Let's face it, the holidays can be a tough time for the newly divorced or those stuck in the thick of the whole painful business. Bombarded wherever they go with a barrage of happy Christmas spirit, divorced folks may have to fight the urge to retire to bed with a TV, a pile of books and lots of takeout menus.
In the spirit of the season, give extra thought to giving divorced friends some special gifts that'll help them through the season. These can be little stocking stuffers that will make them smile. Or they can be bigger treats, the perfect way to help them into a whole new year and a better happier future. Here are a few ideas.
A Dreamy Massage
Divorce means not being touched for a while (in most cases). Getting a good workover from a good masseuse can be a gift from heaven.
The Ex Took It!
Find out what favorite household items have been taken by the ex. The cherished mixing bowls. That great set of knives. Surprise your pal with a nice comforting replacement.
The Reclaimed Bed
It's really important for the divorced person to reclaim the bed and make it into a lovely nest that is all theirs. Buy them a gorgeous set of sheets or some wonderful luxurious pillows to help them love being in bed solo.
Movie Nights
Okay, so there will be nights when he or she will be alone at home. Help them launch their own movie nights with a subscription to Netflix or Hulu. Suggest they make a list of all the movies they've ever wanted to see, but just haven't had the time. Throw in some gourmet popcorn for an extra treat.
Break Out Time!
The post-divorce period is the perfect time to shake things up and push back boundaries. Buy your divorced pal a gift certificate for a wild excursion that takes them out of their comfort zone. Maybe it's riding a roller coaster... zip lining... driving a race car. Take him or her to where the wild things are.
Get Healthy
This is also a great time to do something good for the body and soul. Start the process with gift certificates for yoga, kick boxing, vegan cooking lessons or similar.
New Hobbies
Find out what he or she's always wanted to learn but has never had the time -- like learning to learn to make sushi, snorkeling, clown school, ballroom dancing... whatever. Kick start the hobby with a lesson or two.
New underwear
There's nothing like pretty underwear or a nice nightgown to raise a divorced woman's spirits. Give her a certificate from an upscale lingerie department. It'll work wonders.
Pamper Basket
Fill a gift basket with scrubs, soaps and "smellies" as they're called in the U.K. If you're feeling generous, include a gift certificate to a spa.
New Year's Party Gift
If he or she is a really good friend, consider throwing a New Year's Party in his or her honor -- it's a New Year, a new beginning. This is going to be the best year yet. Gather all their favorite people to help them launch their new life.
Some Fun Stocking Stuffers:
- Divorce Christmas ornament. A keepsake to commemorate the passing of one era and the beginning of another.