This time of year can be emotional for many single parents. Having to share the holidays can be difficult for both the parents and the child. I remember the night my ex husband left. The very first thing that came to mind was not having my son Christmas morning. I still get a pit in my stomach just thinking about it. I firmly believe that this is the absolute hardest part of being divorced. One of the greatest joys of being a parent is waking up Christmas morning to see the look on your children’s faces when they see their presents under the tree. Their excitement is contagious. When you are divorced it’s hard not to have that every year.
If you are alone this year, look around for some of your other single friends that might be spending the holiday alone as well. Get together and have your own Christmas with them. It will help both of you get through the day together. If you don’t have any single friends that can get together this year spend the time with family. Go visit your parents or your siblings.
If visiting with friends and family isn’t an option for you this year, try doing something to spoil yourself, after all it is your Christmas too! Draw a warm bubble bath and read a favorite book. Throw in your favorite Christmas movie. Bake your favorite holiday treat. Plan out something nice and relaxing, something that you can look forward to since you will have the day to yourself.
Not having your kids is always tough, but it also gives you the chance to make sure everything is set up just the way you want it for when they get home. One of the benefits for children whose parents are divorced is that they get to experience the excitement of Christmas twice. Give them the chance to experience the joy with both of you!