things such as your health or the people in your life that matter to you. And if you are single, see if you can spend thanksgiving with friends or arrange a little get together with your peers.

 

Christmas after divorce

It goes without saying that Christmas won’t be the same as previous years that you had spent with your partner, but that does not mean it won’t be just as good or even better. If you approach the holidays with a positive attitude, accepting that they will not be the same as in the past, but that different does not mean bad, then you can thoroughly enjoy the season. Take this time to start up new traditions and have new experiences.

Christmas is a fantastic time for getting involved with local events and activities in the area such as Christmas markets events organized by your children’s school. If you have children this is a great time to spend quality time with them and make new memories that you can all cherish forever.

 

New Years after divorce

Celebrating the New Year is an excellent time to reflect on what has happened and what is to come. It is a time for new resolutions, setting goals and looking to the future. Use this time to focus on the new you and create a new beginning.

 

How to make the most of the holiday season after divorce

 

1. Make plans

Maybe in previous years it was a given that you would be spending Christmas or Thanksgiving with your other half, so this year it is important to make plans in advance and be organized. The holidays take a lot of preparation so make sure you make plans so that friends or family can accommodate you. The last thing you will want is to be making panic calls the night before!

 

1. Spend time with family and friends

The best advice for anyone who is feeling down or going through a big life change is to spend time with the people that you love. Being around people who love and support you will remind that you that you are not alone and that you have plenty reasons to feel positive. It will also ensure that you are keeping yourself busy, as it is when we are alone that are thoughts tend to run wild and we might get into a negative space.

If you have children and it is your first time spending the holidays with them alone, surrounding yourself with helpful people will make it less stressful and more enjoyable for you. If it is your first holiday season without your children, be sure to make a plan with your partner as to which days you can see them i.e. if you cannot seem them on Christmas Day, how about your get to see them on Christmas Eve? If you cannot spend Thanksgiving with your children, why not suggest that you host a separate Thanksgiving the day before or after that they can attend? Be sure to reach a reasonable solution that benefits everyone.

 

1. Reach out to people that you have not seen in a while

As time goes by it is easy to lose touch with people that matter to us. Different paths and priorities often make it difficult for some people to stay in contact, even if they wish they could. It is especially hard to stay in touch if you are in a serious relationship and even more so if you have started a family. It is never too late to at least get in touch with someone from the past who you wish you had kept in contact with – after all, what do you have to lose?

With social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, it is easier than ever to get a hold of old schoolmates and friends from the past. You never know, you might just rekindle an old friendship!

 

1. Try something new this holiday season

If you have spent the last few years celebrating the holidays in the same location, it might be a good idea to start new memories somewhere else rather than feel as though you are competing with the past. This does not necessarily mean doing anything extravagant such as going abroad (although if you can, why not?) but it could just mean maybe spending the holidays at a relative’s house instead.

 

Struggling financially after divorce?

Do you need extra cash to afford the festivities? If divorce has left you struggling financially, there are ways to make some cash quickly in the run up to the holidays.

One quick way of making some money after a divorce is by selling your engagement ring, jewelry or watch that you no longer wear or wish to keep. If you do decide to sell your jewelry, WP Diamonds can make you a competitive offer and payments can be made in as little as 24 hours after inquiring with us. We are a BBB A+ accredited business and offer a secure, quick and reliable service with absolutely no hidden fees. The process is easy and hassle-free, simply fill in our online form today to receive your price quote.

However, if your financial woes are more significant, make sure to seek out financial help and create a long-term plan to managing your finances.