Christmas is about family time, which means it is normal for you to want to spend it with your child. However, when there has been a divorce/ separation it becomes difficult to enjoy this time of the year. You and your ex will want to spend this special time with your child, so who gets to do so? Try to keep it fair. It is important to try to resist the temptation to make up for your absence with gifts.
How can I keep it fair?
You and your ex are responsible to find a way that you can both be involved in your child’s Christmas. For example, it can be arranged that they can spend Christmas Eve with you and Christmas Day with your ex or perhaps you both have agreed that the child will spend Christmas with you every other year.
Resisting Temptation to Spoil
It is normal to feel the need to make up for your absence, but we must be careful. Try to think of ways to create special memories together, for example, visiting Santa, playing in the snow or going to a light show.
If you or anyone you know may be struggling with coparenting and live in the Chicagoland area, feel free to call Olive Branch Counseling Associates at (708) 633-8000 and speak to a professional.
Yadira, Graduate Intern
References
Remsenlaw, A. (2019, December 03). Reducing Holiday Stress for Children of Divorced Parents.
Retrieved from https://remsenlaw.com/reducing-holiday-stress-for-children-of-
divorced-parents/
CounselingMatters.live 
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