If you’re in the throes of a Michigan divorce, this major shift in your life is at the top of your mind most of the time. In fact, it can be difficult to do much of anything without feeling like your split or divorce proceedings are breathing down your neck. Don’t allow sadness or anger to destroy your holiday spirit. Here are some of the best ways to ignore your Michigan divorce on Christmas.
Think About the Kids
If you have children, you want the holidays to remain special to them and not a time when they remember one parent leaving or Mom and Dad fighting again. Strive to keep peace in your household, even if that means your kids celebrate two Christmases. Sometimes, if you and your soon-to-be ex aren’t together at all, that’s the best gift you can give your kids.
Think about and what will provide your children with the most joy and love. Instead of forcing yourself into situations that will make everyone tense and unhappy, consider how you can make the best memories. If you are having an amicable divorce, this goal will be easier for you to reach. Even if the split is toxic, one parent can take the kids tree hunting, or another can take them to see Santa. There are always ways to compromise.
If you’ve always done all the holiday celebrating as a family unit, this is a great time to develop some new traditions that don’t involve the whole family so it won’t feel to your kids like disappoint on top of disappointment if one parent is absent.
Decorate and Celebrate
You may be so down in the dumps that you have no desire to embrace the season. You know yourself best – if any bit of Christmas cheer is going to enrage you, then keep your distance. But take a moment to give yourself some perspective.
Have you always loved the holidays, the smell of cinnamon, cookies, fudge, sleigh bells, gingerbread houses, tinsel and holly, carols? Do you adore spending time with friends or decorating your house until it’s bursting? Don’t allow an unhappy marriage to ruin your love of this time of year. You don’t want to wake on Christmas morning to a cold house that is far from festive. Instead, think of Christmas as a time of hope, when you can wake feeling optimistic about the day ahead and new year to come.
Embrace Your Definition of a Happy Holiday
Try to stay positive. As divorce lawyers, we understand the challenge this directive proposes. For your own health and happiness and for the sake of your kids, do your best to create a Christmas that you can at least all enjoy together, if not love completely.
And remember, these feelings of disappointment and sadness are temporary. At this time next year your Michigan divorce will probably be final and you won’t be in limbo anymore. You’ll be ready to take hold of a new holiday season and make it your own. Contact Michigan Divorce Help in Macomb, Michigan, for help with your divorce.