10 December 2025
Routines may change, emotions surface more easily, and disagreements about contact arrangements can quickly arise. Despite these challenges, it is possible to create a peaceful, enjoyable festive period for your children with the right preparation and approach.
Our Family Law team, in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole share practical advice to help you manage co-parenting over the Christmas holidays.
Why the Festive Period Can Be Challenging
Negotiating contact arrangements
Working out where your children will spend Christmas and the surrounding holiday can be one of the biggest sources of conflict.
Extra financial pressures
Presents, seasonal events and everyday costs can be harder to manage alongside existing commitments.
Blended families and new relationships
Introducing new partners or balancing the plans of extended families can complicate scheduling.
Emotional strain
Parents and children alike may experience sadness, guilt or anxiety at this time of year, especially if it is the first Christmas since separation.
Traditions and expectations
Questions about which parent continues long-standing traditions or starts new ones can lead to tension.
Practical logistics
If parents live a distance apart, travel arrangements and handovers can feel stressful and disruptive.
Five Ways to Reduce Stress and Support Your Children
1. Start Discussions Early
Try to agree Christmas arrangements well in advance. Even if communication with your former partner is strained, early conversations help avoid last-minute disputes.
Consider agreeing:
Put the agreement in writing so both parents have clarity.
2. Use Mediation if Needed
If reaching an agreement feels impossible, mediation can provide a calm, neutral space to discuss arrangements relating to children, finances or the family home.
It often helps parents find solutions without resorting to court proceedings.
3. Keep an Open Mind
It can be painful not to spend Christmas Day with your children. However, being flexible can help create a more cooperative long-term co-parenting relationship.
If you don’t have Christmas Day, consider making Christmas Eve or Boxing Day your special celebration. Children value relaxed, loving time, not the exact date.
4. Make Your Own Plans
If you will be spending part of Christmas without your children, plan something positive for yourself. Visit friends or relatives, enjoy some downtime, or try something new. Looking after your own wellbeing helps you be more present and supportive when your children return.
5. Keep the Focus on the Children
Christmas should be an enjoyable and pressure-free time for your children.
Avoid letting them feel responsible for adult decisions or exposed to negative comments about the other parent. Encourage them to enjoy both households without guilt.
Common Questions from Separated Parents
What if the other parent gives an unsuitable present?
If you’re concerned about a gift, perhaps it’s age-inappropriate or goes against something you’ve agreed try to raise the issue calmly. Our Family Law team can assist if needed.
What should I do if my children aren’t returned on time?
Contact the other parent first, delays can happen for genuine reasons.
If you cannot reach them and you are worried, the Police may carry out a safe and well check to confirm the child’s safety, although they cannot enforce the return.
Keep a note of the incident and seek legal advice if lateness becomes a repeating pattern. Always try to communicate arrangements in writing for clarity.
Can I take my child abroad at Christmas?
You must have consent from everyone with parental responsibility before travelling overseas. If you have a Child Arrangements Order stating that the child lives with you, you may take them abroad for up to 28 days without seeking further permission, but it is still best to discuss this openly with the other parent.
Travelling without permission may be considered child abduction, so seek legal advice if you are unsure.
Christmas after separation doesn’t have to be fraught with conflict. With early planning, mutual respect and a child-focused mindset, the festive season can still be enjoyable for all involved.
If you need legal advice about child arrangements, divorce or financial matters, our experienced Family Law team in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are here to help you move forward with confidence.
Contact is on 01202 294411 or via online: Contact Us AB Solicitors For Your Legal Needs
