Christmas is often projected in the media as being 100% fun and festive and for many it is. However, the truth for some people is often something a little less fun and is actually very stressful due to their domestic circumstances and/or finances. If you are having relationship issues already, the Christmas period can accentuate all sorts of problems.
The combination of spending a lot of time in close proximity with relatives, your partner and the kids, combined with the weird pressure of having to be ‘jolly and happy’ for long periods can cause major frictions to arise. It can also expose existing fault lines that are managed at other times by the diversions of work and outside interests.
Of course it’s not all about those who are in existing relationships. In post-Divorce situations the matter of who has the kids on which dates, for example, can reopen old wounds or cause serious disagreements.
How should you deal with all of this?
There are ways to manage these tensions over the holiday period itself. If you can, get out of the house for a while every day, either as a family or by yourself. Fresh air and exercise rid you and others of the feelings of claustrophobia and irritability. Fresh air and exercise also help people to relax and sleep a little better. Talking of sleep…
Sleep: why it is important.
Get enough sleep. This sounds an odd thing to say when people are not working, but late nights, rich food and alcohol all disturb the usual sleep patterns. Step off the party train for a while, eat something light and go to bed early. It will help your mood.
The gym can be an escape.
Got to the gym! Work out your frustrations on the treadmill. Everyone knows that exercise improves your mood. You also get out of the house for a while.
Find some space. Think about what you want.
If, at the end of the day, there really is something wrong with your relationship don’t try and deal with it in the middle of Christmas week. Bite your tongue, avoid situations that you know are likely to spark an argument and find some space in the New Year to have a long hard think about what you really want.
Our Family Team will be on hand to give you advice on your legal options. It’s not all about Divorce. Fixed Fee Mediation may well be the path you need, or you may even decide you just need some marriage counselling. Whatever you decide is best for you then rhw can point you in the right direction or provide you with an excellent legal service that will deliver what you want. Send an email and we will pick it up, or call us once Christmas and New Year are out of the way. Don’t suffer in silence.
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Alternatively you can check out the family law advice which may answer some of your questions anyway.
