The holiday season is right around the corner, which means that parents who are divorced will have to narrow down what happens with the children. There are several things to think about, so now is the best time to get started.
One of the first things that you’ll need to do is to review the parenting plan to determine what schedule needs to be followed for the holiday season. Some parenting plans have alternating schedules, but others might have a consistent schedule. After you do this, you can start to plan for the season.
What if there are schedule changes needed?
You and your ex should work together to determine what schedule is best for your children. They should have time to spend with beloved family members. This may mean that the schedule has to be altered so that they can see those individuals, especially if there are people coming in from out of town.
Being able to compromise so the children get to do the things they’re looking forward to shows that you and your ex are putting the kids first. This doesn’t mean that you have to give your ex everything they ask for. Instead, think about what the children will want and what’s best for them to determine what decisions you should make.
How can you establish traditions?
One positive aspect of going through the holidays after your divorce is that you can do away with traditions you didn’t enjoy and find ones that you do. Be sure to include your children in these decisions for the time they’ll be with you. Thinking about doing things like riding the holiday train while drinking hot chocolate might give them something to look forward to.
You may have to work around the schedule for traditions with your ex that your children will want to still participate in, just as your ex may have to work with your schedule. You’ll also have to take things like the school schedule and special events like church plays into account when you’re planning the holidays.
Ultimately, the parenting plan is what governs the holidays. If you and your ex can’t work things out, you may have to turn to the court with the assistance of a Denver family law attorney to make the decisions related to this.