Coping with the Holiday Season During Your Divorce

The beginning of November ushers in the holiday season with promises of pumpkin pie and twinkling lights. However, if you are in the midst of a separation or divorce, this season may feel anything but festive this year. Thanks to our experience in Family Law, our team has walked through many holiday seasons with heartbroken, relieved, and stressed out clients. Here are just a few tips that could help you cope a bit better the next few months.

Ask for Mediation
If you are parents attempting to share custody of your kids this holiday season for the first time, your emotions can sometimes get the best of you. Instead of arguing or putting the kids in an uncomfortable position, work with your attorney to mediate on your behalf. An impartial party can help develop a plan to split the kids time between both parents for this holiday, without making it a firm custody plan moving forward.

Try Emailing
If conversation just isn’t working well between you and your ex-spouse, try emailing instead. You can use email to ask just a few questions at a time about holiday plans (like gifts for the kids or drop off times). Keep your emails to the task at hand and leave out any harsh words or unnecessary insults.

Rally Your Friends
If you have participated in regular holiday traditions with your ex-spouse for years, this year will feel different without those rhythms. Try to fill that space by rallying your friends to help distract you this year. Instead of baking pies with your ex-spouse’s family this year, try planning a baking party at your home with a few close friends.

Talk to Someone
Seeing a therapist experienced with divorce can give you the outlet you need during this difficult time. Check with your insurance benefits to see if therapy visits are covered, or if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Talking to someone a few times per month can keep you focused and feeling calm during the holiday hustle and bustle.

Stay the Course
If you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, tell your divorce attorney. At Gandhi Selim Law, we get to know our clients and are here to assist with advice and guidance all year long. Your attorney will continue to advocate for your best interests and keep your proceedings rolling through the holiday season, as applicable.

These next few months can seem especially difficult for you this year, but you are strong and can get through it. Be sure you have the team at Gandhi Selim Law by your side through it all.