Traditionally, holiday season is a time for celebration and magic for families, but it can be challenging for divorced or separated parents. Christmas is quite challenging for complete families, when children demand more attention and family activities increase two-fold. However, the situation may become panicky when kids spend Christmas with divorced parents. Moving from one parent to the other, Christmas can prove to be quite taxing on kids’ emotions. Don’t worry though; there are ways through which Christmas can be made joyful for the children of divorced parents.

Plan out the holidays

Every Christmas plan for separated or divorced parents depends on their parenting schedule, which could have been decided by the court or mutual agreement of the parents. It is wise not to change the schedule during the holidays, as this is fodder for issues in the future. Co-parenting can make things easier for you and your kids if the holidays are planned way before time. Besides your teenage kids may have plans of their own, so it’s better to coordinate with them before dividing their time.

Sometimes, it is out of the parents’ hands to decide how much time kids will be spending with either of the parents. This is when the court orders do not show flexibility in changing the time or dates for meet ups between parents and kids. This is the main challenge that the parents need to overcome while planning for the holiday time spent with the kids. Parents would have to rearrange their respective schedules to make time for their kids.

Co-parenting relies heavily on the direct flow of communication. Divorced or separated couples would have to put their differences and grievances behind them in order to make the holidays a success for their kids. Inform each other about your personal plans and convey your expectations for the holidays. However, if there is a huge emotional baggage and direct communication is not an option, then email is the safe option to keep each other informed of the details.

Parents can divide the days or time of holidays – spending Christmas Eve with one, while Christmas day with the other. This will allow the kids to celebrate and enjoy their holidays with both parents. Also, parents can spend time with their new partner or friends.

Keep in mind that presents are the most important part of Christmas. Parents should plan them together so that they do not overlap and neither buys anything unwanted. But they should also not forget to maintain a balance in buying gifts for kids. Spoiling your children will not make up for the lost time. In fact, best co-parenting is to adapt to the new parenting dynamics in your life and coordinate with your ex to work out things for your kids.