This blog continues our series of top tips to manage Christmas as a separated parent. The other tips in our series can be found here.
Tip 2: Christmas concerts and other events
Christmas is a busy time for children. Everything gets really exciting, with bright lights, tinsel and Christmas music everywhere they go. They might have nativity plays, Christmas concerts, carol services and other events to attend. They might even get to go and see Santa and his reindeers! But as a separated parent, how can all those events be managed.
We always suggest that you should try to plan ahead for these so that the children know where they stand and aren’t worried about what might or might not happen. The last thing the children want to be worried about at Christmas is whether both their parents might turn up to the nativity play and have an argument or even that there would just be tension between them.
So consider the options; if there will be two performances of a nativity play or concert, it might be sensible for one of you to go to each – not just to reduce the opportunity for arguments and awkwardness, but because the children will probably want one of you there whenever they perform, for moral support.
If there is only one performance, you’ll probably both want to go, so remember to make sure that the children don’t pick up on any negativity. Try to be civil with your ex – and if the children could see you actually being friendly towards each other, so much the better.
If you both want to take the children to see Santa, consider whether you could go to different events. Maybe one of you could take the children on the traditional visit to Santa to sit on his knee (or next to him as it is nowadays) and tell him what they want for Christmas. But maybe the other parent can then take them to another event – perhaps a lunch with Santa or a similar festive event. Have a look at what’s available in your area.
In our next blog, we’ll give our tips for Christmas presents as a separated parent, so check back soon. And if you need help with managing arrangements for your children over Christmas, get in touch with the family team at Tiger Law as soon as possible – remember, Christmas will be here before you know it!
