This year, many people are spending their first holiday season alone. The holiday is a special time of year for many people, and so many newly divorced people struggle with the holidays now that their family looks a little different this year. If this is your first year spending the holidays divorced, remember that you are not alone. Though divorce can ruin Christmases with all their unnecessary drama, your divorce does not have to have a negative impact on your holiday. If this is your first holiday season alone, check out these five tips for keeping the peace over the holidays.

Work with Your Ex on Holiday Arrangements

Where are the kids going to spend Christmas? Will they be spending the holiday at your house? Or, will they be spending the holiday with your ex? Some divorced couples find success with having children spend half the day with one parent, and half the day with the other parent. Though having to negotiate with your ex on what the holiday arrangements will be is difficult, if you’re ready to compromise, you could save yourself a lot of drama. Your ex will likely be feeling the holiday stress just as you are. When the subject of Christmas comes around, try to be as kind and flexible as you possibly can be. 

Take a Break When You Need It

If the holiday season is starting to stress you out, don’t be afraid to take a break. Most people get snappy around Christmastime because they’re overwhelmed by massive to-do lists and way too many obligatory holiday parties. If this sounds like you, make sure that you make time for yourself during this holiday season. Burn out during the holidays can be especially common, and you don’t want holiday burn out to negatively impact your relationships with your ex and your children—especially since you’re supposed to be working with your ex for the sake of your children.

Support Your Children

It’s not just your first holiday season as a divorced person. It’s also your child’s first holiday season with two separate families. If you’re going through a hard time, it’s likely that your child is also going through a difficult time. Help your children cope with the holiday season by being there to support them emotionally. You can also help your children through this time by facilitating a healthy parent-child relationship with your ex. Children deserve to be loved by both sides of the family. If you want to have peace this holiday season, make sure you give your child the opportunity to spend time with both families.

Spend Quality Time with Your Loved Ones

Not having the kids on Christmas day this year does not mean that you have to spend Christmas alone. You can spend Christmas with your family members or supportive friends. Many newly divorced people also find strategies to cope with spending their first holiday alone in support groups. If you’re concerned about how you’re going to deal with some of the challenges that come with being newly divorced, you may want to consider joining a support group today. 

Remember What It’s Really About

The holiday seasons are really about spending time with those who love you and support you. Your happiness during the holiday season has nothing to do with your relationship status. If you’re struggling during this time, remember that you are not alone. You can get through these difficult times; it is possible to thrive after divorce. At CoilLaw, we believe it’s possible to survive and thrive after divorce. That’s why we give every client a copy of No One Dies from Divorce, a book all about getting through the worst parts of divorce and re-inventing yourself in the process. If you’re ready to start your new life, contact CoilLaw today.