Christmas is a very special day for children – and it can be an especially tough time of year for Dads who are separated from their children. If you are not able to spend Christmas with your kids, then there are still ways you can make the season enjoyable for you – but perhaps more especially for them.
25th December is just a date
If you are unable to see your kids on Christmas day itself, don’t despair. You can still be an important part of their Christmas, and help them to extend the fun. If you need to bring ‘your Christmas’ forward, or delay it until between Christmas and the New Year, you can still have a special day with the children. Try to focus on making Christmas as much fun as possible for the children: for their point of view having two Christmas days might equal double the fun!
The run up to Christmas is also a great time to share experiences and bond. Remember what made Christmas special for you - it was more than just the Big Day wasn’t it? The nativity play, the classroom post box, going to see Santa in his grotto… What are you memories of Christmas? Share these with your children and get involved with their rituals as much as possible.
Think Win-Win!
If you are on speaking terms with you ex-partner, think about how you might negotiate time over Christmas that will benefit both of you – and, of course, the children. It is the season of Goodwill, after all! Your ex-partner will most likely have family that they have to visit with the children, which may mean they have to be away for some of the holidays – but equally they may be happy to have some ‘time off’ or be grateful for your childcare. If you plan Christmas together – and are considerate and imaginative when negotiating, you are more likely to get the quality time you want with your children.