Why the Holidays are the Most Trying Time of the Year for Families & Divorce

Ever since we were kids, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the holidays are supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but the reality for many families is that it’s really the “most stressful time of the year.”

Parents are working hard to keep things merry and bright for their children, but underneath the festive front, there is a whole host of emotions, including, for some, resentment, anger, and frustration towards their partner.

Holidays are stressful for families for a variety of reasons, and for couples that are already on rocky ground heading into the end of the year, the holidays could be the last straw that leads to their final unraveling. Because of this, it’s no surprise that we see a big uptick in divorce filings come the start of the New Year.

Below are a few of the many reasons the end of the year can be such a trying time for families:

• Financial pressures – Gift-giving, traveling, entertainment expenses, and end-of-the-year financial commitments lead to added financial pressure for couples. And during a COVID year, those stressors are magnified even more. Regardless of the time of year, financial arguments are one of the biggest factors in divorce, and those pressures are brought even further to light during the holiday season.
• Family tension – Spending time with family and in-laws is stressful, and that tension can lead to arguments with your spouse. Moreover, arguments about where to spend time, how much time to spend with whom, and other conversations can all lead to heightened feelings of anger and other negative emotions.
• Travel stressors – While traveling can be fun, it can also be incredibly stressful, especially when managing a family.

The holiday season brings many challenging moments for families, and while a single stressful event is unlikely to bring upon a divorce, for many, the added stressors that come with end-of-the-year celebrations may be enough to put the papers in motion.

If you and your spouse have reached the point in your marriage where divorce is your only option, we can help. Contact us today at Vasquez de Lara Law Group.