Welcome back and thanks for joining us. We’ve been talking about the challenges that divorced and divorcing parents face when the holidays roll around. The traditions that don’t feel the same anymore, the stress of shouldering the burden alone, the custody and visitation issues. And that’s not even taking into account the finances and the struggles your kids are processing as they face Christmas after a divorce.
In this three part series we’re looking at ways you can address these challenges, so that you and your kids get the most out of the holidays. If you’re only just finding this info now, please take a moment to get caught up, and then join us for the wrap up. You won’t be sorry you did!
“Merry Christmas, you filthy animal!”
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Christmas movies all have happy endings. Fighting siblings make up and become best friends. Long-lost loved ones reunite. Estranged parents get back together. It’s what makes them so heartwarming and wonderful to watch, and also so incredibly difficult for divorced parents. Because while it presents a best-case-scenario outcome for all of life’s ills, it also gives kids hope for an impossible dream.
So what to do? That’s up to you. If the “happily ever after” family movies are too much for you, skip the movies and do something else. Bake cookies, play board games, do a puzzle, or bundle up and take a long walk. If your kids love movies but you want to avoid the mom-and-dad-get-back-together-palooza, choose a bunch of fun, comedy classics that aren’t seasonally specific and laugh together. Movies watched at Christmas time don’t have to be Christmas themed to be fun!
“You’re skipping Christmas! Isn’t that against the law!?”
- Christmas with the Kranks
Holidays after the divorce are not going to be the same. There’s just no way around that. And the fact that both parents may want to spend time with their kids during the holiday season, or on special days, can make the whole thing that much harder. So the best thing you can do is be flexible. Be willing to give a little so that your kids can be with both their parents on Christmas, even if it means some travel time for you, or less time with your kids than you’d hoped for.
Work with your ex to create a schedule that honors what both of you want, and keeps the needs and best interests of your children at the front and center. This way, there’s less tension and stress and arguments, and your children aren’t made to feel like they’re the cause of a fight. Remember, the worst things you could do would be making your kids choose between their parents, or making them feel guilty about their parents not being together.
Divorce can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone!
Here at The Kronzek Firm we’ve helped countless parents over the years, to restructure their futures, and plan for lives that will be different from what they’ve known. We know they’re in for some hard times as they and their kids adjust to the changes, but we are here to help you prepare fully, so that you’re ready for whatever comes your way. So call our skilled and experienced family law attorneys at 866 766 5245 today, and get the help you need.