The holidays are upon us, and if you find yourself having to celebrate your first Christmas without the kids, you’re in good company. Thousands of single parents in North Carolina are spending this Christmas alone because their child custody agreements outline alternating holidays – but knowing that might not make you feel any less lonely.
If you’re spending time with family and friends, you’re fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who love you. Many single moms and dads, however, have to face the day alone; that’s hard to deal with. When you and your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer put together your schedule and visitation agreements, you might not have realized that it would be this difficult.
So what can you do to make the day go a little more smoothly and make yourself feel a little better?
What the Professionals Say
Dr. Robert Leahy, a professor of psychology at Weill-Cornell Medical School, says, “Being alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely.” He suggests planning activities to keep yourself busy and be willing to fly solo – including taking advantage of holiday volunteer opportunities.
If your ex is amenable, see if you can get in a phone call, Skype or FaceTime conversation with your kids. Some parents even choose to hold Christmas early (or late) so they can open gifts and share family time despite the date.
Some parents choose to distract themselves by taking a short trip out of town, write letters to the children to be given next year, or even just curl up with a great book and try to enjoy the quiet.
In Case of an Emergency
While it’s easy for others to say that you’ll be fine, it doesn’t always feel that way. If you’re in a crisis, know that help is available. You can call (800)273-TALK or (800)784-2433 at any time of day if you feel like you need help coping with being alone.
