Q: ...I'm quite certain my soon-to-be ex-wife will make plans with the children to be with her side of the family (she always has). We don't talk to each other, so there's no point in trying to work something out with her. What can I do instead? I am thankful for my girls, and I don't need a holiday to remind me of that. I just don't want to be isolated.
A: Get together with some friends. You may be surprised how many people would love to get together with friends that don't have family nearby. Talk it up a little with friends and see if anyone else is looking for something to do. It's unfortunate that society has turned every single holiday into a "Hallmark Moment". We' ve gone completely overboard with it. Spend some quality time with your girls over the weekend (after Thanksgiving) and just look forward to that. I'm sorry about your situation and know that you aren't alone. (Come back to Y!A on Thanksgiving Day and there will be lots of us here looking for someone to talk to!)