The holidays are a time of togetherness with family and friends, and having someone you can love and snuggle up to at night makes it all the more fun. But for those of us who’ve experienced divorce during the holidays, it can be overly depressing if allowed. As an online divorce review site, we see it all the time, and so we’re laying down these ground rules for how you can get past the holiday-induced depression and make it work.
1. Stay a little longer with family and friends.
It wasn’t my ideal Christmas the first year I was divorced, but there was something about going home for Family Christmas and staying that made me not feel so alone. Sure, my parents can drive me batty, but it felt a lot better having them there than not. And it was one of the last times that I learned to enjoy the absolute reward of nothingness. No thoughts of being productive or impressing anyone. It was just me and my Galaga for iPhone game, and a whole lot of free time. We recommend going somewhere familiar and setting up camp — parents, siblings, you name it. Just don’t sit home and make yourself more depressed.
2. Play Santa Claus.
So-called “Angel Trees” are popular throughout the U.S. during the holiday season, and it can be an incredibly gratifying experience to go buy presents for “angels,” or less fortunate children who wouldn’t have a Christmas without it. Playing Santa Claus can be its own reward, just knowing that you’re still capable of spreading joy even during your darker times.
3. Don’t forget yourself.
One thing I loved about Christmas as a newly single person was the realization that I had a Christmas budget that would have normally been split down the middle between me and my ex. With her out of the picture, I got to therapy shop, and it was glorious.
If you’re still going through your process, then read some of our online divorce reviews for insight into the easiest ways through. And don’t sweat the holidays. It may seem dire the first year, but if you stick to the above guidelines, you can experience the best of what the season has to offer and become a better person along the way.