January is notoriously the month when relationships are most likely to end, with the nickname ‘Divorce Day’ being assigned to January 3rd. So, why do so many couples split after Christmas?
It appears that it is due to the ‘perfect Christmas’ image that is constantly portrayed in the media and played out in society. So, many couples who have stuck together through a summer and into the autumn months but are starting to struggle, find it increasingly difficult to alter their course of action in the run up to the festivities. This is because holidays, parties, presents, plans, and family events have been organised and booked, and so much emphasis is placed on everyone being happy that nobody wants to admit that some cracks are appearing in a relationship during this time.
People are also reluctant to be alone or deal with the upset surrounding a break up, especially when children are involved, at this time of year. In addition, many couples stay together for the sake of the children under such circumstances, or often because they don’t want to let parents down at this special time of year.
With all the hectic rush before Christmas itself, with work do’s, children’s concerts, family and friend gatherings, relationships can continue to be swept along, even when unhappy, on a tide of duty and bustle, with partners barely talking to each other.
On Christmas Day and beyond, often with no work and a lull in activities, relationships are seen in a stark light, and the reality of time spent with a partner that holds no connection or chemistry any more can be very difficult to deal with. Maybe it is signified by a really unthoughtful present or behaviour towards family or friends, or lack of help organising the day itself.
Some families get to spend more time together at Christmas than at any other time during the year due to work commitments, so the pressure can be unbearable if the relationship hasn’t been nurtured through the year. Confined to a house due to poor weather, complete with children and other family members can be a recipe for disaster.
To add fuel to the fire, couples know that in January all the bills will be coming in for the previous month of generally overspending, and this can elevate stress levels, finance often being a flashpoint for arguments between couples.
Couples may also have heard that ‘January is the month to get divorced’ and think that it is normal to do this now, without perhaps realising that there are a lot of options available to help rectify relationship issues before divorce is a necessity.