20 Things to Ignore About Your Ex on Christmas

Holidays aren't easy if you've recently gone through a breakup, or if you're still encountering your ex due to shared custody of kids. But being single or missing your former partner doesn't have to wreck your holidays. Instead, be mindful of the many things you should ignore about your ex.

For example, ignore your impulse to reach out to them. You broke up, you divorced. Reach out to others—not your ex.

Ignore your impulse to text "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year." Just don't. It sends mixed signals. Even if you want to send mixed signals, it's your ex. So, don't.

Ignore any drunk texts you might have received from your ex over the holidays. They probably regret it, and you don't owe them a response.

During the time you spent together, your ex couldn't have cared less about the holidays. Now suddenly he's into the whole thing? Ignore it. Also, ask yourself how you know they're totally into it now in the first place.

If the kids you have in common bring you a gift they picked out, this is not the time to judge your ex's wrapping job. She never liked wrapping gifts, she'll never like wrapping gifts. This is not your problem. Ignore.

The ex didn't arrange for a gift from the kids to you? Don't worry. As they get older, the kids will figure that out for themselves. In the meantime, enjoy crafts and giving gifts to them for the holidays.

After years of having to put an antique star at the top of the tree when you wanted to top it with a snowy angel? Now's the time. This holiday, ignore your ex's traditions and go back to yours—or make new ones of your own.

If you wind up at the same party, ignore the fact that your ex is there. Smile and say hi, then join others over at the charcuterie board. Don't check in on him. Don't try to get in on her conversations. If ignoring the ex at a party becomes impossible, find the host and say your goodbyes, no explanation needed.

Ignore your common friends' updates and gossip about your ex. Don't ask questions. Tune out information. It's over, and even if you're dying to know if he's seeing anyone, just ignore it.

If you do wind up face-to-face or in the same crowd, don't try to avoid eye contact. Smile and move on.

Ignore the fact that your ex has a new partner. Ignore what they're wearing, ignore how they sound and ignore their collection of annoying habits—even if they make you feel a little better.

If "your song" comes up on your playlist, hit skip. If it comes on at a party host's playlist, head to the bathroom until it's over. Don't wallow, don't sway with your eyes closed in the middle of the room. Get with a group of loud friends and tune it out.

Ignore your old favorite spots. Find new restaurants, new bike paths, new little cafes with great service and dark, rich brownies. Even if these new places aren't as great as the old ones, the change of scenery is important.

All that stuff they left behind? Ignore it. Or, pay attention to it long enough to gather it up and get rid of it. But don't hold onto it, not even for sentimental reasons. If it was a Christmas ornament or a favorite holiday decoration, pass it on to someone who will appreciate it, but otherwise look away.

You were supposed to be engaged by New Year's Eve, but they broke off things instead? You had been saving together for a house, but now that's all over? Ignore the promises broken. Just like your ex, they're not coming back. And considering what has happened, they weren't good promises in the first place.

This Christmas, when things turn cozy and sentimental, ignore thoughts you have about your ex, such as their gift for holiday baking, their enthusiasm for all things Santa or their talent for finding you the perfect gift.

Also, ignore why they made you angry. You don't want to spend the holidays going over all your grievances. Cluttering your mind with anger and sadness makes you feel crazy and left out of the joy of the season.

Ignore the temptation to reminisce about the nice holidays you used to spend together. Appreciate them for what they were, but going over the good times that are now gone doesn't give you room to have new good times now that your ex is gone.

Definitely ignore your ex's Instagram this holiday season. In fact, ignore all their social media. Take a little time to hide, unfollow or even unfriend your ex. It's not mean. It's moving on.

Above all else, ignore the fact that your ex is ignoring you. You broke up for a reason—and, even though you might still miss them, things have changed. There are few things more painful than feeling unseen by someone you care about. Try not to think about it by not thinking about them. You'll appreciate the holidays a little more.