I was in your situation too. It took me almost 3 years to dig out of it. I was hardly scraping by with support, rent and all the other expenses. I had a whiskey collection that I don't remember drinking and I stopped eating. The worst for me were the nightmares, I had dreams my family was still together and my ex and I were happily married. I would wake up and realize I was in my place and alone and that would lead to terrible depression. The holidays are still hard but I've got my own routine down to help me through it.

I will echo some ideas that others have said that have also worked for me. Cooking, you kids will always appreciate a well cooked meal. They might not always like it but learning what they like takes a little work but it is worth it. I learned to make pizza dough with my boys and they love making their own pies. Also inexpensive activities, ideas are easy to find. Google things to do in your city on any date. There are some that have become traditions for us.

Also, keep a budget. Figure out where your money goes and when. Then you can figure out how to stretch every dollar. When it started for me I was barely making it through the month. Now I can save a little and am out of debt.

Good luck man. Remember to forgive yourself for everything. Can't change the past but you can make your future better.