Be proactive this Christmas!

Being newly divorced or separated means a lot of things will be different this Christmas. If you have children, you and your ex-spouse will likely have to split time with them. If you don’t have children, you will find you have a lot more time alone than in past Christmas seasons.

The key to handling all of this is to be proactive. Make a plan and stick to it. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what you are going to do. Don’t hope that someone calls and invites you to come over. Plan your days ahead of time so you know what to expect. This will reduce the likelihood of surprises that catch you off-guard and cause emotional turmoil.

Take some time this week to sit down with trusted friends or family members and make your holiday plans. This should include everything from shopping to New Year’s activities. Go over everything!

Proverbs 15:22 tells us that “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Your closest friends and family can help you determine if your plan is a good one. Additionally, bringing someone else into your holiday planning has the added benefit of accountability. The people who love you most will help you make wise plans—and help you stick to them. 

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Exercise: Don’t wait. Write down your plan for this holiday. When it is over, you will be glad you did!