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While some individuals avoid divorcing near the holiday season, this is not always a feasible option. Sometimes, it is for the best to go ahead and rip off the band-aid. However, that does not mean that facing the holidays will be easy. After a divorce, you might find yourself feeling guilt, stress, and worry about what will happen next. It is still essential to have a happy holiday season, but it may feel overwhelming and impossible.
Eiges & Orgel, PLLC is here to help you create a plan for your holiday season after divorce. It might feel impossible, but you can have the holidays that you deserve. Follow our tips and suggestions in the blog below.
Busy Yourself
During the holiday season, you will ultimately have to spend some time alone. While this is not a bad thing, after a divorce, alone time provides an opportunity to overthink things or sit with your guilt. In order to avoid this, try and fill your spare time with plans or events to attend.
Your plans don’t have to be overly extravagant, but just need to provide something to do other than think about the past. For example, you could spend a night watching your favorite holiday movies. Another potential activity could be catching up with an old friend at a coffee shop. Now is the time to do what makes you happy.
Focus On Your Kids or Family
While busying yourself is valuable and will help you think positively, it is also helpful to focus on other important people. If you have children, put them first in your holiday season. The chances are that they will be spending some time with you and then time with their other parent.
While they are with you, make the most of that time. Think about potential routines and traditions that you would like to incorporate. For example, you could take them out to see lights and get hot chocolate. While it may seem simple, quality time is important for children.
If you don’t have children, reach out to your family members. You can spend your holiday season with your loved ones, creating memories and keeping your mind off of any lingering feelings of loneliness. Your family members can act as a source of comfort and support when needed.
Stay Off Social Media
During the holidays, people post all of their lovely family photos. Of course, people will only post pictures where everyone looks their best and happiest. However, that does not mean that they are easy to look at. When scrolling through social media, you are likely to encounter many of these types of holiday posts, which might make you compare yourself to other experiences.
It is best to avoid scrolling through social media. This way, you won’t feel compelled to make any comparisons. Focus on what is happening at the moment instead of thinking about what others have. You can even go as far as deleting social media apps to help avoid any issues.
Send Out Holiday Cards
One way to help feel more optimistic about the holiday season is to create your own cards with your family. If you have kids, organize a photoshoot with them. Send out cards to all of your friends and family members. If you don’t have kids, you can still create your holiday cards. If you have any pets or animals, include them in the photo.
The point is to have something to focus on other than thinking about what could have been. You can bring others joy and cheer by sending out your own cards while also creating an activity for yourself.
Be Thankful For What You Have
This is perhaps the most important step. While it is easy to fall into patterns of thinking about and wishing for something you once had, it will only lead to adopting other unhealthy habits. Adopt a mindset where you know that you deserve better things, and that they will eventually come your way.
Cultivate a positive mindset where you are thankful for what you have. This is easier to do when you surround yourself with positive individuals and surroundings during the holiday season.
New York City Divorce Attorneys
Eiges & Orgel, PLLC understand how hard it can be to go through a divorce near the holidays. Know that you don’t have to navigate the process alone. While it is essential to have friends and family on your side, it is also valuable to retain an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you navigate your divorce, alleviating extra stress and worry.