Thanksgiving, Divorce, and Blended Families
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Last Thanksgiving wasn’t this complicated. This year, there’s me, my son, my boyfriend, his three kids, his ex-wife, her boyfriend, his ex and his kids, boyfriend’s dad, his girlfriend, boyfriend’s mom, her boyfriend, then there’s my ex-husband. (That sentence simplified: many divorced couples, new relationships, many kids from broken homes, not everyone is on civil terms yet) Can you imagine this is going to be awkward? Although I miss my family, I’m kinda glad they live on another continent right now! Currently, there is no plan as to which kids are going to be at who’s house, with which one of their parents, and who is going to be cooking?
While it’s always bad when families break up, some of the worse times can be during the holiday season. It hurts to remember past, happy Thanksgivings that will never happen again. Or it reminds everyone of dreadful holidays filled with fighting. The holiday season is presented to us as filled with magic and wonder, and cute children’s movies with loving parents and happy homes, and children are asked what they want, what they wish for, and as well as a Nintendo Wii and skinny jeans they really wish their mom and dad could both be with them.
When I was a kid, I remember being shuttled between two or three different houses on Christmas day (and most other holidays) so all the relations, grannies, aunties etc.. could be visited because everyone insisted they had to see people on Christmas Day (or else.)
My son is just a toddler so I’m glad he’s too young to have memories of horrendous Thanksgiving days. This is my first Thanksgiving as a single mom and I know that this year is going to be difficult, and probably for a few more years to come.
I found this page of tips for single moms at Thanksgiving, and most of the advice can apply equally to dads too. It reminded me that although it’s going to be hard over the holidays, the reason for this holiday is giving thanks. And I’m so, so thankful that I have people that I love and care about, we can afford to make dinner, we have a cute, warm little apartment, and most importantly, that I have a wonderful healthy son who I love more than anything. I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am for him.
We’ll get through Thanksgiving day. At least it will be interesting, and maybe there will even be some fun moments.
Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and fun Thanksgiving!
Shevonne says...
That sounds like a very awkward Thanksgiving, but also a fun one.