The London-based writer had spent the previous Christmas with her ex and was attempting to bury those memories. "I'm usually the biggest fan of Christmas," Slawson says. The first holiday as a newly single person can be emotional, especially if your ex attended the previous year's festivities. If you feel anxious about your upcoming family holiday party, it's tempting to make the same mistake Slawson did and overindulge. By doing some light preparation you can mentally equip yourself to handle whatever emotions and questions come up with grace.

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Persons: Nicola Slawson, Slawson Locations: London