Although it is a little too early to be thinking about Christmas… it may be just the right time to think ahead and start to devise a plan if you are co-parenting. It is better to deal with difficult conversations early on to avoid any disagreements and allow yourself time to negotiate. For those who celebrate Christmas, it is a magical time particularly for children. Therefore, it is important to do everything in your power to make it as special as it should be.

Christmas is an extremely busy time of year. Balancing the time between visiting family and friends while carrying out the usual traditions can be difficult for anyone, let alone those trying to share this time equally between two families. The earlier an agreement can be made, the better it is for any children involved, as this will create a calm environment and allow for the attention to be on the excitement of Christmas.

The child’s best interests should always be considered when trying to reach an agreement. It can be emotional to negotiate, and sacrifices may have to be made, however the sacrifices should be taken into consideration the following year to ensure each parent has a fair opportunity. When negotiating, you must take into consideration the practicalities of the arrangement, for example, the age of the children and travel distance, to ensure there is no risk of the plan failing.

It may be hard to compromise, particularly when communication has not been straight-forward in the past. However, the best interests of the child should always be paramount, and it is important to put differences aside during the festive period and focus on making precious memories. Usually during the Christmas period, the majority of Christmas events (such as a visit to see Santa) require booking in advance. If any bookings of this nature are made, it is vital that the dates are put forward by each parent in reasonable time, to ensure that there is no miscommunication.

If there are no issues in regard to travelling, the best and fairest option would be to alternate the days during the Christmas period, e.g., Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve. This arrangement depends upon the family situation and would require the parents to communicate to each other which days they would prefer, depending on their holiday plans.

Other areas of concern which may lead to disagreements is in relation to gifts which are purchased by each parent. If contact between the parents is hostile for most of the year, it is important to ensure that there is no confusion between who is buying what and a conversation is needed regarding this. This will limit the risk of parents buying the same gift, which will only cause the child to suffer a disadvantage. It is also vital to communicate the views on Santa, to ensure that the magic is alive and encouraged by both parents, if this is something which is desired by the child/children.

Christmas is a time for spreading good cheer, however, following a separation, it may be difficult to see Christmas in this light. It is important to try and recognise the positives of the new arrangements and create new traditions. It will be a difficult time for the children also, which creates even more reason as to ensure it is as magical as it can be.

If you feel as though this approach is not suitable for you, we have specialist solicitors here at New Leaf Solicitors who will be able to assist you in reaching an agreement, just in time for the Christmas period. You can reach out to us today on 01788 555042 and arrange a meeting for any further advice.

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