Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for many, but it can also be one of the most stressful periods, particularly for separated families or those already facing relationship difficulties. The festive season often highlights relationship challenges, with January 3rd infamously dubbed “Divorce Day” due to a surge in couples seeking legal advice after the holidays. However, with clear communication and compromise, it’s possible to create a more positive experience for everyone involved.
Tina Marshall-Kelliher and Victoria Barnett from One Family Law, understand the importance of cooperation and forward planning for separated families during the festive season.
“Creating a shared plan in advance can help minimise misunderstandings and ensure the holidays remain more child-focused” said Tina.
“It’s not an easy time but by being prepared and planned can reduce the emotional impact of the situation and focus more on what needs to be done and when.”
Tips to Ease Festive Stress
- Be Honest About Finances
It’s tempting to overspend on gifts, but staying realistic about your budget is essential. Personalised, homemade presents can reduce costs while adding a thoughtful touch. Coordinate with your ex-partner to avoid duplicate gifts and agree on how items will be shared between households to prevent confusion for children. - Use a Shared Calendar
Agree on a mutual schedule to organise Christmas activities. A shared calendar ensures transparency, reduces the likelihood of scheduling conflicts, and allows both parents to plan quality time with their children and relatives. Flexibility and compromise are vital to maintain harmony. - Prioritise Quality Time
The festive period can be hectic with family gatherings and social commitments. Focus on spending meaningful time with your closest loved ones and ensure your children enjoy traditions with both sides of the family. - Focus on the Children
Ensuring children feel included and secure during the Christmas break is paramount. Embrace traditions from both families and accept that routines may need to evolve. Prioritising your children’s happiness often requires compromise and a willingness to adapt. Can be easier said than done but with time becomes easier. - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If the pressures of the season become overwhelming, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Family and friends can lend a hand, and professional mediation services are available to help resolve conflicts and create a peaceful holiday plan.
- Consider Mediation and Counselling: Mediation can help to establish a fair and amicable holiday arrangement if it’s difficult to agree one between you at first. Counselling can help you to work through issues with a qualified, unbiased listener.
- Stay Communicative: Keep discussions as calm as possible, mutually respectful and open to ensure smooth cooperation.
Victoria added, “We understand it’s not going to be easy. But by focusing on shared goals and prioritising what really matters, family and being together, it can make Christmas a more joyful and less stressful experience for everyone.”
One Family Law specialise in a personalised, “One Solicitor, One Couple” approach to providing a high quality, compassionate service that minimises conflict, encourages collaboration and cost-effective solutions to achieving the best outcomes for all concerned.
