Whether you’re a newly divorced person in Florida or have been through a divorce in the past year, the holidays can be challenging. To make things even more complicated, many traditional holiday rituals revolve around family gatherings and gatherings with friends. And if you and your ex-partner are not on good terms, that can be a minefield. So, to help make things easier this holiday season, here are tips for avoiding common mistakes newly divorced or divorcing people make.
Plan ahead
One of the best ways to avoid stress or conflict during the holidays is to have a plan in place. Decide what you want to do and schedule it accordingly. This can help take some guesswork out of when and where things will happen.
Being honest
Don’t feel like you must hide your divorce from family and friends. Let them know what happened and how you’re coping, but don’t keep everything bottled up.
Take it easy on yourself
It may feel good to start planning and decorating immediately but resist the urge to do too much. Instead, focus on the little things that mean a lot to you. Try to avoid putting pressure on yourself to make everything perfect. It can be challenging to balance the demands of celebrating the holidays with the pain of a divorce or separation. Making too many big plans or trying to do everything all at once is a recipe for disaster.
Keep things separate
While combining family events after your divorce may be tempting, doing so can complicate things further. So, another option is to stick to separate events. For example, consider going out with friends instead of attending family gatherings or hosting an independent holiday party. This will help maintain your independence and give you space to process everything that’s happened.
Get creative
The holidays are a perfect opportunity to experiment with new traditions. Whether hosting a themed feast, decorating a tree in a new way, or going out for a festive meal, there’s no wrong way to celebrate. So, try your best to go with the flow and have fun.
Celebrate
It can be tricky getting through the holidays after a divorce. Whether you are single or in a new relationship, adjustments are bound to be. However, moving forward is always easier if you focus on what you can control right now.