Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season After Your Divorce

 Posted on December 07, 2018 in Divorce

November is over and December has come in full swing, which means that the winter holidays are not far behind. These holidays are a time to spend with family and friends, which can spell disaster for some people after a divorce. Holidays are stressful enough, but when you add the dynamic of a new divorce into the mix, the holidays can be even more stressful. Though it may be a learning experience for the first couple of years, it is possible to have a relaxed and fun holiday season when you are celebrating as a divorced family. Here are four ways you can still enjoy the holiday season after your divorce:

Remember: It is Not All About You

Though it is important for you to enjoy the holiday season too, when you have children, it is mainly about them. Like most other times in your life, you should put your children first when it comes to the holidays. It is really about making them happy and making memories with them that will last a lifetime - not arguing with your ex about who gets the children on Christmas Eve.

Communicate With Your Ex in Advance

Co-parenting after a divorce is tough, but communication is key. Communication is also key when it comes to planning out your holiday season. Usually, in your parenting plan, you will spell out where the kids will be spending major holidays, but many couples do not follow their parenting plans to a T - they change the plan based on what works best for them. Communication is key when planning for a happy holiday.

Keep Your Traditions Alive

Children thrive off of routine and holiday traditions are no exception, especially if you are not spending holidays together like you used to. Traditions can be comforting for children during this time, so it is important that wherever your children are spending their holidays, they are able to practice their traditions. They may not remember every single detail from each holiday, but they will always remember family traditions.

Get Help from an Oakland County Parenting Plan Lawyer

Holidays and divorce have one thing in common - they are both stressful. Eliminate some of the stress from both things by hiring a Novi, MI parenting plan attorney who can help you with all aspects of your divorce. Having a sound parenting plan can give you peace of mind during the holiday season. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we can help you create a parenting plan that works for everyone in the family. Call our office today at 248-344-9700 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2011/12/21/living/holiday-survival-divorced-darents/index.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/divorced-children/200812/managing-divorce-and-children-during-the-holidays