The holiday season is always difficult after your divorce. Thanksgiving, in particular, can really be tough. However, your first Thanksgiving post-divorce doesn’t have to be doom and gloom. In fact, there are ways you can make it work, and maybe even enjoy the holiday…
Thanksgiving Post-Divorce: New Holiday Traditions
Talk to the kids
Kids are what can make Thanksgiving post-divorce so tricky. After all, it’s a holiday about family being together, but divorce has changed the family they know. So, before you and your ex begin fretting or arguing over the details of the holiday, take some time to understand how your kids feel.
Sometimes, the holiday might amplify those feelings of sadness or anger that came with the divorce. Trying to spin things positively might backfire on you. Instead, talk to them and acknowledge how they feel. If they feel heard and understood, then you can start to tackle the holiday plans.
Create new traditions
Thanksgiving comes with a lot of traditional ties. However, divorce somewhat puts an end to the traditions your family may have had. Your kids especially might feel like they don’t mean anything, or are upset by them. Therefore, for your first Thanksgiving post-divorce, try to come up with new ones.
Creating new traditions is a great way to get your kids back into the holiday spirit. Plus, it gives them an active role in the new home life. Making up some new traditions can make your holiday feel more like it should, rather than “empty”.
Co-parent as a team
Thanksgiving is only on one day, which tends to be a source of conflict for co-parents. Many co-parents will disagree over who should get the kids and why. For your first Thanksgiving post-divorce, it’s actually much better to work as a team. Teamwork will make your holiday go much smoother for all of you.
For instance, maybe you have the kids in the morning, and you ex has them for the afternoon. Also, don’t make your kids feel bad for going with your ex. Encourage them to get involved with their family activities and to talk about them. That way, your kids still feel attached to the other members of their families.
