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Holidays Traditions After Divorce

Single Moms and the Holidays

By Teri Brown

Another important aspect of single parenting through the first holidays is focusing on you. The days are darker and seasonal depression is common with many women, let alone those trying to juggle childcare and make merriness out of emptiness.

"Newly single parents can do lots of things to help themselves get through the holidays," says Dr. Thomas. "Make time for calming, self-care activities that let you gather your wits."

Prepare for your alone time by not being alone. Meet with friends, spend time with your family or throw a small get together for co-workers.

But according to Dr. Thomas, the best thing you can do for your children is to have a holiday planning meeting with your spouse so both of you can have input as to how the holidays are structured. "The co-parenting relationship – the new way you relate to each other – has never been more important than it is now," says Thomas. "No longer intimate partners, you are still your children's' parents and you give them the greatest gift when you work on things together, even if in businesslike fashion."

Divorce creates a sense of loss for the entire family. When you work to make the holidays easier on your children, you reassure everyone that divorce isn't the end of the world.

Want to see more?

• Alone: Facing an Unexpected Pregnancy Without a Partner
• Young, Pregnant and Entering Single Motherhood: Two Women's Stories

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