Divorce: How to Manage the Holidays

The holidays are coming. Before you know it, you will be making decisions for your family about how to manage the holiday schedule. If this is your first holiday season after your divorce, you may find it difficult to juggle activities, to determine which parent the children will be with at which times, and to carve out a holiday routine that is as close to normal as possible.

At Springer & Lyle, we want to help parents co-parent their children during the holiday season in ways that alleviate stress. You can combine your standard traditions with new ways of celebrating so the season is as much fun for your children as possible.

Plan Ahead, be Flexible, and Act in the Best Interest of the Children

It is not too early to plan. Discuss with your co-parent what plans they may have and see if everyone’s schedule can be accommodated. If possible, if you are on good terms with your ex-spouse, you can maintain some standard traditions.

For example, if Christmas Eve has traditionally been spent with your family, and Christmas Day with your ex-spouse’s family, try to do the same thing this year.

Be flexible. If the other parent suggests a holiday trip or excursion, even if the timing of the event conflicts with your parenting schedule for possession, consider what is in the best interest of the children.

If you cannot agree, you can ask the court to decide, but it is much easier for everyone if you and the other parent can come to an agreement without court intervention.

If you do come to an agreement about the holiday parenting schedule that is different than the schedule established in your current court order, you need to have the agreement put in writing and filed with the court. This way, there will be no misunderstanding when the dates arrive for the children to move from one parent’s home to the other ones.

Plan for Yourself for When You Do Not Have Possession of the Children

It can be lonely to be alone on a holiday when your children are with their other parent. Take this time for yourself and be with your own family or friends. Choose a day for when the children are with you to have a pre or post-holiday celebration. That can be the time for your Thanksgiving meal or for opening your Christmas or Hannukah presents.

Attorney Daniel Abasolo at Springer & Lyle can help you answer questions regarding divorce and how to manage the holidays. He can help you make decisions that are best for your family. Contact Mr. Abasalo at 940-387-0404 to schedule a consultation.