The holiday season can be both joyful and overwhelming, and for families experiencing separation for the first time, it often brings an added layer of complexity. Breaking with tradition is hard for separated families. Parents naturally want to continue to celebrate the joy of Christmas and all those traditions with their children, but when relationships break down, it generally means that one parent is excluded from at least part of those family celebrations. In this video alert, Family Law Principal Simone Green explores the different ways to help separated families navigate the season. Some key takeaways are: If this is your first time spending Christmas as a separated family, the most important thing to remember is that this period will different from years past. It is natural for both parents and the children to feel a sense of loss. It is important to let the Children see that both parents are making new traditions and Christmas can still be a happy time in two households. Be sensitive to the needs of the children – it may be impractical to split time across homes on Christmas Day for instance if the Children will then spend a considerable amount of time travelling. Talk to a family lawyer to help negotiate a parenting plan or parenting orders to provide some structure to arrangements. We are here to help If you’re facing your first holiday season apart, our experienced Family Law team is here to guide you through creating an arrangement that works for everyone.