Holiday celebrations with a mixed family

Celebrating the holidays with a mixed family brings two different sets of traditions, likes, and personalities can be difficult. Everyone has an expectation for how the holiday season should go. Bringing everyone together to celebrate in a way that keeps everyone happy and content is possible with compromise. The holidays are a time to enjoy time with your family and to make memories. 

Communication with your spouse and children is important. Talk to your family about what traditions you all would like to follow this year. In addition to old traditions, make new ones that you can keep year after year. Once you know what traditions your children would like to do, make a plan and schedule out the activities. Having a plan will help your children know what to expect and build excitement for the holidays. Kids may be missing activities and traditions at their other parents household so be conscious of their feelings around the holidays. Creating new traditions can help your mixed family come together and share new holiday memories. 

It is also important to talk to your ex-spouse to know what gifts each other is getting for the children. This will help you avoid giving your child that same gift twice. Try to avoid one-upping your ex-spouse as this does not end well, and will make your child/children conflicted and unhappy. Have your children write a wish list and decide which gifts each of you will be getting. Agree on pick-up, drop-off, and visit times to avoid any confusion. While divorce, with your Provo Divorce Lawyer, can end with both parties still being friends or friendly this is not always the case. Avoid fighting or talking negatively about your ex, especially around your children. Your ex is still their parent who they love. 

Enjoy these few weeks with your children out of school. Have fun and help your children have fun.