January is usually the month when the most divorces are filed during the year.

“It may be because the holidays are over or that people want a fresh start at the New Year,” says Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a family therapist in California.

Some people want to get through the holidays with a minimum of disruption to the families. Others are hoping their partner will change.  When nothing happens at the end of the old year or start of the new year, they view divorce as the solution.

Dr. Goldsmith has good advice on breaking the news to the children, gently and slowly.  He also tells you not to beat yourself up too much with would-a, could-a and should-a during the difficult divorce process.

“There may not be a perfect moment,” he says.

If you have tried counseling, communicating, and compromising, divorce may be your next best option.

Holidays can be depressing or stressful if you are alone because of the emphasis on families and being together.  But don’t worry.  The folks at PsychCentral.Com have put together this helpful list of ten things to do if you are alone for the holidays.