The winter holidays are supposed to be a time to appreciate your blessings and enjoy time with your family. However, all that holiday cheer can backfire on a lot of couples. It’s no real coincidence that the post-holiday season usually involves a spike in new divorce filings.
Some people simply don’t want to file for divorce once the holiday season has started. Usually, they hope to avoid a lot of family drama, or they don’t want their children to associate this time of the year with their parents’ breakup. However, others simply find that the holiday season is just the “last straw” that makes it clear that their marriages can’t survive.
Why do so many relationships break down during the holidays?
All that holiday cheer and togetherness comes at a cost, and many couples really feel the existing tensions in their marriages escalate. Common problems include:
- Money troubles: All the economic strain associated with decorations, gifts, special meals and holiday travel can aggravate tensions between couples who aren’t financially compatible or whose overall values don’t align.
- Family obligations: All the associated stress of coordinating schedules, accommodating guests and coping with sometimes difficult family dynamics can reveal fundamental differences in a couple’s approach to communication and boundaries.
- Broken illusions: It’s easy to get sucked into a holiday fantasy, especially if you’re hoping that the magic of the season will somehow rekindle your romance with your spouse – and it can be devastating when reality falls short of expectations.
While the holidays can be stressful, they’re also a good time to stop and reflect on the expectations and goals you have for your marriage. If you find that you and your spouse no longer seem to be on the same path, it may be time to seek some legal support.