For many families, the holidays are a time when everyone comes together, and people catch up with loved ones. The holidays can also bring up various stressful issues, and this is especially true for a couple that is in the middle of a divorce. Some people who have already broken up with their spouse may still attend a holiday celebration together, for various reasons, while others may avoid relatives during the holiday season because of their divorce. Some people who are in the early stages of working through a divorce are unsure whether or not they should visit their in-laws during the holidays.
There are a lot of things to take into consideration with respect to family parties and the holidays. For example, you may want to prepare yourself for some of the questions that could arise and how you will respond to a family member asking about your divorce. Depending on the details of your own situation, you may even decide to skip out on a get-together this year and focus on your own affairs. On the other hand, the holiday season can help people connect with their family members and find the support they need during a tough divorce.
You may decide to postpone your divorce until the holiday season has passed, or you may be dealing with court matters already. If you have kids, it is particularly important to be supportive during the holidays and understand how your divorce could affect them from an emotional point of view.