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The holidays with friends and family are a time that lots of people eagerly anticipate. For many, important traditions take place over December, with plans to look forward to celebrating the holidays. However, life doesn’t always happen as planned. For some, the holiday season can be a difficult time of the year.
If you recently went through a divorce, you may feel that the holiday season won’t be as holly and jolly. This is entirely understandable. It can be challenging to maintain a positive attitude and outlook about your situation when going through life changes. However, you should be happy to know that happiness during the holidays after a divorce is not unachievable. Autumn Beck Blackledge PLLC can provide you with the tips you need for success.
Work On Your Mindset
When going through your first holiday season after divorce, understand that it will be easy to be hard on yourself. However, you must treat yourself kindly and recognize that things don’t have to be 100% perfect. If you begin to associate yourself with feelings of negativity, consider the ways you can remove yourself from this mindset and into a more positive headspace. For example, you can engage in self-care practices that make you feel at peace.
When practicing self-care, the activities you choose must bring you positivity. Many professionals suggest that practices such as journaling can do a lot in helping you process emotions. Journaling is a creative activity that can take shape in many different forms, including responding to specific prompts. You can also do other things, such as watching movies or relaxing at your favorite coffee shop. Anything that removes you from negative thoughts is worth trying.
It is important to note that changing your mindset can be a long process that involves a lot of work. However, that does not mean that it is not worth it. In the long run you will benefit from changing your mindset in other areas of your life as well. After changing your perspective, you will be able to process things in stride.
Knowing The Plan
Another way to bring ease into the first holiday season after divorce is to create a plan that you are already familiar with in some ways. For example, you may already know that you will be going to your parent’s house for Christmas. You can also add other plans to your schedule, such as going shopping with friends or attending a retreat for relaxation.
If you are struggling with post-divorce anxiety and stress, reach out to your family and friends during this time. Communicate your feelings with them and allow them to help in any way that they can. Furthermore, they may be able to provide you with company during the holidays, leaving you feeling less alone. Remember that surrounding yourself with others will also positively influence your mindset, improving your holiday season overall.
Co-Parenting Troubleshooting
While co-parenting can become easier over time, your first holiday season as a co-parent can be quite hectic. Both you and your children are getting adjusted to new schedules, but there are ways to navigate the complex situations that may arise. For example, make sure you communicate with your co-parent early, reminding them of any plans and asking questions if need be. If you enter the holiday season on the same page, you have a greater chance of success.
When you have time with your children, consider how you can make the holiday season memorable. Maybe you can retain some of your old traditions, making them feel more comfortable. However, you can also pose new ideas and practices to make memories with them. Now is the perfect time to communicate with your kids and see what activities would make them happy.
Pensacola Divorce Attorneys
If you have recently divorced, Autumn Beck Blackledge PLLC understands how stressful your first holiday season can be. Remember that we are here to help you navigate the divorce process, acting as the legal representative you deserve.
Contact our office today at (850) 404-7263 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced divorce attorneys!