Divorce is difficult. The holidays are difficult. And when the two coincide, it can be one of the most agonizing times in a person’s life. Even if a marriage has been going downhill for some time, this can be particularly hard to remember during the holiday season when stereotypes of intact families and joyous partnerships seemingly overtake the airwaves and television channels.

According to The Huffington Post, however, there are several things you can do during the holiday season to make your divorce easier to handle. The first is to prepare in advance. As soon as the table is cleared from Thanksgiving dinner, take a deep breath and acknowledge the tricky season ahead.

Acknowledging your complicated emotions during the holidays may, in some cases, bring bad memories to the surface in which you are not ready to acknowledge. If this is the case, do not be too hard on yourself. Sometimes “trimming the trimming,” as The Huffington Post states, is an acceptable solution. If putting up decorations you shared with your ex-spouse is too painful, skip it. You do not have to feel as if you must carry on with traditions the way that you always have. In fact, making new traditions can be extremely therapeutic, especially if you have children.

Psychology Today suggests that each parent sits down with the children and creates, together, new holiday traditions. This can help ease the burden of divorce for both children and parents.

Holding on and reaching out for guidance to near and dear friends and loved ones is not a tradition to put aside. Keep in mind that despite your fractured marriage, not all relationships have ended. If you start to feel down, do not hesitate to reach out to people, even if they know both you and your ex-spouse.

Additionally, you do not have to bad-mouth your ex to vent about how you are feeling. In the same vein, do no hesitate to turn down invitations if you feel that attending will only drudge up negative emotions. You do not have to feel compelled to explain yourself.

If you or someone you know is considering divorce during the holiday season, it can be an overwhelming and and emotionally draining time. However, speaking with a legal professional can help to alleviate some of the more complicated logistics and put you on the right track to beginning your new life in the New Year. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced DuPage County divorce attorney today.