How to Manage the Holidays During a Divorce

The holiday season can feel particularly tough when you’re going through a divorce. The stress of maintaining family traditions, managing emotions, and keeping things as normal as possible for your children can feel overwhelming. But with thoughtful planning, you can work through this period and have a holiday season that is joyful for both you and your children.

Prioritize Your Children’s Needs

When you’re in the middle of a divorce, it’s important to remember to put your children’s needs first. They may be feeling uncertain or anxious about the changes in their family life, and the holidays can amplify these emotions. Think about what traditions are most important to them and how you can maintain a sense of normalcy. If your children are used to spending certain holidays with extended family, consider how you can keep those traditions alive, even if the logistics have to change.

Remember, your children’s happiness and security should be your primary concern. If you know that they are looking forward to spending time with their cousins, grandparents and other members of their other parent’s family on a particular holiday do your best to let that happen. While it can be difficult to not be with your children, especially during such an emotional time, you should keep your focus on what will provide the best experience for them.

Take Care of Yourself

While your children’s needs come first, it’s also important to consider your well-being. The holidays are an emotional roller coaster, and you need to ensure that you are in a good place mentally and emotionally. This might mean adjusting your usual holiday plans to reduce stress or finding new ways to celebrate that are more manageable given your current situation.

If you think that certain traditions or gatherings will be too emotionally taxing, it might be best to skip them this year. Instead, focus on what will bring you joy and your children joy. Whether that’s a quiet holiday at home or in creating new traditions, the key is to find a balance that works for everyone.

Start Planning Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out your holiday plans. The sooner you start thinking about how you will handle the holidays, the better prepared you will be. Have open and honest conversations with your soon-to-be-ex about how to share time during the holidays. Discuss travel plans, school breaks, and how to manage the different holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s.

It is also important to communicate with your children about what to expect. If things will be different this year, explain the changes to them in a way they can understand. This can help reduce their anxiety and help them adjust to the new normal.

Be Flexible and Open to New Traditions

This holiday season might look very different from years past, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be special. Be open to creating new traditions with your children. This can be an opportunity to make new memories and establish new ways of celebrating that work for your family in this new phase of life.

Whether it’s starting a new holiday tradition, planning a special trip, or simply spending quality time together, focus on making the most of this time with your children. Flexibility and a positive attitude can go a long way in creating a joyful holiday season, even amidst the challenges of a divorce.

Handling the Holiday Season with Care

Managing the holidays can be challenging anytime but during a divorce it can be even more so. But with careful planning, open communication, and a focus on your children’s needs, you can create a holiday season that is both joyful and meaningful. Remember to take care of yourself and be open to new traditions that will work for your changing family dynamic.

Contact Vacca Family Law Group

As the holiday season approaches, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during this transition in your life. You’re not alone in navigating these feelings, and with the right approach, you can transform this time into a period of new beginnings. By prioritizing your children’s needs, taking care of yourself, and being open to creating new traditions, you can foster an environment of joy and connection this holiday season.

If you’re struggling with what to do about the holidays during your divorce, Vacca Family Law Group can help. Our team of Collaborative Divorce Attorneys and Mediators understands the unique challenges of managing family dynamics during this difficult time and is here to support you every step of the way. For personalized guidance and a holiday plan that prioritizes your children’s needs while ensuring your own well-being, call us at (646) 798-4603 or contact us online to schedule your free introductory call. With us on your side, your holiday season can be preserved as a cherished memory for you and your family, even as you go through this transition.

Vacca Family Law Group is located at One Grand Central Place, 60 E. 42nd St., Suite 700, New York, NY 10165.