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Handle Holidays and Family Events Post-Divorce | Hart Law Offices

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One of the most significant changes in your life after a divorce is how you handle important holidays and events. This is especially true if you have children. Holidays and family events are joyous times for most families, and they can be so for you after a divorce. Here are some things that will help you enjoy these times.

Go With the Flow

While you may want to keep some of your same holiday and family event traditions post-divorce, do not disappoint yourself if you find those traditions difficult. For example, your children may not be with you when you want to partake in your old traditions. Or the old traditions may not feel right once you are no longer with your spouse.

Whatever the case may be, just go with the flow during the holidays and special events. Keep an open mind and come up with some new traditions of your own rather than thinking about the things you once did as a family.

Have a Plan

Avoid any surprises during the holidays by having a plan ready to go. If you have children with your former spouse, you need to either refer to your parenting plan as you decide how you will handle the important holidays and events each year, or you need to communicate about a new plan.

If you make a plan for the first time, you need to discuss the logistics of the children at different points in time. For instance, arrange for one of you to have the kids during Thanksgiving and the other to have them for Christmas. You could also rotate who has the kids on their birthdays each year and who is responsible for a birthday party.

No matter what you decide, always have plans in place well ahead of the event or holiday. This makes the event as stress-free as possible, which is beneficial to your children.

When you make your plans, you also need to consider the family members and friends you have in common. If you have an event planned, think about whether or not you want to invite those mutual friends or even your former spouse. Can you all get along for the benefit of the children? If so, the children will have very good memories of these important events with all their family present.

If you are not amicable and cannot get along, remember to withhold your negative feelings in front of your children. Allow them to have a good time so that they can make happy memories with the other side of the family.

Lean on Your Loved Ones

The first major holiday or family event after a divorce can be a lonely time. These events are typically about coming together and celebrating, but a divorce will majorly change things. Instead of retreating into yourself, get out and celebrate with those you love the most.

Take some time to spend with your relatives or friends you do not see often enough. Plan special outings or parties to help create new memories and perhaps new traditions for yourself.

Also, lean on your children if you are a parent. Although their time will be split between you and your former spouse, make whatever amount of time you have with them special. If you will not have them for Christmas Day for the first time in their lives, consider a special outing with them just beforehand. Think of some new things you can do with your kids to make you all feel happy.

These special times are rough right after a divorce. Planning ahead and accepting your new normal is the best way to move forward. If you need assistance with your divorce or have other family law needs, please contact us at the Hart Law Offices, P.C.

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