Do’s and Dont’s for Surviving Christmas during Relationship Breakdown

It’s idyllic – the twinkly lights, the joyful tunes, and the tremendously hyped adverts from large retailers that, at times, defy explanation.

It’s Christmas! A time of peace, joy and love for one and all, or so they say.

In fact, holiday season in general, can be one of the hardest times of the year for people facing the breakdown of their relationship. So, if you’re in the process of splitting up, have recently split or know that it’s going to be your New Year’s Resolution, here are a few quick tips to help you get through the season with some sanity intact:

Do’s & Don’ts

1. DO reconnect with old friends and family that you may not have seen for a while
2. DO give yourself permission to have every emotion you are having but DON’T allow yourself to wallow – if that hyped advert from the large retailer inexplicably brings you to tears, DO turn it off!
3. DO get out and enjoy the festivities but DON’T overdo it and find yourself at the bottom of a bottle of mulled wine
4. DO keep whatever traditions you like and get rid of the ones you don’t; and
5. DO give yourself a ‘holiday’ from social media and DON’T stalk your ex’s profile pages!

The holidays can be hard at the best of times. The above list is very general and meant to bring some help but also some humour to a truly difficult situation. If you have children together, it can be even more difficult to navigate the do’s and don’ts of keeping it together at Christmas.

Just remember, you will get through this and you are not alone.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

First written for and featured in Round & About Magazine