How To Create New Christmas Traditions After Divorce

Christmas is a season that comes wrapped in layers of family traditions, shared memories, and cherished routines. After a divorce, however, the holidays can feel daunting. But this is also a unique opportunity to establish fresh, joyful Christmas traditions that will bring you and your kids closer and create a holiday season they’ll look forward to each year.

Here’s how you can create new Christmas traditions after divorce, with a little planning, creativity, and not forgetting some good holiday cheer.

Let Go of Expectations

Divorce changes the family structure, and it’s perfectly normal to feel sadness or stress about how Christmas will look moving forward. But remember, the key to a fulfilling holiday post-divorce is letting go of past expectations. Trying to recreate old traditions can feel forced or disappointing. Instead, embrace this as an opportunity to forge new traditions that will suit your new family dynamic.

Start Planning Early

With so many moving pieces, planning your Christmas well in advance can be a lifesaver. Early planning means fewer last-minute conflicts and gives you the chance to create an experience you and your children will love.

In Australia, the holidays are bustling with summer BBQs, sports events, and beach days. Plan your family gatherings, special events, and holiday activities well in advance to make sure you avoid clashing with plans. Coordinating plans with your ex as soon as possible will help avoid last-minute hiccups, allowing you and your kids to enjoy a relaxed Christmas season.

Get Creative

Think outside the box! Your new Christmas traditions don’t have to be conventional or elaborate.

Host a “Christmas Eve Movie Marathon,” create a new Christmas cookie decorating tradition, bake treats for a local charity, or even go on a holiday to somewhere that you’ve always wanted to go.

Whatever fits your family’s personality can become part of your new Christmas norm.

Don’t Get Hung Up on the Calendar

Divorce often means shared custody, and that may mean you won’t always have your kids on December 25. But remember, Christmas magic isn’t confined to a specific date.

Pick an alternative day to celebrate, and make it special with all your favourite holiday traditions. The focus should be on quality time, no matter the date on the calendar.

Include Your Kids in the Planning Process

Children, especially after divorce, can feel more secure when they have a say in family matters.

Involving them in planning gives them something to look forward to and makes them feel valued. Ask them about the traditions they enjoyed and what new ones they’d like to try. Let their ideas help inspire your Christmas new traditions after divorce.

Talk To Your Ex

It may be challenging, but maintaining open communication with your ex, particularly around the holidays, is important. Whether it’s to clarify visitation arrangements, coordinate gift-giving, or ensure no overlap in family gatherings, speaking openly can go a long way in avoiding holiday tension.

Remember, the goal is a positive experience for your children, and they will benefit from your efforts to maintain peace.

Make Plans to Get Out & About

Consider adding holiday outings to your Christmas plans.

With warm summer weather, getting outdoors during the Christmas holidays is easy and fun! You could plan a day trip to a national park, take a boat ride, or head to the beach for some sun and sand.

Consider scheduling an outing to a Christmas-themed event or even trying out new outdoor activities like a snorkelling trip or a family day at the zoo, theme park or your favourite beach.

Adventuring out of the house gives everyone a refreshing change and can make the season extra memorable. Making memories through new activities is a wonderful way to create lasting traditions that your family will cherish.

Keep Yourself Busy

For the times when your children are celebrating with your ex, have plans in place to enjoy your time solo.

Spend time with friends, take up a holiday craft, volunteer, or make plans to pamper yourself. Staying occupied helps minimize any holiday blues and can make time away from your kids a little easier to handle.

Don’t Forget Self-Care

During the hustle and bustle, remember to prioritise your well-being. Christmas after divorce can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to neglect your own needs while focusing on your children’s happiness.

Take time for yourself—whether it’s through a quiet morning meditation, a scenic hike, or a relaxing bubble bath.

Embrace Your New Christmas Traditions

Give yourself permission to enjoy your new Christmas traditions after divorce. There may be moments of nostalgia for the past, but with time, these new traditions will bring their own unique joys.

Embrace each new memory you make, knowing that you’re creating a positive holiday foundation for yourself and your children.

Divorce may change the structure of your Christmas celebrations, but it doesn’t have to take away the joy. By reimagining traditions and creating fresh experiences, you’ll bring light and happiness to your family’s Christmas.

At Hickman Family Lawyers, we believe in the resilience of families and encourage you to take this season as an opportunity to create beautiful new Christmas traditions for your family.

Ella Hickman

Ella Hickman is the owner and Principal of Hickman Family Lawyers, one of the leading family lawyers in Perth. She practices almost exclusively in family law in Perth and has a particular interest in parenting and children’s issues, matters arising from domestic violence in relationships, and property settlement cases.

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