Phoenix Family Law Attorney on Coping with Holidays

After an Arizona divorce, dealing with holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions can seem much less joyful. It’s hard to celebrate when you’re in a new apartment, you have shaky relationships with family, or your ex-spouse has the kids for the weekend. It’s easy to sink into depression and try to avoid anything relating to the holiday. As Phoenix divorce lawyers, we know how hard it can be to spend that first Thanksgiving alone or drop off a birthday present instead of staying for cake. The good news is that it is normal to feel blue after a big change, and there are things you can do to bring the joy back to your family’s special occasions:

• Talk about what the holidays mean to you. Whether it’s Christmas, the Fourth of July, or another occasion, sit down with your family and talk about what these holidays really mean to you. Potato salad on the beach? Decorating the tree? Shopping with your daughter on Black Friday? Think about what you really need to make it feel special, and then work together to try to provide the most important experiences.
• Do something for someone else. If you know you’ll be alone on a holiday morning, consider volunteering. Visit a local nursing home, help in a soup kitchen, or get involved in other community activities. You might even enjoy the experience enough to make it a new tradition!
• Make something together. Especially if you have children, it can help to get involved in a craft together in celebration. You might work together to make a Thanksgiving centerpiece, ornaments, or a birthday photo frame. You’ll be creating wonderful memories, working together, and you’ll also have a physical reminder of your time together.
• Work out a fair parenting time schedule ahead of time. If there are kids involved, don’t wait until the last minute to figure out parenting time for holidays and birthdays. It’s almost always easier for everyone involved if you know what to expect and can plan for quality time with your kids.
• Get together with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to ask to join family and friends for the holidays. Even though you may not feel up to it, spending time with others can help you get through the hardest times. If you’re uncomfortable inviting yourself or accepting an invitation, considering inviting your other single friends over for the evening. You might be surprised what a difference it makes to surround yourself with others.

Ultimately, going through a Scottsdale divorce means losing the familiar, and it’s up to you to create new traditions and memories in the transitional period. Remember: you are still a family, and that’s what’s really important. If you need help with divorce, parenting time, or custody in Maricopa County, speak with one of our compassionate and experienced Phoenix family law attorneys today at 1-888-929-5292 to schedule a completely free and confidential legal consultation to talk about your options. We also recommend you request your free copy of our helpful book, Arizona Family Law – How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times. We look forward to helping you with your legal needs.