3 Practical Tips for Surviving Your First Holiday Season After Divorce

If you feel that the holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year, you’re not alone. In fact, more than a third of adults would prefer to skip the holidays altogether. One of the biggest contributors to holiday stress is strife between couples.

If you’re newly divorced, the holiday stress takes on a new color altogether. You need to find ways to continue spreading joy with those you love while learning to navigate life on your own.

Life after divorce doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holidays. It just means you need to put forth a bit more effort. Here are a few great tips to help.

1. Create New Traditions

The holidays are a time for enjoying traditions with those you love. But when it comes to surviving the holidays after a divorce, participating in the same traditions you used to can be painful.

Instead of trying to put on a brave face in front of your children, friends, and family, try to find new traditions to participate in. Look for things that you’ve always wanted to try and get others involved with you.

If you’re spending the holidays alone because of your co-parenting holiday schedule, create a tradition that’s just for yourself. This could be watching your favorite holiday movie with a snack that no one else likes or something completely new. It doesn’t matter as long as it makes you happy.

2. Spend Time With Your Loved Ones

One of the most difficult parts of any divorce is working out a custody schedule with your ex. A family lawyer can help you find the right balance for each of you, but if you don’t have the kids during your first holiday season alone, it’s important to find others to be with.

Try to spend time with your loved ones and friends throughout the season. You don’t have to see them in person. Even scheduling video calls with those you love can help take the sting out of the experience.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Step Away

One of the most important lessons you can learn when navigating life after divorce is that spending time by yourself can be helpful and healthy. If you feel overwhelmed by the festivities at any point, take a step back.

Find a quiet place for you to regroup or spend some time doing things you enjoy most. Just make sure to give yourself permission to breathe.

Remember, needing to step back isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and shows that you know yourself and your needs well.

Life After Divorce Can Still Be Festive

When you’re newly divorced, the holidays can feel overwhelming and stressful to the point that you don’t enjoy them. Though it’s up to you to find a way to enjoy life after divorce, these tips can help speed up the process.

Try them for yourself and remember to take time to experience and participate in things that bring you joy. Once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays with confidence.

Check out our latest posts for more tips and tricks to help you reconnect with yourself so you can get back to enjoying life.