I think most of you will agree with me when I say that Christmas has a completely different feel to it when you have children. They get so excited about Santa coming, you leave food out for him and the reindeers and on Christmas morning it is Christmas present madness!
Christmas after divorce however doesn’t always bring that Christmas cheer that Bublé promise’s us. Instead, Christmas can feel like an effort especially if this is your first Christmas after separation. The day will be hard for everyone, your ex-partner, yourself and even for your children. It is a big change when you start having separate holidays, but it is important to try your best to still make the most of the day.
Opening Presents Together
This is not always an option for every family but for those that are quite amicable you could always open the Christmas presents in the morning together. Organise a time that your partner or you will arrive at the house and open all the gifts as a family. This means you both get to still take part in the early morning Christmas rush. If you are opening presents together it is probably a good idea to discuss the gifts you are getting so you don’t double up.
Letting Go of Traditions
This one is hard but not all traditions can carry through. If you and your partner alternate Christmas’ each year then maybe some of your traditions are just on hold until the following year. Think of this time as time to re-invent Christmas. If your ex-partner didn’t like lots of decorations, make the house look like Santa spewed all over it! Keep the traditions you love and get rid of the ones you don’t enjoy.
Don’t be afraid of doing something different
If you don’t have the children at all why don’t you plan a trip away, spend Christmas with some friends or just spend the day treating yourself. You could even volunteer for a Christmas soup van. You are going through a hard time and everyone around you will understand if you are putting yourself as a priority.
Keep yourself busy
Christmas is a day to be celebrated with others and locking yourself away will not help you beat the Christmas blues. Try and keep your loved one’s close, even if it is hard. Drag yourself out of the house and try and enjoy the Christmas cheer.