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How to Survive the Holidays During a Divorce

Published: Dec 21, 2020 in Divorce, Holidays
How to survive the holidays during a divorce

Written by Anthony Piccirilli

Divorce is always difficult, but it can be made even more complex when it is taking place during the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are supposed to be happy times of the year, but it’s hard to remain positive when you’re facing the unknown.

Don’t deal with divorce alone. Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC will be there for you during the holidays or any other time of the year. Call us today at (412) 471-5100 or use our online contact form to reach out.

Here are some tips to help you survive divorce during the holidays:

1. Be patient with yourself and others.

You will want to celebrate the holidays as you always have, but things may not be the same. People and places will have changed. Let situations play out and sit back and experience things as they happen. Be patient with how you feel and how other people, including your children, are acting.

2. Be flexible with how celebrations look.

Find creative new solutions to how you celebrate the holidays. You don’t have to have a big group of people joining together every holiday. Instead, you might be satisfied with a small gathering of friends or just yourself and your children.

If you have children, they may be worried about what is going to happen and you will have to reassure them. Allow them to spend time with their other parent around the holidays and give them options for new traditions.

3. Don’t focus on the stuff.

Thanksgiving usually involves a large, involved meal and Christmas can be overwhelming with expensive presents. That doesn’t have to be true this year. Your family will appreciate just spending some calm time together. Create new traditions that are inexpensive and meaningful, such as game night, Christmas Eve hot cocoa, or a special story.

Your children may be used to loads of gifts every Christmas, but in reality they just want a peaceful home. You can give that to them this year. In the past, there may have been tension with you and your ex, but this year you can focus on happiness.

4. Reach out to family and friends.

Your family and friends know that you need additional support during your divorce, but they may get caught up in their own holidays from November to December. Reach out to them when you need emotional support or other help. Just because they don’t call every day does not mean they aren’t thinking about you. The ones who love you will be there through this difficult time.

5. Utilize community resources.

When you’re going through a divorce, finances can be tight. You may be cut down to a one-person income and additional expenses may be looming. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your community for help. There are food pantries in every neighborhood. In Pittsburgh, you can call (412) 460-3663 to find a food pantry near you.

Many churches and community organizations put together special food boxes for the holidays and offer help with gifts as well. Find out where you can get these and sign up early. The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania has some resources that might be of assistance.

Stay in Contact with Your Divorce Lawyer Throughout the Holidays

Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC will be working through the holidays to help clients push through their divorces and obtain the resources they need in family law cases. If you have questions about your divorce or need help, contact us today at (412) 471-5100 or use our online contact form.