Top 8 reasons couples apply for divorce after Christmas

When the festive season comes to a close, the start of the new year brings fresh beginnings, but sadly for many it initiates endings too. The first week of January always sees the media inflate the annual phenomenon that is ‘Divorce Day’, which falls on the first working Monday of the year. In reality, people take the important decision around divorce very seriously and it does not all just happen on one day, but is actually the accumulation of many thoughts and conversations, often highlighted further around Christmas.

Christmas is supposedly a time of joy and happiness, so why is there a spike in divorce enquiries following the holidays? In this article I am going to address the top 8 reasons couples apply for a divorce after Christmas.

1. “New year, new me" 

   The start of a new year symbolises a fresh chapter for many. It is a time of reflection of the past year and contemplation of the year ahead, with many addressing their lives and relationships and taking the opportunity to make resolutions to change. After spending time with their spouse over the Christmas period, they may come to the realisation they are no longer happy in their marriage. The “new year, new me” mindset can lead people to make decisions about ending their marriage and embarking on a new chapter of their lives. Alternatively, couples who have already been separated for some time may decide the New Year is a good time to start divorce proceedings.

2. Holiday Stress 

   Although the festive season is a time of joy, it can be extremely stressful for couples. The pressure of buying presents, preparing for Christmas day, and juggling family obligations can lead to tension and frustration. If couples are already experiencing difficulties in their marriage, the added stress of Christmas can result in issues reaching breaking point.

3. Financial strain

   From purchasing presents and attending social events, to hosting friends and family, Christmas is a costly time of year which can result in financial strain. Particularly with the cost-of-living crisis, people can struggle to meet the financial pressures of Christmas and often find themselves with post-Christmas bills or debt. Money is a common source of conflict in marriages and Christmas can exacerbate existing tensions and conflicts between couples in respect of financial management, pushing couples to reconsider their future together.

4. Increased time together

   Couples tend to spend an extended amount of time together over the festive period, with many having a break from work commitments. This increased time together can expose or aggravate underlying issues that may have been ignored or underplayed throughout the year, leading to spouses making decisions about separation or divorce.

5. Unrealistic Expectation

   The festive period is often portrayed as “the most wonderful time of the year”, a time of joy, happiness and family bonding. If a couple’s experience does not meet this expectation, it can lead to feelings of disappointment and unfulfillment resulting in couples reviewing their relationship and contemplating divorce. 

6. Family Tensions

   The Christmas period tends to involve spending extended periods with family, which can create friction between spouses, especially if there are complicated relationships with in-laws and family disagreements. If there are complicated family dynamics and pressures, individuals can feel torn between their spouse and family members. This can lead couples to question the viability of their marriage.

7. Infidelity

   The Christmas period is a time of festive celebrations, social gatherings, and increased socialising. At Christmas parties, the festive spirit and consumption of alcohol can create environments where inhibitions are lowered and people can have moments of poor judgment, leading to infidelity. The holiday mood can also create an atmosphere for flirtation and emotional connections may develop. For someone who is already unhappy in their marriage, the chance to connect with someone during the most wonderful time of the year may be enticing. If the infidelity is discovered, it can result in feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, and often divorce. Even if never revealed, infidelity can create emotional distance between a couple which they may not be able to overcome.  

8. Isolation and Loneliness

   The festive period can also highlight feelings of loneliness, particularly if one spouse feels neglected or emotionally distant. If a couple feel disconnected during what is supposed to be a period of celebration and bonding, it can lead to feelings of isolation, which may prompt a divorce if not addressed.

Whilst the Christmas and New Year periods are not the sole cause of divorce, the time of year can generate pressures, stress, and reflection which can push couples to confront difficulties in their marriages. As family lawyers, we specialise in helping couples going through separation and divorce. If you are considering the same and would like to discuss your circumstances and options, please do get in touch.