The holidays are an exciting time to get together with family and celebrate being together, but for a single parent it can be full of challenges. Whether you have a great co-parenting relationship or a tumultuous one, you can still make the holidays a time of happiness and cheer. Here are a few ways you can thrive this holiday season and make treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
Create new traditions
Family traditions are what make the holidays special, but a life change like a separation or divorce can leave you feeling lost. Instead of focusing on traditions from the past, focus on creating new ones. Get your kids involved and build a gingerbread house, or drive around to look at lights. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive; as long as you enjoy your time together, it will be something everyone looks forward to year after year.
Prioritize quality time
It can be easy to get distracted by the commercialization of the holiday season, but what it’s really about is being with the ones you love most. Don’t stress about spending a ton of money going on fancy vacations or on gifts that your kids will forget about in a couple of months. Whether it’s activities like watching a movie, volunteering, or baking cookies, the holidays are all about quality time where you can connect.
Forget about perfection
There’s a saying that perfect is the enemy of good, and that’s especially true during the holidays. As a single parent, trying to make everything perfect, from the decorations to the food, is exhausting. Not only will it steal your joy, but it could make you feel bitter toward your ex. Your kids won’t remember the perfectly placed star on the tree or the homemade cranberry sauce; what they will remember is relaxing and spending time with you.
Be honest
As parents, it’s easy to believe that we have to put on a front to protect our kids when we’re hurting. The truth is, it’s okay to let them know if you’re struggling. Seeing how you handle the complexities of single parenting teaches them that it’s okay to not have it all together. Being honest opens the door for deeper, more meaningful age-appropriate conversations and paves a new and wonderful path forward.
Get family and friends involved
Getting your family and friends involved in your holiday celebrations is a great way to lighten the holiday load. Why not host a movie night or have everyone over to roast marshmallows and sing Christmas carols? It takes a village to raise children, so celebrate everyone who stands by you day in and day out with a gathering that’s full of happiness and joy!
Celebrating the holidays as a single parent can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Focusing on creating new traditions, prioritizing quality time, being honest with your kids, letting go of perfection, and getting friends and family involved can help this be the most wonderful holiday season yet. Woodruff Family Law Group is proud to provide creative family law solutions tailored to fit your needs. You don’t have to go through divorce alone; with Woodruff Family Law Group, you have support every step of the way.