Once the Trick or Treating of Halloween has ended, many families switch over to full “Holiday” mode with upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and other holidays during the Holiday Season. For even the most stable family, this time of year can be quite anxious and busy, but to the newly single, separated or divorced, complete panic can set in. Even if you’re much happier in your current family situation, it’s hard not to be flooded with memories of old and activities you used to do every year. But there’s hope! There are plenty of ways to keep the holiday cheer as fresh as ever, here are few tips for not only surviving the Holidays, but for celebrating them too!
You don’t have to forget all your favorite traditions. Whenever possible, try to keep some of the same routines and activities you’ve always enjoyed. Whether it’s decorating, cooking or going to see the same shows, there’s no reason you can’t take part in the same pastimes–even if they’re with some new faces, or around a different schedule than before.
And remember to make new ones! The Holidays are a great time to remember, but they’re also the best time of year to make new friends and start new traditions. With more parties, socializing and community activities going on around Christmas time, it’s the easiest time of the year to make a new habit with new or old friends and family.
Give back. The easiest way to cheer yourself up is to cheer up someone else. This works year around, and in Christmas-time too. Maybe donate to a food bank this Thanksgiving, or volunteer at a soup kitchen to feed those less fortunate than you. It will be hard not to smile when you’re putting some cheer into someone else’s stocking. Sing carols door to door, or maybe bake a cake for those elderly neighbors of yours.
Give to yourself. If you have kids, you’re probably used to buying gifts for others, but don’t forget that sometimes we need to spend time with and on ourselves. This could be buying that new item that you’ve been eyeballing all year, or maybe a fancy dinner at that nice restaurant you haven’t had in awhile. Even something as simple as taking a day to watch movies or getting a massage can make you feel warm inside while it’s cold outside.
Stay in touch. The Holidays are known for family time but it’s easy for everyone to get too busy this time of year as well. If you’re in need of some socializing, or just need someone to talk to, this is the perfect time of year to reconnect and reach out to family members and friends who you haven’t spoken with in a while. Whether you’re going through a rough patch or are more than happy with your new situation, it can never hurt to talk about it with an old (or new) friend. And there’s no better time of year than now!
Parker Herring Law Group, PLLC is a law firm in Raleigh, NC