Handling the Holidays after a Divorce in Maryland
When a couple goes through a divorce in Maryland , the holidays can seem to lose their promise of joy. However, with a healthy dose of understanding, families can accept the new dynamics and make the most of the holidays, despite the divorce. If youre just embarking on the divorce process, youll want to let a Glen Burnie divorce attorney help walk you through it.
The holidays can create a lot of anxiety; having a lawyer take care of the legal side of things can help alleviate some unnecessary stress and allow you to focus more on enjoying the holidays.
Effects of Divorce during the Holidays
Divorce affects everyone involved, not just the husband and wife. This becomes even more apparent during the holidays, a time focused primarily on family-togetherness and reminiscing.
If there are children involved, the divorce can be hardest on them. Coping with the separation of their parents, spending holidays at 2 houses, and not being able to spend time with their friends over their school break can cause strong emotions for children and teens.
This is uncharted territory for everyone in the family. Visiting extended family can become difficult to handle, and money will likely be tight. The travel and expenses that usually come with the holidays can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders as youre going through your divorce in Maryland.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Its important to be patient with yourself during this transitional time. Most people have extremely high expectations of the holidays, often picturing a traditional happy couple, family feasts, and plenty of gifts.
In reality, though, theres no perfect holiday. Married and divorced couples alike have stress and problems during the holiday season, and its okay to just let go of these overly high expectations.
Youll need to learn to be flexible and think of new ways to manage your time and resources. Keep the traditions that still serve you, but feel free to create new ones, too.
Have faith that with a little time and effort, youll come up with a new way of celebrating the holiday season. You owe it to yourself to set aside the worries and stresses youve been dealing with, and look within to find a deeper sense of love and appreciation. Life after divorce isnt over; its just different.
Remembering What Is Important
When the holidays begin to feel like a burden, the best thing you can do is look within and remember the true meaning of the holidays. Rediscover what they mean to you, channeling your inner wisdom and personal belief system.
The holidays arent about rushing around like mad and lavish gift giving. Youll want to avoid the temptation to vie for your childrens affection with your ex after divorce by having a competition of who can give better and bigger gifts.
Set aside your own woes, and instead try focusing on sharing, helping others, and being thankful. Sometimes, its easier for people to cope when they take their eyes off their own problems and concentrate on having a gracious and generous heart toward others.
It may take a year or so after your divorce in Maryland to feel normal again during the holidays. Try being patient and forgiving yourself; healing doesnt happen overnight.
Most divorcing couples find it extremely helpful to simplify during this time, too. Simplicity is key to handling the holidays during divorce. Your finances and your time will likely be stretched thinly, and itll serve you well to slow down long enough to remember your priorities and get back to what really matters.
If you need help in creating a parenting plan for the holidays or have any other concerns about your divorce in Maryland, consult with a Glen Burnie divorce attorney.
Contacting Glen Burnie Divorce Attorney’