The holidays are stressful enough on their own, but if you are in the middle of
divorce, they can be emotionally draining. If you haven’t told your family,
you might be dreading telling your parents why your marriage has fallen
apart between bits of the holiday ham and bread rolls. If you have told
them, thinking of all the questions your relatives will ask during your
visit can be anxiety inducing.
Our Houston divorce attorney has created five tips to help you get through
this holiday season.
1. Create new traditions: Now that you are going through a divorce, holiday traditions you had while
you were married, will no longer stand. Prepare a plan for the days you
would have normally participated in old traditions, like visiting the
in-laws. These plans don’t have to be with anyone in particular,
in fact, you could make the whole day about you! Make plans to get a massage,
hit golf balls at the range, level up your character in a videogame or
read that book collecting dust on your shelf.
2. Cut down gift list: Between the costs of attorneys, therapists for yourself and your children,
financial consultants and realtors appraising your house and other property,
your finances may have taken a huge hit. This year, trim down your gift
list so that only the essential people are listed. People will understand
if you are only able to provide small, gifts this year.
3. Spend time with people that make you happy: Divorce is stressful, for some, it can feel similar to grieving a lost
loved one. The last thing you need is to force yourself to spend time
with people who do not make you happy. If you are stressed about seeing
your family for the holidays, but you know you can’t skip visiting
with grandma and grandpa for your children’s sake, think of a way
you can leave early or arrive later.
4. Help your children have a good holiday: Just because you are in the process of splitting from your partner, does
not mean your children will want to stop seeing their mother or father.
Be fair to them during the holidays, allow the time to spend with the
other parent and don’t take things personally, if they want to spend
time with one parent.
If you need help with child custody
or have other divorce questions, feel free to
contact our Houston divorce lawyer.