Thanksgiving and the winter holidays will soon be upon us. Surviving the holiday season while going through a divorce, navigating life post-divorce, and/or co-parenting can be daunting. Here are a few tips to keep the holiday season bright.

1. Don’t Over plan

Try to keep your holiday plans simple and low key. You will thank yourself later!

2. No Surprises

For parents: have your schedule set well ahead of the holidays. Hopefully you have a parenting plan in place and know who will be spending what days with the kids. Working with a mediator can help you to determine the specifics. If you’re making travel plans, be sure to have a clear itinerary and share it with the other parent. Keep to the schedule and avoid any unwanted surprises.

3. Give Yourself Some Love

Don’t be afraid to pamper yourself. There’s a good chance you’ll be spending some time alone this holiday season and you deserve to check in with yourself and give yourself some much-needed attention. Give yourself a gift, or do something fun just for you. Self-care is an important part of the healing process, and this is a great opportunity to start exercising it!

(inspired by San Diego Family Mediation Center email newsletter)