After going through a divorce, the holidays can be sad, frustrating, and lonely. Then if you have children, you know you need to make the holidays festive and fun but you feel as if a huge burden has been placed on your shoulders. After all, how can you act happy when you feel so sad? Dealing with the holidays as a newly single parent can be challenging and to help you get through it with flying colors, I have provided you with some helpful tips.
The most important thing is to stop comparing the holidays as a whole family to what they are now. Yes, things have changed and now, you need to embrace the changes and make them your own. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by starting new holiday traditions. For instance, when I was married, we always had a traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. However, after going through the divorce, the kids and I decided to start something new. Now, we have hot chocolate, coffee, and homemade cinnamon rolls in the morning and for Christmas dinner – we go Mexican!
Although it will take some practice and discipline, learn to laugh again. Even if things are not perfects, stop sweating the small stuff. Tell fun stories, make beautiful homemade goodies and decorations, light scented candles, and get into the holiday spirit. You should also not feel stressed if money issues have changed and there will not be as many presents under the tree. Instead, you and the children can make gifts, shop wiser, or even give of your time to a shelter for the underprivileged. You would be amazed at how well your children will understand.
If money is not as tight, then you and the kids may start a tradition of spending Christmas in the Bahamas, Florida, California, or some place warm and fun. With good planning and not setting your expectations too high in the beginning, you and the kids will have a wonderful holiday. Remember, feeling a little down is normal and to be expected. Therefore, do not be hard on yourself as you go through some adjustment time. In fact, you need this time. Just spend time with family and friends who love you, being thankful for the health and happiness of your children.
Using What You Have To Decorate For Christmas (1)
Using What You Have To Decorate For Christmas (2)