Meaningful Holidays for Children After Divorce

Holidays can be an idyllic time for families to create traditions and memories. When a family goes through a divorce, it can be challenging for children to feel the same way about the holiday observances you used to share. While the family celebrations will be different from those you had together in the past, parents can take positive steps towards making meaningful holidays for children after divorce.

Work Together if Possible

While some festivities will need to be only for you and your children, it would be constructive if you and your former partner could work together to support the children during these times. It may be something as minor as inviting your former partner over to eat a special dinner with yourself and the children or meeting them for a holiday activity. While this kind of teamwork may not be possible in every case when families can show cooperation with one another in honoring special occasions and holidays it can be positive for everyone.

Find New Ways to Celebrate

There are countless opportunities to celebrate different holidays each year. While it can be important to honor your family traditions, after a divorce, it may be time to create new ways to celebrate together. Trying a new activity or exploring new seasonal opportunities can be an ideal way to help you and your children move towards your new life together in a positive and memorable way. By creating new traditions, you can establish you district bond with the children and provide a new means to enjoy your time together.

Include Your Children in Planning

Depending on their ages and maturity, it may be that the children have felt powerless during the divorce experience. In offering them an opportunity to help plan your holiday celebrations you are making a gesture which gives them a voice in a situation where they have not been heard. You can use this time to help them process their feelings by talking about the changes in your family. While planning your activities, you can discuss their emotions about the divorce and provide assurance that they will still be able to enjoy special times with you and their other parent.

Entering into a new family life after a divorce can be a tough adjustment for everyone. This can be especially true for children who are still coping with their feelings about the divorce. By taking deliberate steps to make their holidays meaningful after divorce, you can help your children on their path to healing and in finding joy in celebrating together.

Ideally, by taking the right steps before, during, and after divorce, families will be able to transition positively. At the Draper Law Firm, we have attorneys who are experienced in helping people make decisions during their divorce and custody cases and can provide you with the advice you need to help everyone adjust to the changes in the family. If you are involved in a family law case, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. We invite you to learn more about our firm here.