For someone who has just gone through a divorce, the holidays can be a tough time of year. Many people in Minnesota are facing the holidays as a single person again for the first time this year. A recent article provides some tips on how to make this time of year a little easier.
One thing a newly divorced person can do is create new holiday traditions. Those with children should involve the kids in the process of coming up with new ideas. One should avoid dwelling on past holidays and try to focus on the present and the future.
After a divorce, it is important not to isolate yourself, especially during the holidays. It’s much healthier to spend time with friends and family, even if you must push yourself to do so. You may not feel much like going out, but staying home alone will only make you feel worse.
For those without children, the holidays can be a great time to go on a trip. A change of scenery, especially with family or friends, can help a person forget past hurts and provide a real sense of renewal.
Finally, planning for the future is a great way to avoid getting bogged down in post-divorce emotions. Divorce is the end of a marriage, but it is also a new beginning. Planning for a new and independent life can help you feel better about yourself and the future.
In addition to these suggestions, parents should work extra hard to avoid custody and parenting time disputes during the holidays. It is important to make sure that child custody and visitation plans are in place that allow the children to spend time with both parents, and it is important that both parents honor those commitments.
Source: Huffington Post, “The First Holidays After Your Divorce,” Sheila Blagg, Dec. 4, 2015
