The holiday season while filled with joy, family and gathering with friends, can be a very challenging time for women who have experienced a divorce. Especially, when it comes to family traditions.
Emotions run high during the holidays for most of us and for women post-divorce they may escalate even higher. You may feel happy, sad, relief, grief and it is not uncommon to feel some or all these emotions simultaneously. It is important to recognize and acknowledge these mixed emotions and know that it is okay to honor and feel all of them. It is part of the healing journey. Reaching out to friends, family and professionals during this time can be especially helpful to maintain good mental health and overall well-being.
Part of my post-divorce journey meant creating new traditions for the holidays. I encourage you to let this be a time to embrace the freedom to celebrate in the ways that you find meaningful and resonate with your current lifestyle. If you have children, get them involved with creating something special and new for them too. Here are some favorites and the best part is that they don’t cost and arm and a leg.
At Home Spa Day – relaxing at home with candles, nice music, some chocolates and perhaps enjoying a glass of wine all while soaking in my tub with scented Epsom salts and a facial mask. Ahh heaven!
Baking Cookies – trying new recipes can be so much fun and if you have kids letting them help with the decorating and of course the eating.
Holiday Movie Marathon – put on your favorite jammies and slippers, grab the popcorn and indulge in your favorite holiday movies – can you say Hallmark?
Game Night – invite friends over and have them bring a favorite snack to share and play games like Apples to Apples and Left Right Center (family favs) include the kids with age-appropriate games for example with the little ones have a coloring contest.
Journal – the holidays can be a perfect time to either start journaling or to catch up with your journaling by reflecting on all the good things that happened during the past year and to set goals for the coming year.
Yes, divorce can redefine your holiday experience and your traditions, but it also opens up opportunities for personal growth and new joys. Remember that this season is a canvas for your own renewal and joy. Each step you take is a celebration of your resilience and a testament to the bright future that awaits you. Embrace this time as an opportunity to rediscover yourself and to paint your holidays with colors of hope and happiness. You deserve it!