couple going through a divorce

How to Deal with Divorce During the Holidays

Are you heading into your first post-divorce holiday season? Even under the best of circumstances, the holidays can be difficult. It is a reality that, even though the holiday season can be filled with family, fun, and joy, it can also be stressful and emotional. Compound this with having undergone a major family restructuring in the past year and the holidays may be weighing heavily on your shoulders. First, know that you are not alone in feeling this way. Looking at the upcoming calendar with trepidation is completely normal. Second, we are going to go over some tips for you to have a successful post-divorce holidays season.

How to Deal with Divorce During the Holidays

One of the most critical steps you can take towards making your post-divorce holiday season easier and more successful for you and your family is to put a comprehensive, detailed parenting plan for it. Together with your co-parent, you should set forth what the holidays’ schedule will look like as far as who will have the kids when, where the kids will be picked up and dropped off, and more. The sooner this plan is established, the better. Going over the plan and setting everyone’s expectations for the upcoming holidays can be crucial in managing emotions and preparing for the road ahead.

While it may be by no means easy, the better you work with your co-parent on holiday details, the better it can be for everyone, particularly the kids. Talk to your co-parent about presents to make sure there won’t be any overlap in gifts given. Consider setting a reasonable price limit on presents to avoid competing with each other for who is going to give the kids bigger gifts. Cooperation is key and your kids will benefit from it.

You may be feeling sad that the holidays will look so different this year. You may have to forego certain family traditions. Honor these past traditions and look forward to building new ones! This is a great opportunity to establish new holiday traditions that you and your children may come to treasure for years to come.

Last, but certainly not least, is to remember to take care of yourself this holiday season. Make a point to spend time with friends and loved ones. Eat well and get enough sleep. Exercise and remember to set time aside for treasured hobbies that bring you joy. The holidays season can be overwhelming. Do not lose yourself in the chaos. Self-care during this crazy time may be even more important than ever.

Family Law Attorney

Holiday parenting schedules and parenting plans, in general, is an important aspect of the divorce process. If you are considering divorce, talk to The Law Office of Bryce Cook about all of your questions regarding child custody, parenting time, and developing a parenting plan that protects the best interests of your family. Contact the Law Offices of Bryce Cook today.