Arranging contact during the Christmas period can cause tension, especially for the parent who doesn’t live with the child and wishes to spend quality time with them during the holiday season.
During the holiday season, families often experience heightened levels of stress, particularly due to conflicting preferences for gathering on specific dates. This can be especially challenging for parents with young children, as they may feel a sense of loss if they don’t have the opportunity to spend Christmas morning with them.
Start Early
It is advisable to proactively plan ahead for the upcoming holiday season to prevent any last-minute conflicts. Consider the preferences of your children as well as what would be equitable for both you and their other parent, approaching the situation with practicality in mind.
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By initiating the preparation phase with ample time ahead, you also provide yourself the opportunity to step back and take a breather if the negotiations become intense. While considering your children’s preferences, it is important not to place them in a position where they have to choose between their parents. They should understand that the final decision lies with you, and it may not align precisely with their desires.
Communicate Calmly
When addressing the matter with the other parent of your children, it is advisable to maintain a composed and rational approach in order to understand their perspective. It is also important to consider the practical aspects of the arrangements, such as exploring ways to minimize extensive travel. Additionally, you can engage in discussions regarding other aspects, like gifts, to ensure mutual agreement on what will be given. A child arrangements order is an order that regulates with whom a child is to live, spend time with, or otherwise have contact, and when a child is to live. It may be varied or discharged by the court either in existing family proceedings or on a free-standing application.
Ensuring that the final agreement is documented, such as through email correspondence, can effectively mitigate potential challenges. It is advisable for both parents to adhere to the agreed-upon schedule and refrain from making last-minute changes.
Once you have a clear understanding of your plans, it is important to have a conversation with your children regarding the upcoming event. It’s crucial to avoid any indication of disagreement or stress they may have caused you. Instead, focus on expressing your enthusiasm about spending quality time with them, regardless of the specific date. If you won’t be able to be together on Christmas Day, you can make alternative arrangements for gift exchanges and plan activities that can be enjoyed at a later time. It’s important to recognize the significance of simply being in each other’s company. Not every moment needs to be filled with external entertainment; relaxing at home, playing games, or engaging in other favourite activities can create meaningful and cherished memories for your children.
Exploring the Alternatives
Families frequently opt to take turns spending Christmas Day with their children each year. If you happen to reside close by, you can coordinate a plan where your children can spend time with both parents on Christmas Day. For instance, your children can switch households after lunch and spend the remainder of the day with the other parent. As your children mature, it may be necessary to make adjustments to these arrangements. Having an open-minded and flexible approach will help you navigate the holiday season with as little stress as possible.
