It’s been almost two years since I had a divorce party and it’s incredible to see how much more mainstream they’ve become.  More and more women (and men) are realizing the need to acknowledge such an important event in their lives and a whole industry has been growing around them—-divorce party invitations, divorce cakes, and divorce gifts (like the Wedding Ring Coffin!!!!).  And now finally, a divorce party song! “You’re Free” was written by Carrie Johnson and is destined to become a classic.  To celebrate the launch of the song, our friends at LuvemOrLeavem.com are having a video contest.  Women (sorry, guys) are invited to submit a video by themselves or with friends singing the Divorce Party song.

Go to http://luvemcontests.blogspot.com for all the details.  But hurry, videos must be submitted by December 15 so get out your video cameras and start singing!

A new reality show for a major cable network is looking for newly single women all across the US who are recently divorced (within the last year), or currently going through a divorce.

We’re looking for attractive, outgoing women with vivacious personalities who want to celebrate their re-introduction into the single life;  additionally, we’re looking for women who are going to receive or have received a large amount of money from their former other half.

The women we’re looking for would love to plan or are already planning a party to “celebrate” their divorce…Whether it’s a ski trip with the girls to Vail, a trip to Miami with VIP table service and limos, or a girls’ trip to Vegas or the Big Apple, we’re looking for the right woman and her fun-loving group of supportive friends. If you fit the bill, email beckyscasting@gmail.com and tell us why you’d be good for the show, a little bit about yourself, a photo, and in which city you live.

They say that the holidays are a very difficult time for many people. It was never that way for me. Starting with Thanksgiving and all the way through New Year’s Day, I always found the holidays to be the best time of the year. I loved all the preparation—planning the special meals, shopping for gifts, being with family and friends. But in the last few years since my separation and ensuing divorce, the holidays have changed for me.

In my case, Thanksgiving is still great. Same cast of characters. But December is trickier. For 22 years, my ex-husband and I spent Christmas with his brother’s family. It was a wonderful tradition. Once we separated, I felt it was important to continue the tradition and I encouraged my ex to take our daughter to his brother’s home for Christmas. But what was I going to do? I suddenly found myself scrambling to figure out plans. Luckily, I have some very dear friends who are willing to take me in on these kinds of occasions. Like a stray. As good a time as I may have, I can’t help but feel some sadness for the loss of the tradition and for the predictability of knowing who I’ll be with to celebrate the holidays.

After some discussion, my ex and I agreed to “joint custody” of my brother-in-law’s family. We’ve decided to alternate. He went with our daughter the first year, I went with her the next year.  Luckily, it’s my turn this year—-hard to believe it’s already the fourth year.  No stressing this Christmas about where I’ll be and who I’ll be with but it won’t be long before I have to start worrying about Christmas 2009.

How has your divorce changed the holidays for you?