Practical Ideas for Christmas and New Year’s
The holiday season can be a joyful yet challenging time for separated or divorced co-parents. Sharing holiday time with your children during these special moments requires flexibility, understanding, and a focus on what’s best for the kids. Here are some creative and thoughtful ways to share the holidays while ensuring that everyone, especially the children, experiences the magic of the season.
1. Alternating Parenting Schedules During the Holidays
One of the most common approaches is alternating holidays each year. For instance, one parent can have the children on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day, switching days the following year. Similarly, one parent may celebrate New Year’s Eve one year, while the other parent takes New Year’s Day. This arrangement ensures both parents get significant holiday moments with their children.
2. Splitting the Days
For parents who live relatively close to one another, splitting Christmas Day can work well. One parent might celebrate with the kids in the morning, complete with breakfast and gift-opening, while the other parent takes them in the afternoon and evening for dinner and festive activities. This plan allows children to experience traditions with both sides of their family in one day.
3. Celebrate Twice
Why limit Christmas or New Year’s to one day? Some families find joy in celebrating Christmas Eve or a “Second Christmas” on December 26th. This way, children get to enjoy meaningful celebrations with both parents without feeling rushed. Similarly, New Year’s festivities can happen a day earlier or later with one parent to accommodate schedules.
4. Create Unique Traditions
Each parent can establish their own special holiday traditions. For example, one might have a tradition of baking cookies and watching holiday movies on Christmas Eve, while the other parent focuses on a festive brunch and sledding on Christmas Day. These unique experiences provide children with different but equally cherished memories.
5. Include Extended Family
The holidays often mean spending time with grandparents, cousins, and other relatives. Co-parents can coordinate schedules to ensure that children have quality time with both sides of their extended family. This cooperation can strengthen familial bonds and help children feel loved and supported.
6. Virtual Celebrations
For co-parents who live far apart or have other constraints, virtual celebrations can be a helpful solution. Children can video call the parent they’re not physically with, allowing them to share moments like opening presents or singing holiday songs together.
7. Neutral Holiday Gathering
In some cases, separated parents may choose to set aside their differences and celebrate parts of the holidays together in a neutral setting, such as a grandparent’s home. While this isn’t ideal for everyone, it can provide children with a sense of unity and togetherness.
8. Respect the Children’s Wishes
As children get older, they may have preferences about how they want to spend the holidays. Including them in the conversation and taking their desires into account can help create a plan that feels fair and meaningful to everyone.
9. Make Early Plans and Communicate
Effective holiday sharing starts with clear and early communication. Setting up a schedule months in advance allows both parents to make plans and avoid misunderstandings. Discussing details like transportation, gift exchanges, and meal preferences can further streamline the process.
10. Keep Your Focus on the Kids
The ultimate goal is to create a happy and stress-free holiday experience for the children. Avoiding conflicts, speaking positively about the other parent, and showing a willingness to cooperate, demonstrate to your children they are the priority.
11. Celebrate the Spirit of Giving
The holidays are a perfect opportunity to teach children the value of generosity and kindness. Co-parents can collaborate on meaningful activities like volunteering, donating to charities, or creating care packages together. These shared acts of giving can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
12. Avoid Overlapping Gifts
To prevent duplications, co-parents can coordinate gift-giving. One might focus on educational toys or books, while the other handles sports equipment or electronics. This cooperation ensures the children receive thoughtful gifts without unnecessary repetition.
13. Sharing Photos and Updates
When the children are with one parent, the other might appreciate receiving pictures or updates about holiday activities. This small gesture can help the absent parent feel included and maintain a connection with the children during special moments.
14. Acknowledge New Relationships
If either parent has a new partner or blended family, it’s important to navigate this dynamic thoughtfully and respectfully. Allow children to spend time with both families without pressure and competition. Encouraging mutual respect ensures a harmonious holiday experience.
15. Be Flexible with New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is often less traditional than Christmas and allows for more flexibility. Some families let older children choose who they want to celebrate with, while others prioritize whoever didn’t have them for Christmas. Creative options, such as attending early kid-friendly countdown events, can make the night special regardless of the time split.
Final Thoughts
Successfully navigating the holidays as co-parents requires patience, adaptability, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the children. My2Families Parenting Schedule and Family Calendar are perfect for keeping everyone in the loop. By approaching the season with a spirit of cooperation and prioritizing the kids’ happiness, co-parents can ensure the holidays remain a magical and cherished time for the entire family.
Remember!
When Children Do Well, Parents Do Well
When Parents Do Well, Children Do Well
