How To Navigate the Holidays While Going Through a Divorce
The holiday season should provide some of the most beautiful and memorable moments of the year. But, for new divorcees, people going through a divorce process, or someone anticipating a divorce, holidays can be challenging times. This is especially true if there are children involved.
Holidays get tough because they magnify the issues surrounding your separation or loss, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to deal with it. However, at the Law Office of Diron Rutty, we have several things for you to keep in mind that will help you have a more joyful experience through the holidays.
Engage in Personal Activity
Take this time to focus on yourself. If you have children, focus on them during this special time of year. Try to better yourself through meditation and relaxation practices or engaging in your favorite hobbies. Reach out to friends whom you haven’t seen in a while and make a plan to get together over coffee. Doing these things shifts your attention away from the divorce to the more positive aspects of life.
Focus on the Kids
Holiday time may not only be a difficult time for you but your children too. Depending on their age, they may be anticipating annual family traditions such as sitting for a family dinner or opening gifts. Doing these things while switching between two homesteads can be difficult for them, especially if you don’t get along well with your ex-spouse. Instead of trying to recreate old traditions, try to focus on creating new ones with your children. For example, make Christmas tree ornaments or go out to the movies to watch a new holiday movie together. The holidays may not be the same, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to create wonderful new memories together.
Don’t Compete When it Comes to Giving Gifts
Divorce can be a costly process. But, even if your divorce was a relatively peaceful one and money is no object, you might have a natural impulse to try to win your kids’ affection by being the most indulgent parent. This can easily lead to a gift-giving competition with your ex-spouse to fix the children’s emotional turmoil due to the separation.
However, this is not a good way to make your children feel loved. Instead, try to coordinate the gift-giving between you and your ex. It not only helps to keep your finances in check, but your children will know they are loved equally by both parents.
Reassess Your Custody Arrangement
A divorce lawyer can help you develop a children’s custody schedule that provides fair time with both parents for all major holidays. Court orders also address custody for major holidays. In general, these schedules alternate between you and your ex-spouse yearly, so you will both have different and equal holidays with the kids.
The Law Office of Diron Rutty in the Bronx recommends double-checking these dates with your kids, ex-spouse, and an attorney. If you’re looking for a family lawyer in Bronx, NY call today to make an appointment.
Divorce is never easy, and it’s even harder during holidays. However, if you are facing difficulty during the holiday, don’t give up. Your holidays will be easier by doing things for yourself, focusing on your children, and making the right financial decisions. Are you going through a divorce and need an experienced lawyer in New York? Contact the Law Office of Diron Rutty today.